Post-traumatic splenic hematoma hidden by an overdistended stomach: Use of nasogastric to avoid pitfalls

The use of a nasogastric tube to empty the stomach contents prevents compression of the splenic parenchyma and allows clear visualization of the anterior medial border of the spleen and perisplenic area. Unsuspected superficial lacerations or a contained hematoma by the splenic capsule may become apparent only following this procedure. A representative case is reported. Routine application of this simple procedure aids avoiding occasional pitfalls and helps in early diagnosis of splenic injury at the time of a CT study.