The Role of Ultrasound in Thoracic Trauma (Aplicações Da Ultrassonografia Do Tórax: Cenário Do Trauma)

Abstract

IntroductionThoracic trauma is a condition that affects mostly young people, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, demanding fast and effective treatment. Thoracic ultrasound is a useful tool in these cases, usually contributing to complement FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam and enabling the diagnosis of several disorders that may require medical intervention.Methods InvolvedThis pictorial essay illustrates some disorders related to thoracic trauma and their imaging findings on ultrasound evaluation.DiscussionUltrasonography has the advantage of being easily accessible in different places where polytraumatized might be taken to, such as emergency rooms and intensive care unities, situations that frequently demand immediate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Some disorders that can be diagnosed by the method are soft tissue hematomas, rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax and lung consolidation. Besides its high sensitivity, the method can also assist therapeutic procedures, such as guided thoracic drainage.Conclusion of the PresentationTherefore, in evidence-based medical practice, ultrasonography plays a crucial role in thoracic trauma scene, as it’s a fast and versatile method, representing a technique that should be mastered by every radiologist. IntroductionThoracic trauma is a condition that affects mostly young people, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, demanding fast and effective treatment. Thoracic ultrasound is a useful tool in these cases, usually contributing to complement FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam and enabling the diagnosis of several disorders that may require medical intervention. Thoracic trauma is a condition that affects mostly young people, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, demanding fast and effective treatment. Thoracic ultrasound is a useful tool in these cases, usually contributing to complement FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam and enabling the diagnosis of several disorders that may require medical intervention. Methods InvolvedThis pictorial essay illustrates some disorders related to thoracic trauma and their imaging findings on ultrasound evaluation. This pictorial essay illustrates some disorders related to thoracic trauma and their imaging findings on ultrasound evaluation. DiscussionUltrasonography has the advantage of being easily accessible in different places where polytraumatized might be taken to, such as emergency rooms and intensive care unities, situations that frequently demand immediate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Some disorders that can be diagnosed by the method are soft tissue hematomas, rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax and lung consolidation. Besides its high sensitivity, the method can also assist therapeutic procedures, such as guided thoracic drainage. Ultrasonography has the advantage of being easily accessible in different places where polytraumatized might be taken to, such as emergency rooms and intensive care unities, situations that frequently demand immediate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Some disorders that can be diagnosed by the method are soft tissue hematomas, rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax and lung consolidation. Besides its high sensitivity, the method can also assist therapeutic procedures, such as guided thoracic drainage. Conclusion of the PresentationTherefore, in evidence-based medical practice, ultrasonography plays a crucial role in thoracic trauma scene, as it’s a fast and versatile method, representing a technique that should be mastered by every radiologist. Therefore, in evidence-based medical practice, ultrasonography plays a crucial role in thoracic trauma scene, as it’s a fast and versatile method, representing a technique that should be mastered by every radiologist.