Computed tomographic imaging in the pediatric patient with a seatbelt sign: still not good enough.

PURPOSE Considering the improvements in CT over the past decade, this study aimed to determine whether CT can diagnose HVI in pediatric trauma patients with seatbelt signs (SBS). METHODS We retrospectively identified pediatric patients with SBS who had abdominopelvic CT performed on initial evaluation over 5 1/2years. Abnormal CT was defined by identification of any intra-abdominal abnormality possibly related to trauma. RESULTS One hundred twenty patients met inclusion criteria. CT was abnormal in 38/120 (32%) patients: 34 scans had evidence of HVI and 6 showed solid organ injury (SOI). Of the 34 with suspicion for HVI, 15 (44%) had small amounts of isolated pelvic free fluid as the only abnormal CT finding; none required intervention. Ultimately, 16/120 (13%) patients suffered HVI and underwent celiotomy. Three patients initially had a normal CT but required celiotomy for clinical deterioration within 20h of presentation. False negative CT rate was 3.6%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT to diagnose significant HVI in the presence of SBS were 81%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvements in CT, pediatric patients with SBS may have HVI not evident on initial CT confirming the need to observation for delayed manifestation of HVI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II Study of a Diagnostic Test.