Contrast-enhanced CT scan (CECT) for the detection of hollow viscus and mesenteric injuries in blunt trauma - an updated systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy

Despite improved awareness of blunt traumatic hollow viscus and mesenteric injuries (THVMI), the accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) varies considerably among studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis of test accuracy aims to explore the diagnostic performance of CECT in detecting THVMI in blunt trauma.

The study was conducted according to the Cochrane recommendations searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library datasets from 2000 to 8 September 2023 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023473041). Surgical exploration, autopsy, and discharge from the hospital after monitoring were set as reference standard. To explore the diagnostic accuracy of CECT in detecting THVMI hierarchical models were developed. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to detect sources of heterogeneity.

Twelve studies, for a total of 4537 patients, were deemed eligible. After identification of outliers and sensitivity analysis, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.69–0.93), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.8–0.98), 14.65 (95% CI: 4.22–50.85), 0.16 (95% CI: 0.07–0.34), 92.3 (95% CI: 29.75-286.34), respectively. The Area under the HSROC curve was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.96). Meta-regression analysis identified the year of publication as a covariate significantly associated with heterogeneity. A high risk of bias was detected in the “patient selection” domains.

CECT has a fundamental role in identifying THVMI with high specificity but suboptimal sensitivity. Clinical criteria are still of paramount importance, especially in cases of ambiguous initial CECT images.