Severe Thoracic Trauma Research Articles

Extended Lung Ultrasound to Differentiate Between Pneumonia and Atelectasis in Critically Ill Patients: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of extended lung ultrasonographic assessment, including evaluation of dynamic air bronchograms and color Doppler imaging to differentiate pneumonia and atelectasis in patients with consolidation on chest radiograph. Compare this approach to the Simplified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, Lung Ultrasound Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, and the Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency protocol. Prospective diagnostic accuracy study. Adult ICU applying selective digestive decontamination. Adult patients that underwent a chest radiograph for any indication at any time during admission. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, coronavirus disease 2019, severe thoracic trauma, and infectious isolation measures were excluded. None. Lung ultrasound was performed within 24 hours of chest radiograph. Consolidated tissue was assessed for presence of dynamic air bronchograms and with color Doppler imaging for presence of flow. Clinical data were recorded after ultrasonographic assessment. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy of dynamic air bronchogram and color Doppler imaging alone and within a decision tree to differentiate pneumonia from atelectasis. Of 120 patients included, 51 (42.5%) were diagnosed with pneumonia. The dynamic air bronchogram had a 45% (95% CI, 31-60%) sensitivity and 99% (95% CI, 92-100%) specificity. Color Doppler imaging had a 90% (95% CI, 79-97%) sensitivity and 68% (95% CI, 56-79%) specificity. The combined decision tree had an 86% (95% CI, 74-94%) sensitivity and an 86% (95% CI, 75-93%) specificity. The Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency protocol had a 100% (95% CI, 93-100%) sensitivity and 0% (95% CI, 0-5%) specificity, while the Simplified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score and Lung Ultrasound Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score had a 41% (95% CI, 28-56%) sensitivity, 84% (95% CI, 73-92%) specificity and 68% (95% CI, 54-81%) sensitivity, 81% (95% CI, 70-90%) specificity, respectively. In critically ill patients with pulmonary consolidation on chest radiograph, an extended lung ultrasound protocol is an accurate and directly bedside available tool to differentiate pneumonia from atelectasis. It outperforms standard lung ultrasound and clinical scores.

Bone Marrow Aspirate for Delayed Union due to Severe Thoracic Rib Trauma

In this peculiar setting, the infiltrations with BMA proved to be an efficient alternative tool for the treatment of severe thoracic rib trauma and delayed union. The patient returned with no complaints and CT evidence indicated that all of the fractured ribs had complete consolidation. Pain and functional outcome of the chest wall in terms of stability improved with the help of this orthobiologic alternative.

Influence of Severe Thoracic Trauma on Choosing the Correct Surgical Strategy in Patients with Polytrauma from Kosovo.

BackgroundSevere thoracic trauma (TT) has a significant impact on the selection of treatment strategy in patients with polytrauma. Our aim was to assess the impact of severe TT on choosing the optimal surgical procedure to decrease mortality.Material/MethodsOverall, 66 patients with polytrauma and significant TT were analyzed. Demographic data, trauma history, admittance imaging, injury details, injury severity scores, conservative treatment, surgical treatment, days of hospital stay, and mortality data were gathered. Frequencies of thoracic surgical procedures and other treatments were collected and compared with those in the literature.ResultsAll patients had Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) scores of thorax >3. Injuries to extremities and/or the osseous pelvis accounted for 50% of injuries; 47.0% included the head and/or neck; 45.5% were external injuries; and 27.3% were abdominal injuries or included pelvic organs and/or lumbar spine. Mean prehospital time was 40.3 min. Mean time from trauma occurrence to tertiary treatment was 125 min. Blunt TT (BTT) was recorded in 59 patients (89.4%), and penetrant TT (PTT) was recorded in 7 patients (10.6%). Thoracic drainage, urgent thoracotomy and laparotomy were recorded procedures. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of all patients was 31.17. Nine patients died (13.6%) and had BTT with a mean ISS of 48.44. The Trauma Injury Severity Score for BTT injuries was 77.08% and for PTT, 85.6%.ConclusionsFactors that decreased hospital stay and mortality and increased survival included arriving in time after injury, aggressive reanimation/intensive care, and mandatory thoracic surgical procedure combined with laparotomy.

