Ultrasound of epigastric injuries after blunt trauma.

Blunt trauma to the epigastrum may result in a retroperitoneal hematoma involving the head of the pancreas and descending duodenum. Secondary effects include obstruction of the gastric outlet, obstruction of the biliary tree, and extrinsic compression of the inferior vena cava. Four patients with epigastric trauma were reviewed who had been examined by ultrasound of the abdomen. Ultrasound showed the extent of the retroperitoneal hematoma, its effect on contiguous organs, and was helpful in clinical management.