Role of imaging in penetrating and blunt traumatic injury to the heart

Radiological Insights Into the Pericardium: A Comprehensive Review

The pericardium is not simply a two-layered membrane surrounding the heart and great vessels. Pericardial effusion is the most common manifestation of various pathological conditions involving the pericardium. Therefore, we are tempted to think of the pericardium as a virtual space containing only fluid, but it can also contain solid and cystic lesions. We must recall that clinical symptoms are non-specific and may mimic cardiac, pulmonary, or pleural diseases. Imaging findings are not specific for a particular pathology, but when combined with the clinical history, can provide sufficient information to make an accurate differential diagnosis. In this review, we will identify selected entities affecting the pericardium, from benign to malignant, with a brief description of their clinical characteristics.

Computed Tomography Scan of the Chest Is a Reliable Screening Investigation for Structural Cardiac and Pericardial Injury in Patients With Trauma

Background The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest in detecting structural cardiac and pericardial injuries. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from a data registry at a trauma center between January 2015 and June 2022. This study included individuals with severe chest trauma (defined as an Abbreviated Injury Scale score of ≥3 for the chest). The assessment of cardiac injury from chest CT scans relied on the information provided in the official radiological reports. Definitive diagnoses of structural cardiac injury were confirmed on the basis of surgical findings or the diagnosis upon discharge. Results The chest CT scans revealed 11 cases of pericardial abnormalities: 10 (90.9%) cases of pericardial effusion in patients with blunt trauma and one (9.1%) case of pneumopericardium in a patient with a stab wound. Among these 11 cases, surgical exploration identified four structural cardiac and pericardial injuries, and three died during hospitalization. The remaining seven cases underwent nonsurgical intervention, and none exhibited any cardiac and pericardial abnormalities. The chest CT for traumatic structural cardiac and pericardial injuries had a sensitivity of 4/4 (100.0%), a specificity of 402/411 (97.8%), a positive predictive value of 4/11 (36.4%), and a negative predictive value of 404/404 (100.0%). Conclusion This study highlighted a high mortality rate among patients diagnosed with structural cardiac injuries, underscoring the critical importance of accurate and timely diagnostic investigations in such cases. Our findings confirmed that chest CT is a reliable screening tool for detecting structural cardiac injuries in patients with both blunt and penetrating chest trauma. However, given the relatively low positive predictive value of chest CT for structural cardiac injuries, additional diagnostic imaging or prompt surgical intervention may be necessary in cases where pericardial abnormalities are identified on chest CT to address potential occult cardiac injuries.

Right Atrial Rupture on CT Angiography in a Patient Receiving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report

Cardiac rupture is a rare but fatal complication among patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Myocardial rupture can manifest as a discontinuity in the myocardial wall, communication between the ventricle or atrium and the pericardium, hemopericardium, or active extravasation of contrast into the pericardium. It can also occur alongside pericardial rupture or hemothorax. Diagnosing myocardial rupture via imaging is uncommon due to its clinical urgency and high mortality rate. We present a rare case of a 50-year-old man who developed a right atrial rupture, as seen on CT angiography, following CPR and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for sudden cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis and management of blunt cardiac injury: What you need to know

ABSTRACT

Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) encompasses a wide spectrum, from occult and inconsequential contusion to rapidly fatal cardiac rupture. A small percentage of patients present with abnormal electrocardiogram or shock, but most are initially asymptomatic. The potential for sudden dysrhythmia or cardiac pump failure mandates consideration of the presence of BCI, including appropriate monitoring and management. In this review, we will present what you need to know to diagnose and manage BCI.

CT angiography of non-aortic thoracic arterial trauma

While aortic injury is the most commonly cited thoracic arterial injury, non-aortic arterial injuries represent an uncommon but significant source of morbidity and mortality in blunt and penetrating thoracic trauma patients. Knowledge of the spectrum of vascular injury and anatomic considerations that dictate patterns of associated thoracic hemorrhage will assist the radiologist in the accurate and efficient diagnosis of these injuries. This article provides a review of anatomy, pertinent clinical exam and CT angiography findings, as well as therapeutic options for non-aortic thoracic arterial trauma.

