Role of computed tomography in detection of complications of blunt chest trauma

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to study the role of computed tomography (CT) in detection of complications of blunt chest trauma patients. Background Thoracic injuries are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. Injuries to the thorax are the third most common injuries in trauma patients, next to injuries to the head and extremities. Therefore, prompt diagnosis of blunt vascular injuries is imperative. Patients and methods This study included 100 patients, 66 male patients and 34 female patients with age distribution from 2 to 65 years. This study was conducted during the period from November 2012 to December 2013 at Menofyia University Hospitals and Shebin El Kom Educational Hospital. All patients subjected to blunt chest trauma presented to Menofyia Emergency Hospital and Shebin El Kom Educational Hospital during this given period were examined clinically. Those who had findings that suspect chest trauma on clinical examination underwent plain X-ray and CT examination. Finally, we compared between X-ray and CT in detection of complications of blunt chest trauma. Results CT has been shown to be useful for the evaluation of vascular, pulmonary, airway, skeletal, and diaphragmatic injuries as well. CT has overall greater sensitivity than radiography in the detection of pulmonary lacerations and pneumothoraces. In addition, it may be indicated in cases of suspected tracheobronchial injury . Conclusion Chest radiograph serves as the principle screening test for immediate assessment of the thorax after blunt chest trauma, whereas CT scanning, particularly with spiral capability, is highly sensitive than the supine chest X-ray at detecting intrathoracic injuries.