Prosthetic-free ribs stabilization technique in critical complex chest wall traumas: first results and experiences

BackgroundSurgical stabilization in complex chest wall traumas, especially in case of posterior ribs arch destruction and flail chest, still remains a challenge for thoracic and trauma surgeons. Throughout the years different techniques and materials developed to address the complex anatomy of the ribs and reach an adequate fixation. Our aim is to present a prosthetic-free ribs stabilization technique which is easily reproducible and can achieve an efficient mechanical stabilization of the chest wall.MethodsThis surgical technique can be summarized in three steps: muscle sparing thoracotomy following modified “Shaw-Paulson’s” technique (complete section of the latissimus dorsi muscle along the transverse processes of vertebral spine to rich the serratus muscles plane), prosthetic-free ribs fixation with single stiches (Maxon™ 1) and muscles repositioning.ResultsBetween January 2018 and June 2020, we retrospectively evaluated ten consecutive patients (six male and four female) which underwent a chest wall stabilization because of a posterior ribs destruction and flail chest. No chest wall deformities were observed during follow-up with CT-scan after 4, 30 and 90 days and no patient underwent additional early or late stabilization procedures.ConclusionsIn the case of severe thoracic trauma with chest wall destruction and flail chest, modified “Shaw-Paulson approach” and prosthetic-free fixation technique with Maxon thread should be considered as a valuable option allowing an adequate stabilization of the chest with optimal respiratory function.

Successful extracorporeal life support in a pediatric trauma patient following angioembolization of pelvic hemorrhage.

Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) is rarely used in pediatric trauma patients due to bleeding risk, and the use of ECLS following angioembolization of traumatic hemorrhage has never been reported in a child. We report a case of a 10-year-old boy run over by a parade float resulting in severe thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic trauma, with hemorrhage from pelvic fractures requiring massive transfusion. Due to ongoing blood product requirements and contrast extravasation near the symphysis pubis, angioembolization of the internal iliac arteries was performed. Extreme hypoxemia persisted despite maximal ventilator support due to pulmonary contusions and aspiration pneumonitis. Six hours after angioembolization, venovenous ECLS was initiated. Following an initial heparin bolus, ECLS was run without anticoagulation for 12 h, but development of circuit clot required resumption of low-dose heparin. After four days, his respiratory status improved substantially and ECLS was discontinued. There were no hemorrhagic complications. The patient was discharged home in good health following inpatient rehabilitation. In this case, ECLS was successfully used in the treatment of post-traumatic respiratory failure 6 h following angioembolization of pelvic hemorrhage in a pediatric trauma patient. Further research is needed to determine the safest interval between hemorrhage control and ECLS in severely injured children.

Prehospitalno prepoznavanje životno ugrožavajuće torakalne traume prikaz slučaja

Introduction: Severe thoracic trauma is a potentially lifethreatening injury, leading to immediate impairment of cardiorespiratory functions or bleeding; but also consequential fatal infections, damage of: heart, large blood vessels, mediastinal organs or pleura with pneumothorax/hematothorax. Objective: To present a case of penetrating chest injuries with forks, caused by traffic. Methodology: Case report from medical documentation. Case report: The EMS team was called for a car accident including vehicle and a tractor. At the passenger seat of the car, a female person was found stabbed with a pitchfork through the torso and fixed to the seat. Firefighters cut a part of the metal forks, while medics stabilized foreign body and made emporary hemostasis. The entrance and exit wounds were verified. Vitals were: TA: 130/60mmHg, heart rate 100/min, SaO2 90%. The peripheral venous line was opened and O2 10L/min was applied through an oxygen mask. The patient was transported in a sitting position, with medical manual stabilization, to the ER. The surgeon was immediately consulted and the patient, due to vital indications, was urgently admitted to the operating room. In the abdomen, 8 cm laceration of the III segment of the liver, cleft omentum and deserosion of the small curve of the stomach were verified. A foreign body passed between the aorta and the esophagus, without injuring them. Conclusion: Thanks to the prompt EMS reaction and the proper pre-hospital care, as well as early inpatient surgical treatment, the patient's outcome was good.

1316: Early Posttraumatic Prediction of Outcome for Multiple Trauma Patients With Severe Thoracic Trauma

1316: Early Posttraumatic Prediction of Outcome for Multiple Trauma Patients With Severe Thoracic Trauma

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ АСПЕКТОВ ПАТОГЕНЕЗА ГНОЙНО-ВОСПАЛИТЕЛЬНЫХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ В ОСТРОМ ПЕРИОДЕ ТРАВМАТИЧЕСКОЙ БОЛЕЗНИ

В работе представлено патофизиологическое обоснование формирования MODS и ранних гнойно-воспалительных осложнений в раннем посттравматическом периоде на модели тяжелой тупой травмы груди и живота у крыс. Показано, что на фоне снижения кишечной экстракции кислорода, развившегося в ответ на травму, нарушается проницаемость кишечного барьера, что сопровождается массивным поступлением эндотоксинов кишечных бактерий в кровь, что проявляется значительным снижением концентрации Анти–ЛПС–IgG в плазме крови крыс. Данный процесс является индуктором каскадных иммунопатологических реакций организма и запускающих в ряд патологических кругов с последующим развитием MODS и способствует развитию ранних гнойно-воспалительных осложнений.

Prothrombin Time ratio can predict mortality in severe pediatric trauma: Study in a French trauma center level 1

BackgroundInjury results in more deaths in children than all other causes combined, but there is little data regarding the association of early coagulopathy on outcomes in pediatric patients with traumatic injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal cut-off value for the Prothrombin Time ratio (PTr) and to show the diagnostic characteristics of the PTr to predict mortality. MethodsWe retrospectively included during 4 years all patients less than 16 years old referred to our trauma center for traumatic injury with ISS ≥9. ResultsA total of 272 children were included. Mean age was 9.4 ± 4.8 years and median ISS was 17 [interquartile range, 12 to 26]. Day 28 mortality was 6.7%. The optimal cut-off value in our population for predicting day 28 mortality was 1.24. Using this value, the sensitivity of PTr was 84%, specificity was 82%, positive likelihood ratio was 4.7, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.19. Early mortality (i.e., mortality at 24 h) was also well-predicted (1.0% versus 16.4%, p < .0001), as the need for massive transfuion. Similarly, patients with PTr ≥1.24 at admission presented with a higher rate of severe thoracic and abdominal trauma, higher ISS, higher likelihood of admission to an intensive care unit, longer hospitalization, and higher rate of significant procedure (e.g., surgery or embolization). ConclusionsTrauma-induced coagulopathy defined only by a PTr ≥1.24 could be used as a severity predictive marker and as a sensitive, specific, quick, and easy to use tool for admission triage of pediatric patients.

Possible advantages of early stabilization of spinal fractures in multiply injured patients with leading thoracic trauma\xa0- analysis based on the TraumaRegister DGU\xae

BackgroundMajor trauma often comprises fractures of the thoracolumbar spine and these are often accompanied by relevant thoracic trauma. Major complications can be ascribed to substantial simultaneous trauma to the chest and concomitant immobilization due to spinal instability, pain or neurological dysfunction, impairing the respiratory system individually and together. Thus, we proposed that an early stabilization of thoracolumbar spine fractures will result in significant benefits regarding respiratory organ function, multiple organ failure and length of ICU / hospital stay.MethodsPatients documented in the TraumaRegister DGU®, aged ≥16 years, ISS ≥ 16, AISThorax ≥ 3 with a concomitant thoracic and / or lumbar spine injury severity (AISSpine) ≥ 3 were analyzed. Penetrating injuries and severe injuries to head, abdomen or extremities (AIS ≥ 3) led to patient exclusion. Groups with fractures of the lumbar (LS) or thoracic spine (TS) were formed according to the severity of spinal trauma (AISspine): AISLS = 3, AISLS = 4–5, AISTS = 3 and AISTS = 4–5, respectively.Results1740 patients remained for analysis, with 1338 (76.9%) undergoing spinal surgery within their hospital stay. 976 (72.9%) had spine surgery within the first 72 h, 362 (27.1%) later on. Patients with injuries to the thoracic spine (AISTS = 3) or lumbar spine (AISLS = 3) significantly benefit from early surgical intervention concerning ventilation time (AISLS = 3 only), ARDS, multiple organ failure, sepsis rate (AISTS = 3 only), length of stay in the intensive care unit and length of hospital stay. In multiple injured patients with at least severe thoracic spine trauma (AISTS ≥ 4) early surgery showed a significantly shorter ventilation time, decreased sepsis rate as well as shorter time spend in the ICU and in hospital.ConclusionsMultiply injured patients with at least serious thoracic trauma (AISThorax ≥ 3) and accompanying spine trauma can significantly benefit from early spine stabilization within the first 72 h after hospital admission. Based on the presented data, primary spine surgery within 72 h for fracture stabilization in multiply injured patients with leading thoracic trauma, especially in patients suffering from fractures of the thoracic spine, seems to be beneficial.