Penetrating cardiac trauma caused by a nail-gun: A case report and narrative review

Introduction

Penetrating cardiac injuries are emergencies that require prompt surgical management. Most of these injuries are caused by gunshots or stab wounds however the incidence of nail-gun injuries is rising due to their availability and widespread use. Cardiac injuries caused by nail-guns are often self-inflicted. These injuries almost always require operative management with a sternotomy or thoracotomy.

Case report

This case report describes a 47-year-old male with two self-inflicted nail-gun wounds to the chest. He presented in a stable condition and subsequently underwent an emergency sternotomy to repair a penetrating cardiac injury. We highlight our diagnostic and operative approach to this injury and present a contemporary narrative review of similar cases.

Conclusion

Almost all cases of penetrating trauma caused by nail-gun injuries require urgent surgery. Some cases require the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. In this case, the use of the Medtronic® urchin apical suction device, usually reserved for off pump cardiac surgery, facilitated exposure and repair of the lateral wall of the left ventricle.

Role of chest CT scan in atypical cardiac trauma management: Left ventricle injury by a nail gun

We report a case of an accidental penetrating cardiac trauma with a nail gun. A 28-year-old man was repairing a sofa with a nail gun when a nail was misfired to his chest. At the time of his presentation, he underwent chest CT scan, showing the nail as a sharp hyperdense foreign body penetrating the chest wall passing through the lower lobe of the left lung and finally the anterior aspect of left ventricle cavity. This report highlights the utility of the chest CT scan to detect trajectory of the misfired nail accurately and instantaneously in a hemodynamically stable patient to assist in the surgery plan.

Chest Radiograph (CXR) Manifestations of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Mini-review

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and has claimed more than one million lives, besides causing hardship and disruptions. The Fleischner Society has recommended chest X-ray (CXR) in detecting cases at high risk of disease progression, for triaging suspected patients with moderate-to-severe illness, and for eliminating false negatives in areas with high pre-test probability or limited resources. Although CXR is less sensitive than real-- time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in detecting mild COVID-19, it is nevertheless useful because of equipment portability, low cost and practicality in serial assessments of disease progression among hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to review the typical and relatively atypical CXR manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

The CXRs of 136 COVID-19 patients confirmed through real-time RT-PCR from March to May 2020 were reviewed. A literature search was performed using PubMed.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients had abnormal CXR whilst the others were normal. Typical CXR findings included pulmonary consolidation or ground-glass opacities in a multifocal, bilateral peripheral, or lower zone distribution, whereas atypical CXR features comprised cavitation and pleural effusion.

CONCLUSION

Typical findings of COVID-19 infection in chest computed tomography studies can also be seen in CXR. The presence of atypical features associated with worse disease outcome. Recognition of these features on CXR will improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosing COVID-19 patients.

Multiple trauma management in mountain environments - a scoping review : Evidence based guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom). Intended for physicians and other advanced life support personnel

BACKGROUND

Multiple trauma in mountain environments may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared to urban environments.

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence based guidance to assist rescuers in multiple trauma management in mountain environments.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All articles published on or before September 30th 2019, in all languages, were included. Articles were searched with predefined search terms.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE

PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and hand searching of relevant studies from the reference list of included articles.

CHARTING METHODS

Evidence was searched according to clinically relevant topics and PICO questions.

RESULTS

Two-hundred forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Recommendations were developed and graded according to the evidence-grading system of the American College of Chest Physicians. The manuscript was initially written and discussed by the coauthors. Then it was presented to ICAR MedCom in draft and again in final form for discussion and internal peer review. Finally, in a face-to-face discussion within ICAR MedCom consensus was reached on October 11th 2019, at the ICAR fall meeting in Zakopane, Poland.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple trauma management in mountain environments can be demanding. Safety of the rescuers and the victim has priority. A crABCDE approach, with haemorrhage control first, is central, followed by basic first aid, splinting, immobilisation, analgesia, and insulation. Time for on-site medical treatment must be balanced against the need for rapid transfer to a trauma centre and should be as short as possible. Reduced on-scene times may be achieved with helicopter rescue. Advanced diagnostics (e.g. ultrasound) may be used and treatment continued during transport.

