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Sozzi M, Inaba K, Schellenberg MA, Matsushima K, Martin MJ. Dangerous passage: the utility and accuracy of modern chest computed tomography in penetrating thoracic injuries with potential transmediastinal trajectory. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2023; 49:2439-2445. [PMID: 37358631 PMCID: PMC10728241 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-023-02315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate utility and reliability of chest CT as a standalone screening modality for stable patients with thoracic GSWs and potential transmediastinal trajectories. METHODS All patients with thoracic GSWs over a 5-year period were identified. Unstable patients requiring immediate surgery were excluded and the remaining underwent chest CT with intravenous contrast. Sensitivity and specificity for clinically significant injuries were tested against an aggregate gold standard of discharge diagnosis including imaging, operative and clinical findings. RESULTS A total of 216 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent chest CT. After imaging, 65 (30.1%) had indication for immediate surgery, of which 10 (4.6%) underwent a thoracic procedure for chest injuries while 151 (69.9%) were selected for nonoperative management (NOM). 11 (5.1%) required a delayed thoracic operation, none due to injuries missed on CT. The remaining 140 (64.8%) underwent successful NOM. Up to 195 (90.3%) patients had successful NOM of thoracic injuries. Only 9.2% required additional imaging, all negative. CT identified a cardiac injury in one case and a vascular injury in two cases, all confirmed by surgery, while one thoracic IVC injury missed on CT was found intraoperatively. 2 patients had CT suspicious for esophageal injury, ruled out by following investigations. There was one death in the total cohort, none in the NOM group. CONCLUSIONS Modern high-quality CT provides highly accurate and reliable screening modality for penetrating chest and mediastinal injuries and can be used as a standalone study in most patients or to guide further tests. Chest CT facilitated successful NOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sozzi
- Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Room C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Kenji Inaba
- Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Room C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Morgan A Schellenberg
- Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Room C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Kazuhide Matsushima
- Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Room C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Matthew J Martin
- Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Room C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
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Sozzi M, Wu Y, Matsushima K, Schellenberg M, Inaba K, Martin M. Impact of Postoperative Imaging Following Emergency Surgery for Penetrating Ballistic Thoracic Trauma. Am Surg 2023; 89:4018-4024. [PMID: 37165630 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231175451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients undergoing emergent surgical procedures after penetrating trauma can benefit from postoperative imaging studies to identify potential missed injuries or indications to additional surgery. Aim of this study is to describe postoperative imaging findings in patients who underwent emergent operation for thoracic gunshot wounds (GSWs) and the subsequent need for further surgery, diagnostic evaluations or consults. METHODS Patients who survived to receive imaging evaluation after emergency surgery for penetrating chest trauma in a level I trauma center between 2017 and 2021 were included. Results of postoperative diagnostic evaluation were screened to determine their impact on the subsequent management. RESULTS Overall, 125 patients admitted with a thoracic GSW underwent an emergent surgical procedure and 29 survived to receive postoperative imaging and were included. Postoperative CT-scan was performed in 26 (89.6%) patients, echocardiography in 8 (27.5%). Other tests included esophagoscopy (1) and bronchoscopy (1). Impact on management of abnormal imaging included a new indication to surgery or additional procedures in 7 cases and need for additional imaging or consults in other 8 cases. Bone fractures and lung injuries were more often diagnosed on postoperative CT-scan. In 3 patients, abnormal echocardiographic findings led to a second cardiac operation. CONCLUSION Following emergency surgery for penetrating trauma, completion of injury assessment with CT-scan can lead to identification of missed or additional injuries, while other imaging is indicated according to operative findings. In this study, 24.1% had additional surgical pathology identified by postoperative imaging while others had findings requiring additional studies or specialist consult evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sozzi
- LAC+USC Medical Center, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yutung Wu
- LAC+USC Medical Center, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kazuhide Matsushima
- LAC+USC Medical Center, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Morgan Schellenberg
- LAC+USC Medical Center, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kenji Inaba
- LAC+USC Medical Center, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Martin
