J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Jun;30(6):1045-1049.

Role of Computed Tomography in Blunt Chest Trauma

• Kim SJ
• Cho JH
• Lee CW
• Kim HK

Abstract

PURPOSE
In patient with blunt trauma of chest, supine AP x-ray cannot differenciate the lung contusion, laceration, atelectasis, and hemothorax definitely. Therefore, computed tomographic evaluation is needed for accurate evaluation of the injuries. In our knowledge, there are few reports about CT findings of blunt chest trauma, in our country, therefore we tried to fiud the characteristic CT findings in patients with blunt trauma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We analyzed the plain x-ray and CT image of 4 patient with blunt chest trauma. Location and morphology of lung parenchymal contusion and laceration, hemopneumothorax, chest wall injuries and location of chest tube.
RESULTS
Lung parenchymal contusion was noted in 53 segments. of 16 patiants'infiltration(n=27 segment), and multiple nodular pattern was noted in 15 segment, pattern of consolidation along the lung periphery was seen in 11 segment. Laceration was noted in 18 lesion and most commonly located in paravertebral area(b=8).
CONCLUSION
CT scan of chest in patient with blunt chest trauma, provides accurate informations of the pattern of injuries, and localization, therefore, should be performed as po9ssible.

MeSH Terms

Chest Tubes
Contusions
Hemopneumothorax
Hemothorax
Humans
Lacerations
Lung
Pulmonary Atelectasis
Thoracic Wall
Thorax*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed