Trauma is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in paediatric patients.

The pattern of injury in children differs from adults in many ways,  given the different anatomical proportions and relative elasticity of tissues, hence approach to imaging and diagnosis should be tailored accordingly. [1]

Current imaging guidelines by various trauma societies and injury classification systems majorly pertain to adult patients with minimal modifications for paediatric age group. [2-4] While CT is the gold standard to detect intra-abdominal injuries , appropriateness of utilization of this modality is not clearly defined.

Children are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation, have longer to live and are at a higher risk of developing radiation-induced cancers [5,6], hence there must be a detailed discussion between emergency department physician and radiologist before referring them for CT.

The purpose of our study was to review the guidelines, protocols and practices followed in imaging of blunt abdominal trauma in pediatric age group, and to assess the value of certain clinical variables as decisive factors for appropriate imaging and management.