Urology
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The purpose of this study was to define more clearly the clinical indications for radiographic evaluation of blunt renal injury in the pediatric population. ⋯ In adults, gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria with hypertension following blunt trauma have been correlated with significant renal injuries requiring radiographic investigation. We conclude that these clinical criteria proposed to guide the radiographic evaluation of the adult population with blunt trauma do not apply to children. In our study, the degree of hematuria did not correlate with the degree of renal injury, and significant renal injury did occur with microhematuria in the absence of hypotension. We suggest that any child with a history of blunt abdominal trauma and any evidence of hematuria should undergo abdominal and pelvic CT scanning for the proper diagnosis and staging of renal and other associated intra-abdominal injuries.