Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2017; 21(03): 303-314
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1602413
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Imaging Assessment of Thoracic Cage Injuries

Francesca Iacobellis
1   Department of Diagnostic Imaging, “Pineta Grande” Hospital, Castel Volturno CE, Italy
2   Department of Radiology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
,
Isabella Iadevito
1   Department of Diagnostic Imaging, “Pineta Grande” Hospital, Castel Volturno CE, Italy
,
Anna Maria Ierardi
3   Department of Radiology, Unit of Interventional Radiology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
,
Gianpaolo Carrafiello
4   Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
,
Federica Perillo
1   Department of Diagnostic Imaging, “Pineta Grande” Hospital, Castel Volturno CE, Italy
,
Refky Nicola
5   Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
,
Mariano Scaglione
1   Department of Diagnostic Imaging, “Pineta Grande” Hospital, Castel Volturno CE, Italy
6   Department of Radiology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, NHS Trust, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
01 June 2017 (online)

Abstract

Thoracic injuries are the third most common traumatic injury. Approximately two thirds of thoracic injuries are due to motor vehicle collisions. They are associated with up to a 20% mortality rate. This is primarily due to the presence of several complex anatomical structures within the thoracic cage such as the heart, great vessels, esophagus, airways, lungs, mediastinum, bones, muscles, diaphragm, and pleura. A chest radiograph is the initial imaging modality in the evaluation of the chest. However, multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) with intravenous contrast is the imaging modality of choice in the assessment of acute thoracic injuries.

Endovascular repair is less invasive and has a better outcome than traditional surgical repair. This review article discusses the indications, benefits, and findings of radiographs and MDCT in patients with thoracic injuries, especially with regard to the thoracic aorta.

 
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