Suspicion of penetrating cardiac injury: Curing or caring?

Identifying penetrating cardiac injury in hemodynamically stable patients can be challenging especially when the patient has no signs of cardiac tamponade and no pericardial effusion identified on transthoracic echocardiography. In this case report, we discuss both penetrating cardiac injuries diagnosis algorithm and treatment strategies. At present, it is difficult to refer to general guidelines transposable from one center to another. We report the paramount importance of multidisciplinary management with experienced teams to face any possible pitfalls in traumatology especially in the context of penetrating cardiac injury.

A Case of Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Related to Traumatic Papillary Muscle Rupture

A 25-year-old male presented after a motor vehicle accident with tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation, due to a flail TV secondary to papillary muscle rupture. We highlight the importance of three-dimensional echocardiographic imaging of the tricuspid valve and its utility in aiding a successful surgical repair.

N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline treatment protects heart against excessive myocardial injury and heart failure in mice

Myocardial infarction (MI) in mice results in cardiac rupture at 4-7 days after MI, whereas cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction occur later. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) has anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and pro-angiogenic properties. We hypothesized that Ac-SDKP reduces cardiac rupture and adverse cardiac remodeling, and improves function by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting detrimental reactive fibrosis and inflammation after MI. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to MI and treated with Ac-SDKP (1.6 mg/kg per day) for 1 or 5 weeks. We analyzed (1) intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression; (2) inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis; (3) gelatinolytic activity; (4) incidence of cardiac rupture; (5) p53, the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homology protein (CHOP), and cardiomyocyte apoptosis; (6) sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) expression; (7) interstitial collagen fraction and capillary density; and (8) cardiac remodeling and function. Acutely, Ac-SDKP reduced cardiac rupture, decreased ICAM-1 expression and the number of infiltrating macrophages, decreased gelatinolytic activity, p53 expression, and myocyte apoptosis, but increased capillary density in the infarction border. Chronically, Ac-SDKP improved cardiac structures and function, reduced CHOP expression and interstitial collagen fraction, and preserved myocardium SERCA2 expression. Thus, Ac-SDKP decreased cardiac rupture, ameliorated adverse cardiac remodeling, and improved cardiac function after MI, likely through preserved SERCA2 expression and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

The use of computed tomography for penetrating heart injury screening

OBJECTIVE

to determine if computed tomography represents a safe option for penetrating heart injury screening.

METHODS

retrospective transversal study which confronted tomographic findings with the ones detected in surgical exploration in patients that had undergone surgery because of suspected cardiac trauma from January, 2016 to January, 2018.

RESULTS

seventy-two cases were analysed; 97.2% of them were males, and the most prevalent age range was 20 to 29 years; 56.9% of them presented injuries caused by firearm shots and 43.1% by cutting weapons. In 20 cases, computed tomography suggested heart injury, confirmed in 13 cases during surgery. Sensitivity of computed tomography was 56.5%, reaching a specificity of 85.7%.

CONCLUSION

computed tomography must not be adopted as a routine for the screening of penetrating heart injuries.

Successful Percutaneous Closure of Traumatic Right Ventricular Free Wall Rupture Using Amplatzer Vascular Plug Devices

Ventricular free wall rupture (VFWR) is a rare entity and is mostly related to post myocardial infarction (MI) complications usually involving left ventricle. In traumatic chest injuries, the right ventricle (RV) is more commonly involved due to its anatomic and structural vulnerability, as in our case. Survival, although rare, has almost always been secondary to urgent surgical repair, which is the current standard of care for such cases. However, extremely tenuous hemodynamic parameters preclude urgent surgical interventions in most of these cases. Surgical repair was considered to have prohibitive risk in our case also due to multiple comorbidities. Our case offers a unique perspective into the feasibility and safety of percutaneous closure of VFWR with devices such as Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) II under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and angiographic guidance in patients who survive VFWR. The lack of randomized evidence to standardize the duration and regimen of antiplatelet therapy following placement of these devices is to be noted.

Noncongenital Ventricular Septal Defects: A Pictorial Review

The purpose of this article was to review the pathophysiology, imaging features, and imaging pitfalls of noncongenital ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Noncongenital VSDs can result from ischemic heart disease, trauma, infection, and iatrogenic causes. Ischemic VSDs typically involve the posterior descending or left anterior descending vascular territories and are commonly seen in the apical septum or basal-mid inferoseptum. VSDs can also occur in patients with infectious endocarditis or as a complication following cardiac surgery. Most of these involve the membranous portion of the interventricular septum. Traumatic VSDs are rare and commonly involve the mid to apical anteroseptum. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can accurately characterize the morphologic features of the defects and associated imaging findings.

Cardiac Trauma

Cardiac trauma is a leading cause of death in the United States and occurs mostly due to motor vehicle accidents. Blunt cardiac trauma and penetrating chest injuries are most common, and both can lead to aortic injuries. Timely diagnosis and early management are the key to improve mortality. Cardiac computed tomography and cardiac ultrasound are the 2 most important diagnostic modalities. Mortality related to cardiac trauma remains high despite improvement in diagnosis and management.

Traumatic Cardiac Injury: Ventricular Perforation Caught on CT

Myocardial rupture is a rare imaging diagnosis given its clinical severity and high mortality. Early findings should be promptly communicated to the trauma service to ensure immediate intervention. We present a rare case of blowout perforation of the right ventricle which was prospectively diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) leading to emergent operative repair. The patient subsequently survived and was discharged after a lengthy hospital course.

Imaging in blunt cardiac injury: Computed tomographic findings in cardiac contusion and associated injuries

BACKGROUND

Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) may manifest as cardiac contusion or, more rarely, as pericardial or myocardial rupture. Computed tomography (CT) is performed in the vast majority of blunt trauma patients, but the imaging features of cardiac contusion are not well described.

PURPOSE

To evaluate CT findings and associated injuries in patients with clinically diagnosed BCI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 42 patients with blunt cardiac injury from our institution's electronic medical record. Clinical parameters, echocardiography results, and laboratory tests were recorded. Two blinded reviewers analyzed chest CTs performed in these patients for myocardial hypoenhancement and associated injuries.

RESULTS

CT findings of severe thoracic trauma are commonly present in patients with severe BCI; 82% of patients with ECG, cardiac enzyme, and echocardiographic evidence of BCI had abnormalities of the heart or pericardium on CT; 73% had anterior rib fractures, and 64% had pulmonary contusions. Sternal fractures were only seen in 36% of such patients. However, myocardial hypoenhancement on CT is poorly sensitive for those patients with cardiac contusion: 0% of right ventricular contusions and 22% of left ventricular contusions seen on echocardiography were identified on CT.

CONCLUSION

CT signs of severe thoracic trauma are frequently present in patients with severe BCI and should be regarded as indirect evidence of potential BCI. Direct CT findings of myocardial contusion, i.e. myocardial hypoenhancement, are poorly sensitive and should not be used as a screening tool. However, some left ventricular contusions can be seen on CT, and these patients could undergo echocardiography or cardiac MRI to evaluate for wall motion abnormalities.

Multidetector CT for Penetrating Torso Trauma: State of the Art

The use of computed tomography (CT) for hemodynamically stable victims of penetrating torso trauma continues to increase but remains less singular to the work-up than in blunt trauma. Research in this area has focused on the incremental benefits of CT within the context of evolving diagnostic algorithms and in conjunction with techniques such as laparoscopy, endoscopy, and angiographic intervention. This review centers on the current state of multidetector CT as a triage tool for penetrating torso trauma and the primacy of trajectory evaluation in diagnosis, while emphasizing diagnostic challenges that have lingered despite tremendous technological advances since CT was first used in this setting 3 decades ago. As treatment strategies have also changed considerably over the years in parallel with advances in CT, current management implications of organ-specific injuries depicted at multidetector CT are also discussed.

