Traumatic injuries: imaging of thoracic injuries

Abstract

Chest trauma is one of the most important causes of death, in particular in individuals under the age of 40 years. The mortality rate for chest trauma, often related to motor vehicle accidents, is approximately 15.5%; it increases dramatically to 77% with associated shock and head injury (Glasgow scores of 3-4). The accurate diagnosis of pathologies consequent to blunt chest trauma depends on a complete knowledge of the different clinical and radiological manifestations. The first diagnostic approach is classically based on chest X-ray often carried out on supine position at the hospital admission. A CT study must then be performed in all chest trauma patients in whom there is even the smallest diagnostic doubt on plain film. In particular, spiral CT (SCT) assumes a fundamental role in the demonstration of mediastinal hemorrhage and direct signs of aortic lesions. At present, SCT is routinely part of a diagnostic evaluation which also includes scans of the brain and the abdomen in polytraumatized patients. Magnetic resonance is the ideal method for visualizing diaphragmatic lesions. Furthermore, recent reports have demonstrated the high diagnostic value of MR in evaluating aortic injuries. The purpose of this article is to review the most common radiological patterns related to chest trauma.

Retrospective Analysis of 513 Cases Diagnosed with Rib Fracture Secondary to Blunt Thorax Trauma

“…Pulmonary contusion is frequently seen in the posttraumatic period and paves the way for complications such as pneumonia and ARDS [6]. Contusion especially occurs during in-vehicle traffic accidents, and its mortality rate can reach 40% [7]. In our study the pulmonary contusion rate was 16.3%.…”

A Mild Chest Trauma in an Infant who Developed Severe Pulmonary Hemorrhage

“…The chest x-ray of our patient showed mainly centrally located opacities. Computerized tomography is much more sensitive in the demonstration of contusions [12,13]. Radiological findings develop swiftly within the first six hours and regress within a few days post-treatment.…”

Routine CT- Chest in Primary Evaluation of the Major Blunt Trauma Patients; Pros and Cons

“…It is reported in 17%-70% of blunt traumas cases, it is usually seen adjacent to solid structures like vertebrae, ribs, the liver, and the heart (Gavelli et al, 2002). In chest radiographs, lung contusion appears within the first 6-8 hours following trauma as non-segmental, non-lobar, peripheral, and in the form of increased density (Kerns et al, 1990).…”