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THE ACUTE ABDOMEN 245<br />

scan of the pelvis where possible. Gynaecological<br />

masses may rupture or haemorrhage, presenting<br />

acutely, and in women of childbearing age, ectopic<br />

pregnancy should be included in the list of differential<br />

diagnoses.<br />

When visceral trauma is treated conservatively,<br />

follow-up ultrasound may be used to monitor the<br />

resolution of any fluid collections or haematoma.<br />

GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT<br />

Most acute presentations of gastrointestinal tract<br />

pathology are due to obstruction or inflammation,<br />

and the ultrasound appearances of these conditions<br />

are discussed more fully in Chapter 8. Appendicitis,<br />

and its possible complications, is one of the most<br />

common reasons for referral (Fig. 10.2). Ultrasound<br />

A<br />

B<br />

C<br />

D<br />

Figure 10.1 (A) The presence of free fluid in a trauma patient implies organ injury, even if this cannot be successfully<br />

demonstrated on ultrasound. CT on this patient demonstrated perforation of the bowel. (B) A patient who has been<br />

stabbed on the right side has injury to the liver causing a subcapsular haematoma. Blood is also present in the right<br />

chest. (C) Laceration of the spleen following a road traffic accident. Free fluid was also present in the abdomen.<br />

(D) Splenic lacerations are more obvious several hours after injury. This large splenic haematoma resolved following<br />

conservative treatment.<br />

(Continued)

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