CT in the diagnosis of pancreatic trauma

The incidence of pancreatic trauma is increasing and still remains a major source of morbidity and mortally. We have graded the pancreatic trauma on CT according to its pattern into four grades. We also determine the accuracy of CT in the evaluation of pancreatic trauma and the role of CT for delineation of pancreatic ductal injury which is critical factor in outcome of pancreatic trauma. CT correctly diagnosed the pancreatic trauma and its traumatic pattern and severity in 22 of 25 cases. Pancreatic enlargement was the most common finding observed in 19 cases. Other findings were 15 cases of intrapancreatic low density hematoma, 12 cases of parenchymal fracture which were predilected in pancreatic neck area. CT grades III and IV could predict the pancreatic ductal injury, and was well correlated with severity of posttraumatic pancreatitis, duration of admission days and incidence of complications. So we concluded that CT can play a definite role for diagnosing and determining the prognosis of pancreatic trauma