American journal of surgery
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Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to evaluate patients with possible blunt intra-abdominal injury. One of its reported weaknesses is failure to demonstrate intestinal trauma. However, CT accuracy in identifying blunt small-bowel perforation has not been adequately assessed. ⋯ Blunt small-bowel injury is uncommon. When it is present, abdominal CT is usually abnormal. CT findings in intestinal perforation can be subtle and nonspecific. Any unexplained abnormality on CT after blunt abdominal trauma may signal the presence of intestinal perforation and warrants close clinical observation or further diagnostic tests.