[Imaging of blunt chest trauma].

CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE: Blunt chest trauma is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Consequently, all patients should be evaluated radiologically after blunt chest trauma to allow timely and appropriate treatment.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL

METHODS

Conventional chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) are proven modalities with which to evaluate patients after blunt chest trauma.

METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: Over the last several years extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (eFAST) has gained increasing importance for the initial assessment of seriously injured patients.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: In the acute phase of severely injured patients eFAST examinations are helpful to exclude pneumothorax, hemothorax and hemopericardium. Chest radiographs may also be used to diagnose a pneumothorax or hemothorax; however, the sensitivity is limited and CT is the diagnostic modality of choice to evaluate severely injured patients.