[CT quantification of pleuropulmonary lesions in severe thoracic trauma].
OBJECTIVE
Computed quantification of the extent of pleuropulmonary trauma by CT and comparison with conventional chest x-ray--Impact on therapy and correlation with mechanical ventilation support and clinical outcome.


METHODS
In a prospective trial, 50 patients with clinically suspicious blunt chest trauma were evaluated using CT and conventional chest x-ray. The computed quantification of ventilated lung provided by CT volumetry was correlated with the consecutive artificial respiration parameters and the clinical outcome.


RESULTS
We found a high correlation between CT volumetry and artificial ventilation concerning maximal pressures and inspiratory oxygen concentration (FiO2, Goris-Score) (r = 0.89, Pearson). The graduation of thoracic trauma correlated highly with the duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.98, Pearson). Especially with regard to atelectases and lung contusions CT is superior compared to conventional chest x-ray; only 32% and 43%, respectively, were identified by conventional chest x-ray.


CONCLUSIONS
CT allows rapid classification and quantification of pulmonary lesions after thoracic trauma and provides higher sensitivity and reliability. Because of the great correlation with the extent of artificial respiration in respect of duration and pressure, prognosis of the individual patient, as well as a differential therapy, appear possible.
Kunisch-Hoppe
M
M
Abteilung Diagnostische Radiologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
Bachmann
G
G
Hoppe
M
M
Weimar
B
B
Bauer
T
T
Zickmann
B
B
Rau
W S
WS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003288:Contusions / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055370:Lung Injury; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed