Ultrasound Proves Equivalent To CT For Detecting Free Air

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Article Date: 25 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Ultrasound is just as useful as CT in diagnosing intraperoneal free air in patients suffering from abdominal pain or acute injury, a large Japanese study has found.

It is important after blunt trauma to diagnose gastrointestinal perforation, especially in the peritoneal cavity. In the U.S., CT is used almost exclusively for the workup of acute abdominal pain, but Dr. Yoshihiro Moriwaki from the Critical Care and Emergency Center at Yokohama City University and colleagues argue for ultrasound.

Ultrasound is straightforward, quick, economical and dynamic, it can be utilized as often as needed without damaging the patient's health, said Moriwaki. Ultrasound is also usable in remote areas, a useful device for ambulance personnel.

Click here to see full article online in Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging is part of CMP Medica, which is part of United Business Media

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