Blunt Cardiothoracic Trauma: Common Injuries and Diagnosis

Traumatic injuries are the leading cause of death for persons under the age of 44.1 Among causes of blunt traumatic injury motor vehicle accident remains the leading cause of death in the United States.1,2 Thoracic injury is the third most common cause of trauma, following head and extremity injuries. Thoracic traumatic injuries have a high morbidity and mortality and are associated with 25% of trauma-related deaths.2 Imaging plays an essential role in the evaluation of non-penetrating (blunt) trauma patients, as many fatal injuries may not be apparent on direct physical examination.
Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research