Management of thoracic trauma and intrathoracic injuries

More than 45% of polytraumatized patients in Germany suffer from severe thoracic trauma. Due to the urgent time factor (e.g. respiratory insufficiency and severe bleeding), astructured procedure in the diagnostics and treatment according to the advanced trauma life support (ATLS) criteria is necessary both prehospital and in the emergency room in order to provide the patient with adequate care. If apatient is stable or can be stabilized there is the option of using extended diagnostics, such as whole body computer tomography (CT) scanning with contrast medium, to select atreatment that is optimally adapted to the injury pattern. This can be performed by open surgery, minimally invasive surgery and interventional radiologically/endoscopically and depends on the injured organ as well as the extent of the injury. This means that only an interdisciplinary approach guarantees optimal care for patients with thoracic trauma.

Feasibility of pleural and perilesional subcutaneous microdialysis to assess porcine experimental pulmonary contusion

Background: Severe thoracic trauma affects 55% of patients with multiple traumatic injuries and may lead to acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary trauma differs clinically and biologically from lung injury of other origins and carries a mortality rate of 10%. Treatment options are limited, and it is not possible to monitor the progression of lung injury with specific biomarkers. Microdialysis of pleural fluid may offer a viable entry to monitor the lung directly and specifically. Bronchial microdialysis has been described, but not pleural microdialysis. We therefore investigated the feasibility of microdialysis of pleural fluid, and its ability to detect pulmonary injury and inflammation in the pleural cavity after traumatic acute lung injury.Methods: 16 pigs (mean weight 64 kg) were randomized to groups “exposed with MD”, receiving a focally severe pulmonary contusion and microdialysis (n = 7), “control with MD”, receiving only microdialysis and no pulmonary contusion (n = 5), “normal no MD” receiving only anesthesia (n = 2) and “naïve no MD” (no instrumentation) (n = 2). Microdialysate from the pleura and the perilesional subcutis, plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage were collected for 5 hours.Results: Pleura lactate, plasma lactate and pleura lactate/pyruvate ratio increased in injured lungs (p < 0.05). Subcutis and plasma glucose increased after trauma (p < 0.05). Pleura glycerol increased although not reaching statistical significance. IL-6 and IL-8 were dissimilar in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage and pleural fluid, while IL-1 did not differ. Neutrophils increased in bronchoalveolar lavage (p < 0.001) after trauma, and in pleural fluid, although not when the microdialysis catheter was omitted.Conclusion: Pleural microdialysis was technically feasible and detected signs of cellular injury and anaerobic metabolism after focally severe pulmonary contusion and may be of interest for future clinical applications. The microdialysis catheter triggered a recruitment of neutrophils to the pleura which needs to be elucidated further before taking the technique into clinical practice.

