Imaging of penetrating chest trauma

This article discusses the role of imaging in evaluating patients who are admitted with penetrating injuries to the chest. Emphasis is placed on the role of multidetector row CT, which has been introduced in the past 5 years into the arena of care for trauma victims. It is important to take full advantage of this new CT technology with its capability to produce high-resolution multiplanar and volumetric images to diagnose penetrating chest injuries. This article emphasizes detection of active bleeding and assessment of the mediastinum for penetrating injury.