Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a computed tomography (CT) scan screening test to predict the need for intervention in patients with splenic injury.
Methods: CT scans of 20 patients with blunt injury to the spleen were reviewed to identify findings that correlated with the need for intervention (surgery or embolization). A screening test was created and then validated in CT scans from 56 consecutive patients.
Results: Three findings correlated with the need for intervention: 1) devascularization or laceration involving 50% or more of the splenic parenchyma, 2) contrast blush greater than one centimeter in diameter (from active extravasation of intravenous contrast material or pseudoaneurysm formation), and 3) a large hemoperitoneum. The sensitivity of the screening test was 100%, specificity was 88%, and overall accuracy was 93%.
Conclusions: These CT scan grading criteria appears to reliably predict the need for invasive management in patients with blunt injury to the spleen.