- LAC+USC Medical Center, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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de Melo ASA, Moreira LBM, Pessoa FMC, Saint-Martin N, Ancilotti Filho R, Souza AS, Marchiori E. Tomographic aspects of penetrating thoracic trauma: injuries from firearms and other weapons. Radiol Bras 2017; 50:372-377. [PMID: 29307927 PMCID: PMC5746881 DOI: 10.1590/0100-3984.2016.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the various computed tomography findings in penetrating chest trauma, as well as to determine the frequency and extent of the lesions. Material and Methods We studied the computed tomography findings from 40 cases of penetrating thoracic trauma, of which 35 (85.8%) were gunshot wounds and 5 (14.2%) were caused by another type of weapon. Results Pulmonary lesions were found in 39 cases (97.5%), manifesting as contusions in 34 cases (85%), atelectasis in 8 (20%), lacerations in 1 (2.5%) and hematomas in 1 (2.5%). Hemothorax was seen in 31 cases (77.5%), and pneumothorax was seen in 22 cases (55%). Mediastinal lesions were observed in 8 cases (20%), including mediastinal hematoma in 3 cases (7.5%), hemopericardium in 3 (7.5%), and pneumomediastinum in 2 (5%). Diaphragmatic rupture was seen in 2 cases (5%). Conclusion In patients with penetrating thoracic trauma, computed tomography of the chest is an important tool for characterizing the affected organs and evaluating the path of injury, as well as the severity and extent of the lesions. The images obtained are also useful in estimating the risk of death and determining the best therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luiza Beatriz Melo Moreira
- MD, Radiologist at the Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro da Universidade Federal Fluminense (HUAP-UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Nara Saint-Martin
- MD, Resident at Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro da Universidade Federal Fluminense (HUAP-UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roger Ancilotti Filho
- MD, Resident at Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro da Universidade Federal Fluminense (HUAP-UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Arthur Soares Souza
- PhD, MD, Radiologist, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (Famerp) and Ultra X, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Marchiori
- Full Professor at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Fu HY, Ting M, Wang YC, Yu HY. Intracardiac foreign body resulting from a transmediastinal gunshot mimics an extracardiac foreign body: An image presentation. J Formos Med Assoc 2017; 116:815-818. [PMID: 28709823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A transmediastinal gunshot wound (TMGW) is one of the most severe traumatic injuries, with a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis and emergency surgical intervention with or without cardiopulmonary bypass are usually required to save lives. We report a particular case of TMGW in which the computed tomography imaging findings indicated an extracardiac foreign body. However, intraoperative findings revealed an intracardiac foreign body, and urgent cardiopulmonary bypass was performed to remove the foreign body. We suggest that cardiopulmonary bypass should be on standby during an exploratory sternotomy for TMGW, when the trajectory of the bullet hints at a cardiac-penetrating injury according to imaging studies and the location of the bullet remains unaffected by the patient's postural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsun-Yi Fu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao Ting
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Yu Yu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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O’Connor JV. Transmediastinal gunshot wound. TRAUMA-ENGLAND 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/1460408614553544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James V O’Connor
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, USA
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Transmediastinal and transcardiac gunshot wound with hemodynamic stability. Case Rep Surg 2014; 2014:985097. [PMID: 25197606 PMCID: PMC4150517 DOI: 10.1155/2014/985097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac injuries caused by knives and firearms are slightly increasing in our environment. We report the case of a 43-year-old male patient with a transmediastinal gunshot wound (TGSW) and a through-and-through cardiac wound who was hemodynamically stable upon his admission. He had an entrance wound below the left clavicle, with no exit wound, and decreased breath sounds in the right hemithorax. Chest X-ray showed the bullet in the right hemithorax and large right hemothorax. The ultrasound revealed pericardial effusion, and a chest tube produced 1500 cc. of blood, but he remained hemodynamically stable. Considering these findings, a median sternotomy was carried out, the through-and-through cardiac wounds were suture-repaired, lung laceration was sutured, and a pacemaker was placed in the right ventricle. The patient had uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the twelfth postoperative day. The management and prognosis of these patients are determined by the hemodynamic situation upon arrival to the Emergency Department (ED), as well as a prompt surgical repair if needed. Patients with a TGSW have been divided into three groups according to the SBP: group I, with SBP >100 mmHg; group II, with SBP 60–100 mmHg; and group III, with SBP <60 mmHg. The diagnostic workup and management should be tailored accordingly, and several series have confirmed high chances of success with conservative management when these patients are hemodynamically stable.
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Okoye OT, Talving P, Teixeira PG, Chervonski M, Smith JA, Inaba K, Noguchi TT, Demetriades D. Transmediastinal gunshot wounds in a mature trauma centre: changing perspectives. Injury 2013; 44:1198-203. [PMID: 23298755 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transmediastinal gunshot wounds are associated with a high mortality and frequently require operative intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of these injuries in a mature trauma system with decreasing prehospital time intervals. METHODS Patients admitted to a large urban Level 1 trauma centre between 1/2006 and 12/2010 sustaining a firearm injury to the torso were identified. Transmediastinal gunshot wounds were defined as missile tracts traversing the mediastinum identified on CT images, operative notes or autopsy reports. RESULTS Overall, 133 patients met study criteria. A total of 116 patients (87.2%) were haemodynamically unstable or had no vital signs on arrival to the Emergency Department. Ninety-seven (83.6%) of these patients required a resuscitative thoracotomy resulting in 8 survivors (6.0%). There were 17 haemodynamically stable patients (12.8%) identified, 14 of whom underwent CT scan evaluation. Six patients subsequently required operative intervention. Only 11 patients (8.3%) in the study population were successfully managed nonoperatively. The overall mortality was 78.9%, and for those who reached the hospital with vital signs, the mortality was 24.3%. CONCLUSIONS Transmediastinal gunshot wounds encountered in a mature trauma centre are highly lethal injuries requiring resuscitative thoracotomy in most instances. Changing perspectives in these injuries may reflect the effects of an evolving prehospital care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obi T Okoye
- Division of Trauma Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States
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Co SJ, Yong-Hing CJ, Galea-Soler S, Ruzsics B, Schoepf UJ, Ajlan A, Aljan A, Farand P, Nicolaou S. Role of imaging in penetrating and blunt traumatic injury to the heart. Radiographics 2012; 31:E101-15. [PMID: 21768229 DOI: 10.1148/rg.314095177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac injury due to blunt or penetrating chest trauma is common and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the mechanisms, types, and complications of cardiac injuries and the roles of various imaging modalities in characterizing them is important for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. These injuries have not been well documented at imaging, but there are now fast and accurate methods for evaluating the heart and associated mediastinal structures. The authors review the broad spectrum of injuries that can result from blunt or penetrating trauma to the chest, as well as the imaging modalities commonly used in the acute trauma setting for evaluation of the heart and mediastinal structures. A pictorial review of both common and, to date, rarely documented cardiac injuries imaged with a variety of modalities is also presented. While many imaging modalities are available, the authors demonstrate the value of multidetector computed tomography (CT) for the initial evaluation of patients with blunt or penetrating chest trauma. With the advent of multidetector CT, imaging of cardiac injury has increased and accurate identification of these rare but potentially lethal injuries has become paramount for improving survival. Selection of the most appropriate modality for evaluation and recognition of the imaging findings in cardiac injuries in the acute trauma setting is important to expedite treatment and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Co
- Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Stein DM, Scalea TM. Trauma to the Torso. Surgery 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-68113-9_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Burack JH, Kandil E, Sawas A, O'Neill PA, Sclafani SJA, Lowery RC, Zenilman ME. Triage and Outcome of Patients with Mediastinal Penetrating Trauma. Ann Thorac Surg 2007; 83:377-82; discussion 382. [PMID: 17257952 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2006.05.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2006] [Revised: 05/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A retrospective study was conducted detailing an experience with echocardiography and contrast-enhanced helical computed tomographic angiographic (CTA) scans in the evaluation of stable patients with mediastinal penetrating trauma (MPT). METHODS Unstable patients underwent emergent operative intervention, and stable patients underwent chest roentgenogram, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and CTA. Further testing (angiogram, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, esophagogram) was done only if one of these studies revealed evidence of a trajectory in the vicinity of major vasculature or viscera. RESULTS Between 1997 and 2003, 207 patients had MPT. Seventy-two (35%) were unstable (45 gun shot wounds, 27 stab wounds) and 19 died in the emergency department. Fifty-three had emergent intervention and 32 survived. Work-up was done on 135 stable patients (65%) consisting of 46 gunshot wounds and 89 stab wounds, of which 5 had a positive TTE result and underwent a repair of a cardiac injury. CTA evaluation was normal in almost 80% of patients, who subsequently did not require further evaluation or treatment. In the stable patients, endoscopy or esophagography confirmed one tracheal injury and no esophageal injury. In the entire group, 10 patients (7%) had occult injury, and there were no deaths or missed injuries. CONCLUSIONS In cases of MPT, unstable patients require surgery, and in stable patients, TTE and chest CTA are effective screening tools. Patients with a negative TTE and CTA results can be observed and may not require further testing or endoscopy, whereas patients with positive TTE or CTA results require further assessment to exclude occult injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua H Burack
- Department of Surgery, Kings County Hospital Center, and State University of New York-Downstate, Brooklyn, New York 11203, USA.
