Liver and spleen scanning as a useful diagnostic test in the management of liver trauma in young patients.

Liver and spleen scanning is a safe, fast and noninvasive diagnostic procedure. With the advent of mobile Gamma Cameras it can be ideally performed in a casualty department. The number of patients with traumatic blunt injuries to the abdomen is increasing and in correlation with the increased speed and concentration of traffic. In eleven patients with ages ranging between 4 and 23, and under observation for violent trauma to the abdomen, liver and spleen scanning was performed either as an emergency procedure or as a follow-up study. Very useful information was obtained regarding the integrety of these organs, before and or after emergency surgical treatment.