Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com nódulos pulmonares em acompanhamento ambulatorial no período de 2013 a 2015 / Epidemiological profile of patients with pulmonary nodules in clinic follow-up in the period from 2013 to 2015

Este artigo teve como objetivo conhecer o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com nódulos pulmonares descobertos de forma acidental e seu desfecho durante o acompanhamento no ambulatório de pneumologia de Criciúma/SC entre os anos de 2013 a 2015. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, longitudinal, retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa, com coleta de dados de 250 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de nódulo pulmonar ao acaso. As características clínicas estudadas foram: gênero, idade, tabagismo, carga tabágica e o exame de diagnóstico. As características radiográficas avaliadas em relação ao nódulo foram: presença de margens espiculadas, tamanho nodular, localização anatômica e, posteriormente, os nódulos foram classificados em: provavelmente benigno, maligno ou indeterminado. Como resultado, percebeu-se que 58,8%dos casos de nódulo pulmonar foram observados em mulheres, sendo a faixa etária mais comum, independente de gênero, entre 51-70 anos. Em 60,6% dos pacientes, o raio-X de tórax foi o exame que detectou esses nódulos. Observou-se, também, que 60,8% dos nódulos foram classificados como provavelmente benigno e 44,8% dos nódulos localizaram-se em lobos superiores. Houve associação significativa entre malignidade do nódulo e tamanho do mesmo (p = 0,001).Portanto, conclui-se que a prevalência dos nódulos incidentais foi maior na faixa etária de 51-70 anos, sendo que as mulheres alcançaram porcentagem 17,6% superior ao sexo masculino. Verificou-se predomínio da distribuição dos nódulos em lobos superiores e da categorização dos nódulos como provavelmente benignos. Além disso, significância estatística foi constatada em relação aos maiores tamanhos nodulares e provável desfecho maligno (p = 0,001).

This article had as objective to know the epidemiological profile of patients with accidentally discovered pulmonary nodules and their outcome during the follow-up in the Criciúma/SC pneumology clinic between 2013 and 2015. An observational, longitudinal, retrospective study, with quantitative approach was performed with data collection of 250 medical records of patients with diagnosis of incidental pulmonary nodules. The clinical characteristics studied were: gender, age, smoking, smoking load and diagnostic examination. The radiographic characteristics evaluated in relation to the nodule were: presence of spiculated margins, nodular size, anatomical location and, later, the nodules were classified in: probably benign, malignant or undetermined. As a result, it was observed that 58,8% of the cases of pulmonary nodule were observed in women, being the most common age group, independent of gender, between 51-70 years. In 60,6% of the patients, the chest xray was the test that detected theses nodules. It was also observed that 60,8% of the nodules were classified as probably benign and 44,8% of the nodules were located in upper lobes. There was a significant association between nodule malignancy and size of the nodule (p = 0.001). Therefore, it is concluded that the prevalence of incidental nodules was higher in the age group of 51-70 years, and women reached percentage 17.6% higher than male sex. There was a predominance of nodal distribution in upper lobes and the categorization of nodules as probably benign. Furthermore, statistical significance was observed in relation to the larger nodular sizes and probable malignant outcome (p = 0.001).

Redistributed Regional Ventilation after the Administration of a Bronchodilator Demonstrated on Xenon-Inhaled Dual-Energy CT in a Patient with Asthma

We report here on the redistributed regional ventilation abnormalities after the administration of a bronchodilator and as seen on xenon-inhaled dual-energy CT in a patient with asthma. The improved ventilation seen in the right lower lobe and the decreased ventilation seen in the right middle lobe after the administration of a bronchodilator on xenon-inhaled dual-energy CT could explain a positive bronchodilator response on a pulmonary function test. These changes may reflect the heterogeneity of the airway responsiveness to a bronchodilator in patients with asthma.

Multilocular Thymic Cyst Associated with Mediastinal Teratoma: A Case Report

Multilocular thymic cyst (MTC) has been reported to develop in concert with various mediastinal neoplasms that have intrinsic inflammatory components, such as thymoma, thymic carcinoma, Hodgkin's disease, and seminoma. However, development of mediastinal teratoma without intrinsic inflammation in association with MTC has rarely been reported. Here, we report the findings of a case of MTC associated with mediastinal mature cystic teratoma on computed tomography (CT) with CT-histopathologic correlation.