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Ibirogba S, Nicol AJ, Navsaria PH. Screening helical computed tomographic scanning in haemodynamic stable patients with transmediastinal gunshot wounds. Injury 2007; 38:48-52. [PMID: 17054956 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2006.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/24/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study was to review and evaluate the efficacy of contrast-enhanced helical computed tomographic (CT) scanning in evaluating potential mediastinal injuries in stable patients with transmediastinal gunshot wounds (TMGSWs). METHODS During the review period, 01 January 2002-31 May 2005, the medical records of all haemodynamically stable patients with TMGSWs were retrieved and reviewed for demographics, diagnostic workup, treatment and complications. Screening CT was considered inconclusive in the presence of a mediastinal haematoma, pneumomediastinum or a missile track in proximity of major mediastinal structures. Inconclusive CT scans were further evaluated with angiography, and/or oesophography, and/or cardiac ultrasound. RESULTS Fifty consecutive haemodynamically stable patients with TMGSWs were identified. Thirty-five CT scans were performed, of which 29 (82.9%) were conclusive. Further diagnostic evaluation in the remaining six patients showed no injury. All patients were observed in a high-care unit and there were no missed injuries. The hospital charges generated with the CT scan based protocol were significantly less than with standard evaluation. CONCLUSION Contrast enhanced helical CT scanning is a safe, efficient and cost effective screening tool for evaluating haemodynamically stable patients with TMGSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheriff Ibirogba
- Trauma Centre C-14, Groote Schuur Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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Faschingbauer M, Schulz AP, Jürgens C. Cardial gunshot injury: treatment in a trauma hospital without a cardiac unit. Eur J Emerg Med 2006; 13:238-41. [PMID: 16816591 DOI: 10.1097/01.mej.0000209051.78257.f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gunshot injuries to the chest often require urgent admission to the nearest hospital, because of the cardiorespiratory status, transfer to a hospital without a cardiothoracic unit might be unsafe. In this case, a male patient was transferred to the nearest hospital on being shot through the heart. On admission, he was in shock, and immediate surgery was performed. We report our treatment regime for thoracic injuries and the specific management of this patient. We conclude that every hospital with an accident and emergency department has to be prepared for such an injury and that operative management is possible without cardiopulmonary bypass.
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Abstract
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.
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Khoynezhad A, Barrett L, Hayn E, Shaftan GW. Total mediastinal traverse with isolated internal mammary artery transection. J Card Surg 2004; 19:136-8. [PMID: 15016050 DOI: 10.1111/j.0886-0440.2004.04026.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Transmediastinal gunshot wounds are infrequent but life-threatening injuries. The course of the projectile and the bullet track often is unpredictable. Prompt and specific diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are necessary to quickly identify and repair potentially life-threatening injuries to the heart, great vessels, and the aerodigestive tract. Multiple diagnostic algorithms exist for work-up of these injuries, and the therapeutic interventions are diverse and challenging. We describe a patient with total mediastinal traverse, who presented with right-sided hemopneumothorax. The work-up revealed surprisingly an isolated left internal mammary artery transection with a significant hemorrhage that mandated surgical intervention in left chest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khoynezhad
- Department of Surgery, North Shore University-Long Island Jewish Medical Center, The Long Island Campus of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, USA.
