Learning objectives
1. 1.Review the radiographic and CT findings of common and uncommon injuries seen in patients who experienced thoracic trauma
2.2.Use a systematic approach in recognising the typical radiologic manifestations of blunt thoracic trauma providing a wide variety of sample images.
Background
Chest trauma is the third most common trauma type following trauma of head and extremities in polytrauma patients[1]. The presence of thoracic injuries in the setting of multisystem trauma may significantly increase patient morbidity and mortality[1,2]. The majority of blunt thoracic trauma in developed countries occurs from motor vehicle accidents, followed by falls and assault with a blunt object[1,2]. Imaging is not indicated until the airway, breathing and circulation have been stabilised. The initial chest radiograph provides information regarding immediately life-threatening conditions and to confirm...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Chest radiographs (CXR) are part of the standard initial acute trauma workup, and most commonly these are performed anteroposterior (AP), supine while the patient remains on the backboard. CT angiogram either alone or as part of a trauma pan-scan is the next preferred imaging test if further investigation is necessary and is favoured in blunt and penetrative chest trauma to allow evaluation of vascular injuries and this exhibition will focus on reviewing the CT imaging findings of such injuries.
Pneumothorax
While an initial CXR is...
Conclusion
Diagnostic imaging is crucial to quickly provide accurate information on thenature and extent of thoracic injuries in traumatized patients. MDCT serves as the definitive screening study as it adds essential information[6]. Moreover, multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions facilitate rapid communication of injuries sustained with surgeons and others involved in the care of trauma patients. We support MDCT as the best imaging modality for the comprehensive evaluation of the patient with chest trauma. The information provided by MDCT may lead to critical changes in patients’ management; thus...
References
Victorian State Trauma Registry Annual Report 2016
The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Leadership. Clark DE, Fantus RJ, eds. National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) Annual Report 2007. Chicago, Ill: American College of Surgeons, 2007; 1–64.
Exadaktylos AK, Sclabas G and Schmid SW et. al. Do we really need routine computed tomographic scanning in the primary evaluation of blunt chest trauma in patients with “normal” chest radiograph? J Trauma 2001; 51: 1173–1176.
Arthurs ZM, Starnes BW and Sohn V. “Functional and survival outcomes in...