Multilocular Thymic Cyst Associated with Mediastinal Teratoma: A Case Report

Multilocular thymic cyst (MTC) has been reported to develop in concert with various mediastinal neoplasms that have intrinsic inflammatory components, such as thymoma, thymic carcinoma, Hodgkin's disease, and seminoma. However, development of mediastinal teratoma without intrinsic inflammation in association with MTC has rarely been reported. Here, we report the findings of a case of MTC associated with mediastinal mature cystic teratoma on computed tomography (CT) with CT-histopathologic correlation.

Posterior Diaphragmatic Defect Detected on Chest CT: the Incidence according to Age and the Lateral Chest Radiographic Appearances

PURPOSE: We wanted to investigate the incidence of posterior diaphragmatic defect on chest CT in various age gropus and its lateral chest radiographic appearances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chest CT scans of 78 patients of various ages with posterior diaphragmatic defect were selected among 1,991 patients, and they were analyzed for the incidence of defect in various age groups, the defect location and the herniated contents. Their lateral chest radiographs were analyzed for the shape of the posterior diaphragm and the posterior costophrenic sulcus. RESULTS: The patients' ages ranged from 34 to 87 with the tendency of a higher incidence in the older patients. The defect most frequently involved the medial two thirds (n= 49, 50.4%) and middle one third (n=36, 37%) of the posterior diaphragm. The retroperitoneal fat was herniated into the thorax through the defect in all patients, and sometimes with the kidney (n=8). Lateral chest radiography showed a normal diaphragmatic contour (n=51, 49.5%), blunting of the posterior costophrenic sulcus (n=41, 39.8%), focal humping of the posterior diaphragm (n=7, 6.8%), or upward convexity (n=4, 3.9%) of the posterior costophrenic sulcus on the affected side. CONCLUSION: The posterior diaphragmatic defect discovered in asymptomatic patients who are without a history of peridiaphragmatic disease is most likely acquired, and this malady increases in incidence according to age. An abnormal contour of the posterior diaphragm or the costophrenic sulcus on a lateral chest radiograph may be a finding of posterior diaphragmatic defect.

CT Analysis of the Anterior Mediastinum in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to determine whether the amount and shape of the anterior mediastinal fat in the patients suffering with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was different from those of the normal control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected patients who suffered with UIP (n = 26) and NSIP (n = 26) who had undergone CT scans. Twenty-six controls were selected from individuals with normal CT findings and normal pulmonary function tests. All three groups (n = 78) were individually matched for age and gender. The amounts of anterior mediastinal fat, and the retrosternal anteroposterior (AP) and transverse dimensions of the anterior mediastinal fat were compared by one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's test. The shapes of the anterior mediastinum were compared using the Chi-square test. Exact logistic regression analysis and polychotomous logistic regression analysis were employed to assess whether the patients with NSIP or UIP had a tendency to show a convex shape of their anterior mediastinal fat. RESULTS: The amount of anterior mediastinal fat was not different among the three groups (p = 0.175). For the UIP patients, the retrosternal AP dimension of the anterior mediastinal fat was shorter (p = 0.037) and the transverse dimension of the anterior mediastinal fat was longer (p = 0.001) than those of the normal control group. For the NSIP patients, only the transverse dimension was significantly longer than those of the normal control group (p < 0.001). The convex shape of the anterior mediastinum was predictive of NSIP (OR = 19.7, CI 3.32-infinity, p < 0.001) and UIP (OR = 24.42, CI 4.06-infinity, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For UIP patients, the retrosternal AP and transverse dimensions are different from those of normal individuals, whereas the amounts of anterior mediastinal fat are similar. UIP and NSIP patients have a tendency to have a convex shape of their anterior mediastinal fat.