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Stassen NA, Lukan JK, Spain DA, Miller FB, Carrillo EH, Richardson JD, Battistella FD. Reevaluation of diagnostic procedures for transmediastinal gunshot wounds. THE JOURNAL OF TRAUMA 2002; 53:635-8; discussion 638. [PMID: 12394859 DOI: 10.1097/00005373-200210000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little controversy surrounds the treatment of hemodynamically unstable patients with transmediastinal gunshot wounds (TMGSWs). These patients generally have cardiac or major vascular injuries and require immediate operation. In hemodynamically stable patients, debate surrounds the extent and order of the diagnostic evaluation. These patients can be uninjured, or can have occult vascular, esophageal, or tracheobronchial injuries. Evaluation has traditionally often included angiography, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, esophagography, and pericardial evaluation (i.e., pericardial window) for all hemodynamically stable patients with TMGSWs. Expansion of the use of computed tomographic (CT) scanning in penetrating injury led to a modification of our protocol. Currently, our TMGSW evaluation algorithm for stable patients consists of chest radiograph, focused abdominal sonography for trauma, and contrast-enhanced helical CT scan of the chest with directed further evaluation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of contrast-enhanced helical CT scan for evaluating potential mediastinal injuries and to determine whether patients can be simply observed or require further investigational studies. METHODS Medical records of hemodynamically stable patients admitted with TMGSWs over a 2-year period were reviewed for demographics, mechanism of injury, method of evaluation, operative interventions, injuries, length of stay, and complications. CT scans were considered positive if they contained a mediastinal hematoma or pneumomediastinum, or demonstrated proximity of the missile track to major mediastinal structures. RESULTS Twenty-two stable patients were studied. CT scans were positive in seven patients. Directed further diagnostic evaluation in those seven patients revealed two patients who required operative intervention. Sixty-eight percent of patients had negative CT scans and were observed in a monitored setting without further evaluation. There were no missed injuries. The hospital charges generated with the CT scan-based protocol are significantly less than with the standard evaluation. CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced helical CT scanning is a safe, efficient, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for evaluating hemodynamically stable patients with mediastinal gunshot wounds. Positive CT scan results direct the further evaluation of potentially injured structures. Patients with negative results can safely be observed in a monitored setting without further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Stassen
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, and the University of Louisville Hospital, Kentucky 40292, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Penetrating injuries to the chest present a frequent and challenging problem. The majority of these injuries can be managed non-operatively. The selection of patients for operation or observation can be made by clinical examination and appropriate investigations. The trauma ultrasound has become a valuable first-line tool to rule out pericardial tamponade. Spiral computed tomography of the chest is increasingly used to evaluate transmediastinal gunshot wounds and direct, if needed, further organ-specific tests, such as esophagography, aortography, or bronchoscopy. Minimally invasive techniques have found sound application in the thoracoscopic evacuation of undrained hemothorax and the laparoscopic evaluation of diaphragmatic trauma. In the operative arena, lung-sparing techniques with the use of staplers, like wedge resection and tractotomy, have allowed easier, faster, and effective control of bleeding without sacrificing unnecessarily normal pulmonary parenchyma. Knowledge of the new advancements in the field of thoracic trauma will allow surgeons to provide expert care and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Demetriades
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90033, USA.
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Abstract
The hospitals in Johannesburg deal with about 4,000 gunshot wounds a year. Although most are from hand guns, a number are from high velocity, military-type weapons. Extensive experience has been built up and many lessons learned. Attention is directed to the actual damage inflicted rather than on theoretical predictions based on presumed velocity of the bullets involved, as this can often be misleading. Some patients are delayed in their presentation to emergency departments, in other cases several gunshot wound patients arrive at the same time, requiring appropriate triage and urgent management.
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Affiliation(s)
- C MacFarlane
- Gauteng Provincial Government, Emergency Medical Services, and University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Abstract
The evaluation of mediastinal trauma has undergone some important changes in the last few years. Electrocardiography (ECG) combined with troponin measurements have become the standard of evaluation of suspected blunt cardiac trauma. Spiral computerized tomography (CT) scan has largely replaced angiography for suspected blunt aortic rupture. There is good evidence that with a suspicious mechanism of injury the thoracic aorta should be evaluated irrespective of chest X-ray findings. In penetrating trauma the introduction of trauma ultrasound in the emergency room has revolutionized the early diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. Most mediastinal gunshot wounds in haemodynamically stable patients can safely be managed non-operatively. Evaluation of the direction of the bullet tract by means of spiral CT scan has replaced angiography and oesophageal studies in about 75% of patients with mediastinal gunshot wounds who are haemodynamically stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Salim
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California School of Medicine and the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Demetrios Demetriades
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California School of Medicine and the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA,
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Bolivar DA, O'Callaghan TA. Evidence-based practice for penetrating trauma to the chest. THE JOURNAL OF TRAUMA 2000; 49:1159. [PMID: 11130510 DOI: 10.1097/00005373-200012000-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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