DIAGNOSTIC-VALUE OF THORAX-CT IN SEVERE C HEST TRAUMA

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.