Imaging Assessment of Gunshot Wounds

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2014 Source:Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI Author(s): Alfonso Reginelli , Anna Russo , Duilia Maresca , Ciro Martiniello , Salvatore Cappabianca , Luca Brunese Gunshot injuries occur when someone is shot by a bullet or other sort of projectile from a firearm. Wounds are generally classified as low-velocity (less than 2,000ft/sec) or high-velocity (more than 2,000ft/sec). Those with higher velocity may be expected, on this basis, to dissipate more energy into surrounding tissue as they slow and cause more tissue damage but this is only a very approximate guide. However, these terms can be misleading; more important than velocity is the efficiency of energy transfer, which is dependent on the physical characteristics of the projectile, as well as kinetic energy, stability, entrance profile and path traveled through the body, and the biologic characteristics of the tissues injured. Hemodynamically stable patients, and patients who stabilize after simple immediate resuscitation were evaluated with a careful history and physical examination. A routine X - ray is performed in patients with gunshot wound (GSW). Indication for total body Computed Tomography (CT) is based on the presence of signs and symptoms of vascular damage at clinical examination. Patients are immediately transferred in the operating room for surgery if more serious injuries that require immediate surgical are not diagnosed or hemostasis may be prelimina...
Source: Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI - Category: Radiology Source Type: research