Three Dimensional Images of the Sternum in Children with Using MDCT

PURPOSE: We wanted to analyze the three dimensional images with using multidetector CT scanning of the sternum in children, and we wanted to compare the CT findings with the children's age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the three dimensional images of the sternum of 67 children (62 were boys and 5 were girls). The age of the children was 3-15 years old (mean age: 7.5). We evaluated the number of sternal bodies, the presence of the xiphoid process and the bifid shape of each sternal body. RESULTS: The number of sternal bodies was from three to five; 30 patients had 3 bodies, 25 patients had 4 bodies and 5 patients had 2. The number of sternal bodies was 3.4 in Group I, 3.5 in Group II and 3.9 in Group III. As the children's age increased, the number of sternal body was statistically increased. When the number of sternal bodies was three, the mean age of children was 5.4 year; when it was four or five, the mean age of children was 8.1 year. The children's age was increased as the number of sternal bodies increased. The mean age of the children with a xiphoid process was 7.0 years, and the mean age of children without a xiphoid process was 8.1. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with or without xiphoid process. Among the 67 children, 9 had the bifid shape in the 3rd portion of the sternal body, 5 had the bifid shape in 4th portion, 2 had the bifid shape in 2nd portion and 1 had the bifid shape in 5th portion. CONCLUSION: The number of sternal bodies was mostly three or four. The number of sternal bodies was related to the children's age. There is no relationship between children's age and the presence of the xiphoid process. The bifid shapes are mostly shown in the 3rd and 4th portion of the sternal body.

Thoracic CT Findings of Adult-Onset Still's Disease: A Case Report

Adult-onset of Still's disease is a rare systemic rheumatic disorder. It involves various organs including the lungs and pleura. We report here the CT findings of a patient with the thoracic manifestations of Still's disease, including axillary and mediastinal lymphadenopathies, pleural and pericardial effusions and infiltrations in both lung bases.

Traumatic Thoracic Injury: The Role of Multidetector-row CT

The introduction of Multidetector-row CT (MDCT) has revolutionized the diagnostic strategy of multitrauma patients. The rapid acquisition of a large scanning volume with a thin slice collimation allows for motion-free images of high spatial resolution, and this enables the application of the multiplanar reformat (MPR) and 3D volume-rendering (VR) images. The MPR images more accurately demonstrate aortic rupture or dissection, diaphragmatic injuries and fracture of vertebrae, sternum and costal cartilages. Diagnosing vascular injuries can be aided by using the MIP images. Rib fracture, trachea and bronchial laceration are more easily detected by the 3D images, while airway and vascular injuries can be detected from performing virtual endoscopy. We introduce our current CT imaging protocol and we present our clinical experience with using MDCT in the assessment of patients with blunt thoracic trauma

Lemierre Syndrome: A Case Report

Lemierre syndrome is a rare disease characterized by internal jugular vein thrombosis and septic emboli, and it primarily occurs in healthy young individuals; this disease usually follows an acute oropharyngeal infection. To the best of our knowledge, only a few reports about this disease have appeared in the radiologic literature. We report here the radiologic findings of a case of Lemierre syndrome in a young healthy female adolescent who had a history of acute pharyngotonsilitis. Chest radiographs showed lung nodules that displayed cavitary changes with rapid progression on the serial studies. High-resolution CT scan showed multi-focal patchy consolidations that connect with vessels, and this was suggestive of septic pulmonary embolism. Ultrasonography and CT scan of the neck revealed right internal jugular vein thrombosis.