Identification of Cardiac and Aortic Injuries in Trauma with Multi-detector Computed Tomography

Blunt and penetrating cardiovascular (CV) injuries are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Rapid detection of these injuries in trauma is critical for patient survival. The advent of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) has led to increased detection of CV injuries during rapid comprehensive scanning of stabilized major trauma patients. MDCT has the ability to acquire images with a higher temporal and spatial resolution, as well as the capability to create multiplanar reformats. This pictorial review illustrates several common and life-threatening traumatic CV injuries from a regional trauma center.

Penetrating Thoracic Injury

This article discusses the role of radiology in evaluating patients with penetrating injuries to the chest. Penetrating injuries to the chest encompass ballistic and nonballistic injuries and can involve superficial soft tissues of the chest wall, lungs and pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum. The mechanism of injury in ballistic and nonballistic trauma and the impact the injury trajectory has on imaging evaluation of penetrating injuries to the chest are discussed. The article presents the broad spectrum of imaging findings a radiologist encounters with penetrating injuries to the chest, with emphasis on injuries to the lungs and pleura, diaphragm, and mediastinum.

Imaging of thoracic trauma

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the commonly encountered findings in all types of thoracic trauma. It is not intended to be a systematic review of the literature, but will discuss and illustrate the differing imaging techniques which are used to diagnose common traumatic injuries in the thorax. Interventional radiology-based therapeutic interventions will be demonstrated.

Next-generation airbags and the possibility of negative outcomes due to thoracic injury

Airbags have been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with motor vehicle accidents when used in conjunction with seat belts. Airbag deployment alone however, has recently been implicated as a cause of significant thoracic injuries to unrestrained drivers. Resulting injuries include major cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. Airbags provide safety to occupants of cars and reduce mortality by 25%-30%. When not used in accordance with international standards, however, they can cause serious injury. We searched online databases from 1970 to January 2013 and included 17 retrospective studies, 12 systematic review articles, 18 case reports, 5 prospective studies, 1 lab study, 3 cohort studies, and 1 meta-analysis. Outcomes included clinical/functional response, left ventricular remodelling, hospitalizations, and mortality. Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for injury when evaluating drivers who were not wearing seat belts when airbags deployed, regardless of the speed of the collision, because increased risk of thoracic injury with airbags has been described in the literature. Our review indicates that even new technology, specifically the side air bag, has been associated with a risk of thoracic injury. Considering that regulations are a driving force for airbag technology, further research and scrutiny by medical teams is needed to consider the effects of airbag technology advancements on morbidity and mortality rates of car accidents, to help in guiding further improvement, and to help lawmakers in implementing rules that protect the safety of occupants.

Diagnosis, work-up and management of blunt cardiac injuries

Blunt cardiac injury has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, some of them quite severe. Its definition varies throughout the literature. The purpose of this review is to describe the epidemiology, screening, diagnosis and management of blunt cardiac injury. Blunt cardiac injury complicates up to 30% of severe blunt force trauma. It can be classified into electrical and structural abnormalities. Screening modalities include electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes. Serial negative electrocardiograms and troponins can safely rule out blunt cardiac injury. A transthoracic echocardiogram should be performed if persistent dysrhythmia or hypotension. All dysrhythmias should be treated. Patients with structural abnormalities rarely survive. In conclusion, blunt cardiac injury is prevalent after significant blunt trauma. The appropriate screening modalities should be employed and any abnormality to be treated.

Isolated right atrial rupture because of external cardiac massage after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Isolated right atrial rupture is a very rare catastrophic complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Objective: We described a rare case of right atrial rupture after external cardiac massage.

Methods: We reported the case of a 62-year-old male patient who developed excessive bleeding following external cardiac massage for sudden cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Results: This man underwent successful emergency repair of the tear of the right atrium without using cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusion: Right atrial rupture can occur after external cardiac massage. An emergency repair is needed.

