[Thoracic ultrasound in penetrating chest trauma: the tactics management].

The thoracic ultrasound for the detection of hemothorax and hemopericardium was performed in 655 patients with penetrating thoracic trauma. Ultrasound findings were compared with the results of surgical exploration. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in detection of hemothorax was 72.1 and 90.1%; in detection of hemopericardium - 70.6 and 73.7%, respectively. The results of the US diagnostics depended on patients' position (supine or when seated) and on time interval between the examination and surgery. The isolated US investigation in supine position leads to the increase of false negative results. We consider that in hemodynamically stable patients the doutbtfull US data in detection of hemopericardium is the indication to videothoracoscopy. The lower-chest injuries with the US signs of hemothorax are considered to be the indication for VATS except for the obvious left-side thoracoabdominal injuries.