To illustrate and describe the spectrum of computed tomography (CT) findings in abdominal blunt trauma following bicycle handlebar injuries in children and adolescents; To highlight the role of imaging in the clinical evaluation of children with blunt abdominal trauma;

In developed countries, trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Bicycle injuries account for 5 to 14% of blunt abdominal traumas in children and may cause severe organ lesions despite minimal initial signs or symptoms. Bicycle handlebar injuries are frequently underestimated and clinical evaluation of children is much more challenging, which frequently delays diagnosis. Injuries to the liver, spleen and kidney typically present early and are of lesser morbidity in comparison to pancreatic and bowel injuries. Therefore, imaging can play an...

We selected ultrasound and computed tomography images from our institution archive of the last five years that illustrate common abdominal injuries due to bicycle accidents in children and adolescents, including liver, splenic, renal and bowel trauma. Serious injuries following bicycle accidents most commonly involve the head and brain, followed by direct handlebar impact in low-speed crashes. The handlebar injuries can leave an imprint or contusion on the abdominal wall, marking the point of impact where high kinetic energy can be transmitted to intra-abdominal organs. Abdominal...

Cycling is popular as a recreational activity and a means of transportation among children. Following handlebar injuries (or other forms of abdominal trauma), CT plays an important role in establishing the presence or absence of bone and visceral injury, detecting active hemorrhage and identifying injuries requiring close monitoring or surgical intervention. It also allows the follow-up of injuries treated conservatively. The rapid evaluation of these children with CT has also contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality.

A. S. G. Costa; Amadora/PT - nothing to disclose C. M. Videira; Lisbon/PT - nothing to disclose J. Granadas; Amadora/PT - nothing to disclose

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