[Imaging of blunt chest trauma].
Der Radiologe · 2014-08-14 · Other / unclear
Abstract
CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE: Blunt chest trauma is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Consequently, all patients should be evaluated radiologically after blunt chest trauma to allow timely and appropriate treatment. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Conventional chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) are proven modalities with which to evaluate patients after blunt chest trauma. METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: Over the last several years extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (eFAST) has gained increasing importance for the initial assessment of seriously injured patients. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: In the acute phase of severely injured patients eFAST examinations are helpful to exclude pneumothorax, hemothorax and hemopericardium. Chest radiographs may also be used to diagnose a pneumothorax or hemothorax; however, the sensitivity is limited and CT is the diagnostic modality of choice to evaluate severely injured patients.