The diagnosis of traumatic intra‐abdominal haemorrhage in patients with normal vital signs

Abstract

Two cases of haemorrhagic shock from intra‐abdominal blood loss are presented. In both cases the pulse rate and blood pressure remained in the normal range following minimal volume resuscitation, despite significant blood loss. The presentation and evaluation of patients with suspected intra‐abdominal haemorrhage following blunt abdominal trauma is discussed. The value of a high speed helical CT scanner located in the emergency department is demonstrated.