Computerized tomography in thoracic trauma

Chest CT scans were obtained in 86 patients suffering from serious blunt or penetrating chest trauma. The finding of mediastinal widening was by far the most common CT indication. CT proved to be a more sensitive method for detection of parenchymal lung lesions and occult pneumothorax than bedside radiographs. CT contributed substantially in differentiation of lung abscess and empyema, exclusion of mediastinal pathology and spinal injuries. Aortography is still indicated, even when CT findings are normal if aortic laceration is clinically suspected. Despite all of the technical problems combined with CT examinations in the critically ill patient, we consider CT a valuable diagnostic tool for certain problems in the traumatized patient.