Assessment of Bullae with High-Resolution CT in Patients with Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Comparison with Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the findings on high-resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest with those on video-assisted thoracoscopy for the detection of bullae in patients who had undergone an operation for spontaneous pneumothorax, and we also wished to evaluate the relationship between the characteristics of bullae on HRCT and development of spontaneous pneumothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who had undergone both HRCT of the chest and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were included in the study. Spontaneous pneumothoraces were classified as either primary or secondary pneumothorax, and as initial or recurrent pneumothorax. The HRCT scans were obtained with 1 mm slice thickness and a 5 mm scan interval. Two radiologists retrospectively compared the HRCT findings of the chest with those findings on video-assisted thoracoscopy for the detection of bullae, and they evaluated the value of HRCT for diagnosing bullae. In addition, we assessed the size and number of bullae in these patients, and we also evaluated the relationship between those findings of bullae and the development of spontaneous pneumothorax. RESULTS: Bullae were detected in 40 patients by using video-assisted thoracoscopy, and HRCT showed bullae in 38 of these patients. Bullae were not identified with video-assisted thoracoscopy in the remaining ten patients, and among these ten patients, bullae were not demonstrated by HRCT in eight of them. Therefore, the sensitivity and specificity of HRCT for the detection of bullae were 95% (38/40) and 80% (8/10), respectively. The average size of the bullae of the affected hemithorax and the contralateral un-affected hemithorax was 1.97 cm+/-2.30 and 1.24 cm+/-1.46, respectively. Pneumothorax was more frequently observed in the hemithorax with larger bullae (p0.05). The average size of bullae in patients with secondary pneumothorax and those bullae of patients with primary pneumothorax was 4.44 cm+/-4.06 and 1.42 cm+/-1.26, respectively. The bullae were significantly larger in the patients with secondary pneumothorax than in those patients with primary pneumothorax (p0.05). CONCLUSION:HRCT of the chest would be a useful modality for detecting the bullae of those patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. The development of spontaneous pneumothorax is associated with the size of bullae rather than the number of bullae.

Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum in which the sternum is depressed and the anterior chest wall is concave in shape, is the most common congenital deformity to affect this region of the body. Various deformities involving depression or protrusion are caused by the degree and location of the sternal depression, and associated deformities such as a tilted sternum and anterior convexity of costal cartilages may occur. The most common associated disorders are Poland syndrome, Marfan syndrome and scoliosis.

Newly Appearing Tuberculous Pulmonary Masses during Antituberculous Treatment of Tuberculous Pleurisy: Radiographic and CT Findings

PURPOSE: To evaluate the imaging findings of tuberculous pulmonary masses developing during antituberculous treatment of tuberculous pleurisy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The serial chest radiographs of 134 patients with tuberculous pleurisy were retrospectively assessed by two observers who recorded the presence of pulmonary masses observed on follow-up radiographs with their imaging findings. Four patients underwent chest CT scans. RESULTS: On chest radiographs, 29 masses were observed in 14 patients (10.4%) comprising seven men and seven women aged 21-52(mean, 33) years. The interval between the onset of pleurisy and the development of masses varied between 1 and 7 months. The lesions were single in nine patients and multiple in five; all developed in the hemithorax affected by pleurisy and 21 were located subpleurally. The CT scans obtained in four patients, demonstrated 14 masses in the peripheral lung. The location of ten of these was subpleural; eight of the ten showed extrapleural extension, and associated satellite nodules and ground-glass opacity were observed in six. Contrast-enhanced CT scans showed that enhancement pattern was peripheral in five, heterogeneous in five and homogeneous in four. Follow-up radiography indicated that all masses had become smaller. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous pulmonary masses may develop during antituberculous treatment of tuberculous pleurisy as single or multiple masses. Characteristically, a peripheral or subpleural pulmonary location is noted, and the CT findings include heterogeneous or peripheral rim enhancement, extrapleural extension and associated ground-glass opacity or satellite nodules.

Changes of Intrathoracic Extrapulmonary Organs after Radiation Therapy for Lung and Esophageal Cancer: CT Findings