Evaluation of different treatment methods for severe chest trauma in Tibetan Plateau

Objective To compare the efficacy of operative and non-operative methods in the treatment of severe thoracic trauma in Tibetan Plateau. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted to analyze 286 patients with severe thoracic trauma admitted to the Shigatse People's Hospital from August 2016 to October 2018. There were 206 males and 80 females, aged 13-71 years [(34.3±11.6)years]. The duration from injury to hospital ranged from 2 to 49 hours [(22.8±8.3)hours]. The causes of injury including fall from height in 109 patients, traffic injury in 98, crush injury in 32, blunt injury in 29, cattle head injury in 9, knife stab injury in 6 and other causes in 3. The injury severity score (ISS) varied from 16 to 48 points on admission [(24.2±8.8)points]. A total of 159 patients underwent operation (Operation group) and 127 patients underwent non-operative treatment (Non-operation group). The ISS score was (25.2±8.3)points in Operation group and (23.7±7.9)points in Non-operation group. The length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) care time, complication rate and mortality were recorded in two groups. The correlation of ISS and age with mortality was investigated. Results The length of hospital stay was (12.2±3.8)days in the Operation group and (19.7±5.8)days in the Non-operation group (P 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the age of death between the Operation group and the Non-operation group (P<0.05). The differences in the ISS score and age between the survival and death patients within the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed age (OR=1.090, 95%CI 1.002-1.186) and ISS (OR=1.058, 95%CI 1.027-1.090) were slqnificantly related to mortality. Conclusions For severe thoracic trauma in Tibetan Plateau, operative treatment can shorten the length of hospital stay and ICU care time and reduce the incidence of complications. The mortality ratio of the two groups has no significant difference. Age and ISS may be the high risk factors for death of severe thoracic trauma patients. Key words: Thoracic injuries; Surgical procedures, operative; Tibetan Plateau

P-Selectin Is Critical for De Novo Pulmonary Arterial Thrombosis Following Blunt Thoracic Trauma.

Thromboembolic events within the pulmonary arterial vasculature are a troublesome complication of severe blunt thoracic trauma. Mechanisms underlying these events are currently in question as pulmonary thromboembolic events in this particular trauma population tend to be diagnosed more rapidly, more frequently and without an associated systemic thrombosis. This study investigates the role of P-selectin in thrombus formation through the use of in vivo blocking antibodies. We hypothesize that P-selectin plays a pivotal role in de novo pulmonary arterial thrombosis following blunt thoracic trauma. A murine weight-drop model of lateral blunt thoracic trauma was used. Wild-type mice in the experimental group were given blocking antibodies against P-selectin prior to the trauma. All mice were euthanized at 24 hours for evaluation with hematoxylin-eosin staining or immunofluorescent staining for fibrin and P-selectin. Injured mice that did not receive the P-selectin antibody showed a robust fourfold to fivefold increase in fibrin accumulation in both coup and contrecoup tissues (fluorescence per um of arterial wall) compared to uninjured sham mice. In contrast, mice pretreated with P-selectin blocking antibody showed no significant increase in fibrin accumulation on either side of the lungs after blunt thoracic trauma. No difference in mean fibrin deposition was found between sham controls that received the P-selectin-blocking antibody and those that received an isotype control antibody. P-selectin expression increases at the pulmonary arterial luminal surface following blunt thoracic trauma. In addition, P-selectin-blocking in vivo prevents pulmonary arterial fibrin accumulation after blunt thoracic trauma, confirming that P-selectin is necessary for de novo pulmonary arterial thrombosis after traumatic injury.

Continuous lateral rotational bed therapy in patients with traumatic lung injury: an analysis from the TraumaRegister DGU®

Patients with severe thoracic trauma often receive continuous lateral rotational bed therapy (CLRT) for the treatment of lung contusions. In this study, the effects of CLRT on mortality, morbidity and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the hospital were evaluated. Retrospective data from the TraumaRegister DGU® were analysed, focusing on patients with severe thoracic trauma. Patients treated with CLRT were compared to acontrol group with comparable trauma severity who had received conventional therapy. A total of 1476 patients (239 with CLRT, 1237 without CLRT) were included in this study. Both groups were similar for demographic characteristics. The median CLRT duration was 6 (4-10)days. Patients receiving CLRT were ventilated for 17 (10-26) days compared to 14 (8-22) days (p = 0.001) in the control group. The ICU length of stay differed significantly (CLRT: 23 [14-32] days; control: 19 [13-28] days; p = 0.002). Also, organ failure occurred more frequently in patients treated with CLRT (CLRT: 76.6%, control: 67.6%; p = 0.006). No differences could be detected regarding mortality rates, multiple organ failure and hospital LOS. The results of this retrospective analysis fail to detect abenefit for CLRT therapy in trauma patients. Considering inherent limitations of retrospective studies, caution should be exerted when interpreting these results. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in aprospective trial.

