Liver trauma on ultrasound (USG) and computed tomography (CT) scans

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal trauma is important due to the risk to life present in these cases, and is classified as penetrating or blunt. The diagnosis is made by physical examination and imaging tests. CT characterizes the presence of liver injury and excludes associated injuries, avoiding unnecessary surgeries. USG has advantages because it is fast and portable. This aspect is important considering that some hemodynamically stable patients have significant abdominal injuries even in the absence of free fluid in the initial FAST. OBJECTIVES: To identify the main imaging findings in the occurrence of liver trauma by USG and CT exams. METHODOLOGY: Literature review with radiological images to identify anatomical morphology with studies published in the last 17 years (2007-2024). The search strategy includes the Pubmed and Scielo databases, with the descriptors, ((hepatic trauma) AND (ultrasonography) OR (computed tomography)). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Among the findings of blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma, case reports of hepatic hematomas and lacerations, bilomas and abscesses were found. The most common injuries were grades I, II and III. It occurs more frequently in young men, in agreement with other studies, because men are more susceptible to traumatic events due to risk behaviors. CONCLUSION: With the advancement of imaging exams such as CT and USG, conservative treatment has become possible for stable patients with blunt hepatic trauma, which reduces unnecessary laparotomies. Patients undergoing surgical treatment are those with greater severity of trauma and associated injuries.