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT findings and incidence of complications occurring in intrathoracic extrapul-monary organs due to radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 82 patients who underwent chest CT before and after radiation therapy, 23, in whom the procedure provided no evidence of pericardial invasion or pleural effusion before radiation therapy, nor of significant improvement in the tumor after this therapy, were evaulated. Changes in the pericardium, pleura and mediastinal fat were retrospectively assessed. In comparing the CT findings obtained before radiation therapy with those obtained afterwards, changes in the pericardium and pleura were classified as effusion where low density fluid was present and as thickening where there was no fluid. If an increased abundance of soft tissue strands was seen within mediastinal fat, changes in this fat were deemed to have occurred. RESULTS: Among the 23 patients evaluated, changes in the pericardium [thickening (n=3 ; 13.0%) ; effusion (n=8 ; 34.8%)] were found in 11 patients (47.8%), and changes in the pleura [thickening (n=3 ; 13.1%); effusion (n=9 ; 39.1%)] in 12 (52.2%). In no patient with pericardial or pleural effusion was thickening or contrast enhancement of the pericardium or pleura evident. In seven cases(30.4%), soft tissue strands within mediastinal fat had become more abundant. CONCLUSION: The CT findings which demonstrated complications resulting from radiation therapy were pericardial or pleural thickening or effusion and an increased abundance of soft tissue strands within mediastinal fat. In contrast to previous reports, pericardial and pleural change after radiation therapy was a common finding in our study, occurring in 69.6% of cases.

CT Angiogram Sign: Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Lung Consolidation

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of the CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT and to evaluate the usefulness of this sign in the differentiation of benign and malignant lung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with lung consolidation, as seen on mediastinal window setting were studied retrospectively and the frequency of the CT angiogram sign was determined. In cases in which the sign was present, the following points were analysed; 1) discontinuity of vessels; 2) the avascular zone; 3) abnormal vessels, 4) displacement of pulmonary vessels, 5) separation of bronchovascular bundles. RESULTS: Of sixty patients with lung consolidation, 48 patients showed the CT angiogram sign; its frequency showed no significant statistical differences between benign and malignant disease(p>0.05). There were, however statistically significant differences between discontinuity of vessels (malignant, 46 %; benign, 15 %; p=0.030) the avascular zone(malignant, 63 %; benign, 20%;p=0.003) and separation of bronchovascular bun-dles (malignant, 60%; benign, 4 %; p=0.001). In the case of abnormal vessels (malignant, 32 %; benign 16 %; p=1.588) and displacement of pulmonary vessels (malignant, 37 %; benign, 16 %; p=2.737) there were no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT was nonspecific Where the sign is present, angiogram sign, discontinuity of vessels, the avascular zone and separation of bronchovascular bundles may be useful signs for the diagnosis of central lung cancer with obstructive pneumonitis.

CT Angiogram Sign: Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Lung Consolidation

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of the CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT and to evaluate the usefulness of this sign in the differentiation of benign and malignant lung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with lung consolidation, as seen on mediastinal window setting were studied retrospectively and the frequency of the CT angiogram sign was determined. In cases in which the sign was present, the following points were analysed; 1) discontinuity of vessels; 2) the avascular zone; 3) abnormal vessels, 4) displacement of pulmonary vessels, 5) separation of bronchovascular bundles. RESULTS: Of sixty patients with lung consolidation, 48 patients showed the CT angiogram sign; its frequency showed no significant statistical differences between benign and malignant disease(p>0.05). There were, however statistically significant differences between discontinuity of vessels (malignant, 46 %; benign, 15 %; p=0.030) the avascular zone(malignant, 63 %; benign, 20%;p=0.003) and separation of bronchovascular bun-dles (malignant, 60%; benign, 4 %; p=0.001). In the case of abnormal vessels (malignant, 32 %; benign 16 %; p=1.588) and displacement of pulmonary vessels (malignant, 37 %; benign, 16 %; p=2.737) there were no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The CT angiogram sign, as seen on spiral CT was nonspecific Where the sign is present, angiogram sign, discontinuity of vessels, the avascular zone and separation of bronchovascular bundles may be useful signs for the diagnosis of central lung cancer with obstructive pneumonitis.

CT Findings of Pulmonary Edema: Comparison of Various Causes

PURPOSE: To assess the CT findings of pulmonary edema and to compare them, according to the cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT findings (thin section, 20 ; thick section, 16) of pulmonary edema in 36 patients [cardiacdisease (group I, n=20), renal disease (group II, n=13), ARDS (group III, n=3)] were analyzed and compared. Therewere 21 men and 15 women ranging in age from 27 to 77 years. Distribution (even, central, or peripheral) andpatterns of pulmonary edema were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: The distribution of edema, appearingas consolidation or ground-glass opacity, was even in 75% (n=15) of group I, even in 46% (n=6) and central in 38%(n=5) of group II, and peripherally predominant in 100% (n=3) of group III. Interlobular septal thickening wasseen in 80% (n=16), 69% (n=9), and 0% of group I, II and III, respectively. Centrilobular ground-glass opacity wasnoted in six patients. CONCLUSION: In spite of various findings and considerable overlapping of the findings ofpulmonary edema, the distribution and pattern of edema differed according to the cause, and this can be helpfulfor differential diagnosis.

