[The place of ultrasonics in the diagnosis of traumatic hemoperitoneum].

Classically, the diagnosis of hemoperitoneum is based on clinical symptoms, which are not always relevant. Several complementary procedures can be considered when dealing with polytraumatic patients who may be comatose: scintigraphy, arteriography, CT, sonography and peritoneal lavage. The authors have finally selected sonography and lavage. Since ultrasound is reliable, reproductable and non aggressive, it is being more and more utilized. It readily shows solid-liquid contrast, and is particularly sensitive in displaying fluid in peritoneal recesses; parenchymal lesions are also evaluated. II enables one to explore the abdominal cavity with precision. Lavage is reserved for acute lesion with severe, evolutive hemoperitoneum, requiring immediate surgery. The indications for other imaging modalities are also discussed.