[The value of thoracic computed tomography in the intensive care diagnosis of blunt thoracic trauma].

92% of all patients with a thorax-trauma suffer from a blunt chest trauma. In the early diagnosis by plane chest X-ray only a quarter of all pathological findings in comparison to the CT of the thorax are found. In addition to that the special deviations and imaging of the thoracic organs in the plane chest X-ray have to be noted. With the demonstration of same examples the special value of the thorax-CT in early diagnosis and patient control was demonstrated. Specially in showing the grade of lung contusion, the volume of bilaterally hemato-serothoraces, ventral pneumothoraces and additional injuries CT was more sensitive. The main disadvantage is the possibly long way of transportation and a contraindication is a severe trauma of the upper extremities and an instable fracture of the spine column.