In a prospective study the diagnostic value of computed tomography and
conventional X-ray in patients with severe chest trauma and polytraum
atized patients with accompanied chest trauma was compared. From 8/199
2 to 12/1993 81 patients underwent 85 CT-thorax and accompanied conven
tional X-ray examinations. CT shows a significant higher sensitivity i
n the. detection of pneumo-, hematothoraces, contusions, dystelectasis
and atelectasis and intrathoracal vascular lesions. The conventional
X-ray was partially superior in the skelettal diagnostic, especially i
n rib-fractures. The additional informations from the CT examination a
re a sufficient help in the assessment of the severity of the trauma a
nd had partially important therapeutic consequences or were additive i
n the decision process. The early and differentiated use of chest-CT i
n early and follow-up examination seems to be advantageous.