Abstract.
The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in detection of free intraperitoneal fluid is over 90 %. The lowest detectable volume of free fluid in humans is unknown. The distribution of intraperitoneal fluid was studied in 86 patients by transabdominal US in group A (n = 21, 10 ml of fluid), in group B (n = 15, 50 ml of fluid) and group C (n = 50, splenic trauma). Ultrasound detected fluid in 15 of 21 patients in group A, and in all patients in groups B and C. In group A 10 ml of fluid was found in 71 % of cases behind the bladder, and in only 5–14 % of cases in the upper abdomen. In group B 50 ml of fluid was found in all patients in the lower pelvis, but in only 20 % in Morison's pouch and in 7 % around the spleen. In group C 200–4500 ml of fluid was detected by US in 72 % of patients in the perisplenic space, in 60 % in Morison's pouch and in 42 % in the retrovesical space. Small volumes of free intraperitoneal fluid (10–50 ml) can be detected with current US scanners, but only near the site of injury. These results support the role of US as a primary imaging modality in abdominal trauma.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 26 June 1998; Revision received: 6 November 1998; Accepted: 10 November 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Paajanen, H., Lahti, P. & Nordback, I. Sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography in detection of intraperitoneal fluid in humans. Eur Radiol 9, 1423–1425 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050861
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003300050861