CT Findings of Sternal Masses

PURPOSE: To describe and characterize the CT findings of the sternal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, pathologic reports, and CT findings of 16 patients whose chest CT revealed sternal masses. Two primary tumors were found, namely chondrosar-comas. Twelve metastatic tumors had arisen were from lung cancer (n=4), breast cancer (n=3), hepatoma (n=2), osteosarcoma (n=1), carotid body paraganglioma (n=1), and immature sacrococcygeal teratoma (n=1). Others were Castleman's disease (n=1) and inflammatory pseudotumor (n=1). RESULTS: Chondrosarcomas were large expansile osteolytic masses showing a variable degree of cortical break-through and containing punctate chondroid calcifications. Most sternal metastases (83 %) were located in the manubrium and were accompanied by metastasis in other bones (83 %). Metastatic tumors were nonspecific osteolytic soft tissue masses showing homogeneous or inhomogeneous enhancement, except for those which arose from an osteosarcoma and a lung cancer, and showed osteoblastic lesions. Castleman's disease was seen as an ill-defined enhanced soft tissue mass involving the sternum and adjacent soft tissue. Inflammatory pseudotumor appeared as an infiltrating lesion around the sternoclavicular joint and was accompanied by sclerosis and the erosion of opposing sternal and clavicular ends. CONCLUSION: Most of the sternal masses are due to malignant neoplasms, among which metastatic tumors are more common than primary ones. Metastatic tumors affect the manubrium more commonly than the body portion, and most also affect other bones in the thorax. CT findings of metastatic tumors are non-specific and thus do not suggest their origin. Non-neoplastic masses are not readily differentiated from malignant tumors on the basis of CT findings alone and require pathological confirmation.

The Significance of Collateral Vessels, as Seen on Chest CT, in Predicting SVC Obstruction

PURPOSE: To evaluate the significance of collateral veins, as seen on chest CT, in the diagnosis of superiorvena cava obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 81 patients in whomcollateral veins were seen on chest CT. On spiral CT(n=49), Contrast material was infused via power injector, andon conventional CT(n=32), 50ml bolus infusion was followed by 50ml drip infusion. Obstruction of the SVC wasevaluated on chest CT ; if, however, evaluation of the SVC or its major tributaries was difficult, as in fivecases, the patient underwent SVC phlebography. Collateral vessels were assigned to one of ten categories. RESULT: On conventional CT, the common collaterals showing statistically significant difference between the two groupswere the jugular venous arch in the group with venous obstruction(n=6/15, 40.0%), and around the back and scapula(n=15/17, 88.2%) and paravertebral system(n=12/17, 70.6%) in the group without venous obstruction. On helical CT,the most common collaterals were around the back and scapular (n=9/14, 64.3%; n=26/35, 74.3%, respectively) andthe paravertebral system (n=9/14, 64.3%, n=22/35, 62.9%, respectively) in both groups, with or without venousobstruction. No collateral showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Onconventional CT, the jugular venous arch is the only collateral vessel to predict SVC obstruction ; on spiral CT,however, collateral vessels are not helpful in the diagnosis of SVC obstruction, but are a nonspecific finding.

CT Findings of Chest Trauma

Trauma is the third leading cause of death, irrespective of age, and the leading cause of death in personsunder 40 years of age. Most pleural, pulmonary, mediastinal, and diaphragmatic injuries are not seen onconventional chest radiographs, or are underestimated. In patients with chest trauma, CT scanning is an effectiveand sensitive method of detecting thoracic injuries and provides accurate information regarding their pattern andextent.