Value of Contrast-Enhanced Arterial Phase Imaging in Addition to Portovenous Phase in CT Evaluation of Blunt Abdominopelvic Trauma

Compare the diagnostic performance of the arterial phase plus portovenous phases (AP + PVP) of abdominopelvic CT (CT) with PVP alone in the detection and characterization of traumatic vascular injury and the effects on radiologists’ confidence. CT of 103 consecutive inpatients (median 36 years, 83 males) with blunt abdominopelvic injuries were retrospectively included if performed within 24 h after trauma and before definitive management. Images were re-reviewed by two blinded radiologists with disagreements resolved by the third radiologist. Sixty vascular injuries (liver 23, spleen 15, kidneys 9, pancreas 2, adrenals 3, mesentery, and pelvis 4 each) were found with 4 injuries (liver 2, spleen, and kidneys 1 each) not detected at initial CT. Nineteen (liver 6, spleen 10, kidneys 2, adrenal 1) were visualized only on AP. The sensitivity and accuracy of AP + PVP were 89.58–91.67 • AP+PVP was more sensitive and precise than PVP alone in the detection of traumatic vascular abdominopelvic injuries. • AP+PVP improved the characterization of traumatic abdominopelvic vascular injuries. • When all abdominopelvic vascular injuries were considered, AP increased radiologists’ diagnostic confidence in the detection and characterization of vascular injuries.