Traumatismo torácico grave no cardiovascular: claves diagnósticas en tomografía computarizada

Abstract

ObjectiveAbout 60% of polytrauma patients present thoracic traumatic injuries, accounting for approximately 10% of trauma-related deaths. Computed tomography (CT) is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for the diagnosis of acute injuries, and it improves management and prognostic evaluation of patients with high-impact trauma. This paper aims to show practical clues that are key for diagnosing severe non-cardiovascular thoracic trauma by CT. ConclusionKnowing the key features of severe acute thoracic trauma on CT is crucial to avoid diagnostic errors. Radiologists play a fundamental role in the accurate early diagnosis of severe non-cardiovascular thoracic trauma, because the patient's management and outcome will depend largely on the imaging findings.