The impact of polytrauma on sRAGE levels: evidence and statistical analysis of temporal variations

BackgroundAccording to recently published findings, levels of the soluble receptor of advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) and its clearance from the blood may reflect the evolution of lung damage during hospitalization. Thus, the objective of this study was to reveal the course of sRAGE levels over the first three posttraumatic weeks, focusing on the severity of thoracic trauma and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and/or pneumonia.MethodsTwenty-eight consecutive surviving polytraumatized patients suffering thoracic trauma, age ≥ 18 years, Injury Severity Score ≥ 16, and directly admitted to our level I trauma center were enrolled in this prospective study. Blood samples were taken initially and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 during hospitalization. Luminex multi-analyte-technology was used for biomarker analysis.ResultsCommon to all our patients was an almost continuous decline of sRAGE levels within the first five posttraumatic days. Day 0 levels in polytrauma victims with severe thoracic trauma were more than twice as high than in those suffering mild thoracic trauma (p = 0.035), whereas the difference between the two groups did not reach significance from day 1. Neither the development of ARDS and/or pneumonia nor the necessity of secondary surgery did result in significant differences in sRAGE levels between the subgroups with and without the particular complication at any time point.ConclusionssRAGE levels assessed immediately after hospital admission might serve as a diagnostic marker for the vehemence of impacts against the chest and thus might be applied as an additional tool in diagnosis, risk evaluation, and choice of the appropriate treatment strategy of polytraumatized patients in routine clinical practice.

Use of ECMO support in pediatric patients with severe thoracic trauma

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in the non-trauma setting for over 30 years. However, the use of ECMO in trauma remains a difficult question, as the risk of bleeding must be weighed against the benefits of cardiopulmonary support. MethodsRetrospective review of children who sustained severe thoracic trauma (chest abbreviated injury score ≥3) and required ECMO support between 2009 and 2016. ResultsOf the 425 children who experienced severe thoracic trauma, 6 (1.4%) underwent ECMO support: 67% male, median age 4.8 years, median ISS 36, median GCS 3, and overall survival 83%. The median hospital day of ECMO initiation was 2 with a median ECMO duration of 7 days. All cannulations occurred through the right neck regardless of the size of the child. Five initially had veno-venous support with 1 requiring conversion to veno-arterial (VA) support. Both children on VA support suffered devastating cerebrovascular accidents, one of which ultimately led to withdrawal of care and death. Complications in the cohort included: paraplegia (1), neurocognitive defects/dysphonia (1), infected neck hematoma (1), deep femoral venous thrombosis (1), bilateral lower extremity spasticity (1). ConclusionThis small cohort supports the use of ECMO in children with severe thoracic injuries as a potentially lifesaving intervention, however, not without significant complication. Level of EvidenceIV.

Severe thoracic trauma caused left pneumonectomy complicated by right traumatic wet lung, reversed by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support\u2014a case report

BackgroundDouble lumen intubation and one-lung ventilation should be applied without delay in cases of traumatic main bronchial rupture. In most cases, when the patients’ vital signs have been stabilized, the repair can be performed. However, when one-lung ventilation is complicated by traumatic wet lung, the mortality rate is likely to be much higher.Case presentationIn this case, the patient experienced a left main bronchial rupture, bilateral traumatic wet lung, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) because of severe thoracic trauma. Though the patient was treated with intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV), his oxygenation was still not stable. Thus, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) was initiated; upon improvement of oxygenation, the patient received an exploratory thoracotomy. Unfortunately, the rupture proved to be irreparable, resulting in a total left pneumonectomy. As there was severe ARDS caused by trauma, ECMO and ultra-low tidal volume (VT) MV strategy (3 ml/kg) were utilized for lung protection post-op. ECMO was sustained up to the 10th day, and MV until the 20th day, post-operation. With the support of MV, ECMO and other comprehensive measures, the patient made a recovery.ConclusionV-V ECMO and ultra-low VT MV helped this thoracic trauma patient survive the lung edema period and prevented ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). In extreme situations, with the support of ECMO, the tidal volume may be lowered to 3 ml/kg.

