Chest Radiography in Thoracic Polytrauma

• Published in: American journal of roentgenology (1976) Vol. 192; no. 3; pp. 599 - 612
• Main Authors: Ho, Mai-Lan, Gutierrez, Fernando R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA Am Roentgen Ray Soc 01.03.2009; American Roentgen Ray Society
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Blood Vessels - injuries; Diaphragm - diagnostic imaging; Diaphragm - injuries; Heart Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Lung Injury - diagnostic imaging; Mediastinum - diagnostic imaging; Mediastinum - injuries; Medical sciences; Radiography, Thoracic - methods; Thoracic Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Thoracic Injuries - physiopathology; Thoracic Wall - diagnostic imaging; Thoracic Wall - injuries; Radiography; Nuclear medicine; Radiodiagnosis; Radiology; Exploration; Thorax; Trauma; Multiple injury
• ISSN: 0361-803X; 1546-3141
• DOI: 10.2214/AJR.07.3324

Chest radiography is the first-line imaging examination for assessment of thoracic polytrauma, serving to evaluate the extent of injury and facilitate early triage to observation, further imaging, or immediate surgical intervention. The objective of this article is to review the spectrum of injuries that occur in the chest and upper abdomen after blunt and penetrating trauma. Pathophysiology, imaging findings, and management recommendations will be discussed for injuries to the chest wall, diaphragm, pleura, lungs, mediastinum, heart, aorta, and great vessels. Chest radiography plays an important role in the initial evaluation of blunt and penetrating chest trauma, providing rapid imaging information to supplement the history and physical examination. In the emergency department, familiarity with the spectrum of injuries that can occur in the chest and upper abdomen is important for accurate interpretation of chest radiographs as well as establishment of appropriate recommendations for management and follow-up.