The halo sign and peripancreatic fluid: useful CT signs of hypovolaemic shock complex in adults

CONCLUSION: In the setting of blunt abdominal trauma, early abdominal CT can show diffuse abnormalities due to the HSC, which occasionally may alert clinicians of unsuspected shock. Recognition of these signs as distinguished from injured viscera is important in order to avoid unnecessary laparotomy. Two new signs are described: the halo sign and peripancreatic retroperitoneal fluid.