Our Experience in the Treatment of Severe Thoracic Trauma.

Background: Severe thoracic trauma is main cause of deaths in US about 10-20 % of deaths. Causes of severe thoracic Trauma are :Penetrating trauma,Gunshot wounds,Stab wounds ;Lower mortality rate less massive, less multiorgan injury Gunshot wounds on the chest is the most lethal – 50% .Only 7-10% undergoes hospitalization prior to death .Death due to heart &amp; great vessel injuries.&#x0D; Aim of study: Analyses of patients with Severe Thoracic Trauma ,Initial Evaluation and Management analyses of our cases period of time 2004-2017 treated in thoracic surgery service&#x0D; Material and methods: 95 patients are treated in our hospital during July 2004- July 2017 timeframe. Male to female was ratio 3:1. Age of presentation 9-71 years old, mean age presentation 49 years old. Blunt chest wall trauma 36 (38%) and penetraiting chest wall trauma 59 (62%) patients. Ribs and sternal fractures , two or more costal fractures in 15 (15.7%) patients (flail chest 7 patients );unilateral pneumothorax 34 (35.7%) patients ,bilaterally pmeumothorax 10 (10.5%) patients;massive hemothorax 12 (12.6%) patients , pneumomediastin et subcutaneous emphysema 6 (6.31%) patients Hammans syndrome, lung contusion and parenchimal pulmonary hemathoma in 15 (15.7%) patients; bronchial rupture 2 (2.1%) patients ,tracheal rupture 1 (1%) patient.&#x0D; Results: Only medical treatment in 22 (23%) patients,unilateral pleural tub drainage 42 (44%) patients, bilateral chest drainage 18 (18.9%) patients ;thoracotomy in 29(30.5%) patients ,wedge resection,lung hemostasis and aerostasis from lung lacerations, bronchial lobar rupture left lower lob 1 (1%) patient, bilateral thoracotomy 3 (3%) patients, clamshell incision in 1 (1%) patient;,thoracoabdominal approach 2 ( 2%) patients. flail chest wall stabilization 7 (7.3%) patients by vicryl suture ,steel wire suture 3(3%)patients,titanium plate 3(3%) patient.By VATS are treated 2(2.1%) patients.Mean hospital stay was 11 days (average 3-36 days).Morbidity rate in 6 (6.3%)patients , mortality was on 5 (5%)patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: Most common injury locations was lung and chest wall and less common abdominal and cranial trauma.Surgical and intensive treatment are very important and with low mortality rate.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Computed Tomography Scout Film and Chest X-ray for Detection of Rib Fractures in Patients with Chest Trauma: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Rib fractures are a major source of morbidity in patients with chest trauma. Computed tomography (CT) scout film is a low-dose image that is obtained prior to a complete chest CT study for all patients undergoing a CT scan. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of CT scout film vis-à-vis that of chest X-ray for detection of rib fractures using chest CT scan as the reference standard.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at the radiology department of Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi, Pakistan) from October 1, 2013 to September 31, 2014. Patients who underwent CT chest for evaluation of thoracic trauma were included in the study. Sensitivity and specificity of chest X-ray and CT scout film were calculated.Results: A total of 207 patients were included in the study (193 were male). Penetrating and blunt thoracic injuries affected 104 (50.2%) and 103 (49.8%) patients respectively. On CT chest, 75 (36.2%) patients had evidence of rib fractures. Sensitivity and specificity of CT scout film for detection of rib fractures were 56% and 87.9%, while those of chest X-ray were 61.3% and 98.5% respectively. The overall accuracy of CT scout film and chest X-ray for detection of rib fractures were 76.3% and 85% respectively.Conclusion: Diagnostic performance of CT scout film for detection of rib fractures was comparable to that of the plain chest radiograph. CT scout film does not provide any additional information or advantage over a plain chest radiograph. In patients with severe thoracic trauma, CT chest remains the modality of choice for accurate delineation of rib fractures and associated internal injuries.