Airway strategies for lung isolation in a patient with high-velocity nail gun injuries to the right cardiac ventricle and floor of the mouth: a case report

Introduction

We report a case of deliberate self-harm in which three three-inch nails were fired from a nail gun resulting in mandibular fixation and two penetrating injuries to the right cardiac ventricle. This combination of high-velocity penetrating injury has not been previously described.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old Caucasian man with a medical history of chronic depression was brought to hospital after a failed suicide attempt. The attempt consisted of self-asphyxiation with car exhaust fumes and shooting himself thrice with a three-inch nail gun. He sustained a penetrating nail injury to the floor of his mouth, effectively pinning his mouth closed, and penetrating injuries to the right ventricular free wall and at the junction of the right atrioventricular septum. The patient required emergency surgery with requirements for thoracotomy and sternotomy, lung isolation and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusions

This is the first reported case of a combination high-velocity penetrating nail gun injury to the face and the right cardiac ventricle. This rare case offers airway strategies to accommodate the surgical requirement for lung separation for penetrating chest trauma in a patient with iatrogenically limited mouth opening.

Traumatic ventricular septal defect: characterization with electrocardiogram-gated cardiac computed tomography angiography

Ventricular septal defects as a result of blunt trauma to the chest have not been frequently reported in the literature. In addition, the majority of these cases have been imaged with echocardiography alone. We report a case in which a ventricular septal defect caused by blunt chest trauma was characterized with electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography angiography. A review of the current literature and theories of injury mechanism are also provided.

VSD following blunt cardiac trauma: MRI findings

In this report, we describe the clinical and radiographic findings of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) following blunt cardiac trauma in two patients. VSDs following either penetrating or blunt cardiac trauma are a rare occurrence. The variable presentation and timing of symptom onset along with the common association of other injuries can make the diagnosis of a posttraumatic VSD difficult. Therefore, investigation should be initiated when elements from the history and physical examination (e.g., new onset murmur), laboratory tests (e.g., cardiac enzymes), EKG, and CT or echocardiography warrant it. The first patient was a 19-year-old male who was hemodynamically stable on initial presentation to this trauma center after a motor vehicle collision. A posttraumatic VSD was found by echocardiography on the day of admission and further defined on cardiac MRI (CMRI). The second patient was a 31-year-oid male who presented after a high-speed motorcycle accident and was found to have a VSD 40 days later on CMRI after a fluctuating clinical course and multiple normal echocardiograms. Both patients had good outcomes with subsequent surgical closure.

El uso de las imágenes en el trauma de tórax

El  trauma  de  tórax  produce  un  desenlace  fatal  en aproximadamente un 25% de los traumatismos en general. Constituye  la  principal  causa  de  morbilidad  y  mortalidad después  del  trauma  craneoencefálico  y  las  lesiones  de  la médula ósea; puede afectar cualquiera o la totalidad de las estructuras del  tórax, desde los tejidos blandos, la pleura, los pulmones y el diafragma hasta las estructuras mediastinales incluyendo el corazón. Constituye una urgencia médica que requiere de un rápido y oportuno manejo. Su diagnóstico temprano  y  un  adecuado  tratamiento  en  los  servicios  de urgencias  evitarán  una  resolución  fatal  en  la  mayoría  de pacientes  que  ha  sufrido  un  trauma  de  tórax  teniendo  en cuenta que aproximadamente solo de un 10 a 15 % requiere manejo  quirúrgico.  Es  de  vital  importancia  establecer  un diagnóstico, por  lo cual  las  imágenes diagnósticas, entre ellas la  radiografía  convencional  y  la  tomografía  computarizada multidetector juegan un papel fundamental ya que cada vez se están  utilizando  con  mayor  frecuencia  porque  brindan información rápida y precisa en  la variedad de  lesiones de  los pacientes que han sufrido trauma; además las imágenes de tomografía  computada  multiplanar  y  volumétricas proporcionan una mejor visualización de las lesiones con un aumento en la comprensión de estas para así poder ofrecer un tratamiento a  las  lesiones  secundarias a un  trauma de tórax. Por  lo  tanto, el profesional de  la medicina debe  tener un conocimiento claro acerca de la ayuda diagnóstica de mejor elección y de  la  interpretación de  la misma. Para la realización del presente artículo se hizo una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en relación al trauma de tórax, su epidemiología, fisiopatología,  clasificación  y  los  métodos  de  ayudas diagnósticas por  imagen que se utilizan para su adecuado diagnóstico y manejo.