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Ho and Gutierrez
Chest Radiography in Thoracic Polytrauma
Cardiopulmonary Imaging
Review
FOCUS ON:
Chest Radiography in
Thoracic Polytrauma
Mai-Lan Ho1,2 OBJECTIVE. Chest radiography is the first-line imaging examination for assessment of
Fernando R. Gutierrez 2 thoracic polytrauma, serving to evaluate the extent of injury and facilitate early triage to ob-
servation, further imaging, or immediate surgical intervention. The objective of this article is
Ho ML, Gutierrez FR to review the spectrum of injuries that occur in the chest and upper abdomen after blunt and
penetrating trauma. Pathophysiology, imaging findings, and management recommendations
will be discussed for injuries to the chest wall, diaphragm, pleura, lungs, mediastinum, heart,
aorta, and great vessels.
CONCLUSION. Chest radiography plays an important role in the initial evaluation of
blunt and penetrating chest trauma, providing rapid imaging information to supplement the
history and physical examination. In the emergency department, familiarity with the spec-
trum of injuries that can occur in the chest and upper abdomen is important for accurate in-
terpretation of chest radiographs as well as establishment of appropriate recommendations for
management and follow-up.
C
hest radiography is the first-line The manifestations of thoracic polytrauma
imaging examination in patients are diverse, depending on both the mecha-
with thoracic polytrauma. Proper nism of injury and the organ system or sys-
interpretation is essential for ac- tems affected. Blunt trauma refers to closed,
curate diagnosis and treatment and can ren- nonpenetrating physical trauma caused by
der additional studies unnecessary. When impact injury or other compressive and shear
patients are in critical condition, chest radi- forces. Common examples include decelera-
ography may be the only imaging examina- tion injuries (motor vehicle accidents, falls)
tion that can feasibly be performed without and blunt force injuries (physical attacks,
Keywords: blunt injury, chest, penetrating injury, risking further injury or decompensation. crush injuries). Complications include abra-
thoracic radiography, trauma Ideally, chest radiographs should be ob- sions, contusions, organ laceration or rup-
tained in the posteroanterior and lateral views ture, and bone fractures [1–4]. In contrast,
DOI:10.2214/AJR.07.3324
with the patient sitting upright and in full penetrating trauma occurs when an object
Received October 19, 2007; accepted after revision inspiration. However, trauma patients often pierces the skin and enters the body. Injury
August 17, 2008. must be imaged in the supine position, which severity is determined by the pathway and
complicates injury visualization and localiza- momentum of the object. Low-velocity items,
F. R. Gutierrez is the recipient of funding from Bracco
tion. Single-view anteroposterior radiographs such as knives, are propelled by hand and
Diagnostics, Inc.
do not provide the ability to distinguish su- damage only areas that are in direct contact.
1 perimposed soft-tissue and bone lesions from Higher-velocity projectiles, including bullets
St. Luke’s Hospital, 222 S Woods Mill Rd., Suite 760 N,
Chesterfield, MO 63110. Address correspondence to underlying viscera. Air–fluid levels are not and other shrapnel, create pressure waves
M. L. Ho, 1309 Katsura Ct., Chesterfield, MO 63005 visible because of the perpendicular orienta- that force out adjacent tissue as the projectile
(mailanho@yahoo.com).
tion of the x-ray beam. Poor inspiratory ef- enters the body. This damages regions in di-
2
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, fort and magnification effects can produce rect contact while also causing cavitation in-
MO 63110. pseudocardiomegaly and apparent increases jury to a large surrounding area [1, 5, 6].
in pulmonary vascularity. Nevertheless, when This article discusses the utility of chest
AJR 2009; 192:599–612 analyzed with respect to these limitations, radiography in the evaluation of thoracic poly-
0361–803X/09/1923–599
the chest radiograph can be an invaluable trauma. The pathophysiology, imaging mani-
tool that provides a wide spectrum of infor- festations, and management recommenda-
© American Roentgen Ray Society mation regarding a number of organ systems. tions for injuries to the chest wall, diaphragm,
pleura, lungs, mediastinum, heart, aorta, and the chest wall and abdomen and even to the shrapnel, also can become lodged in the soft
great vessels will be reviewed. Several clas- head, neck, and extremities. The condition is tissues after penetrating trauma (Fig. 3). Op-
sic trauma-related signs in chest radiology usually self-limiting, but severe cases may erative removal is indicated when surgically
will also be defined and illustrated. compress the trachea and require interven- feasible [7–10].
tion. Sources of persistent air leakage will
Chest Wall require corrective surgery. Bones
Soft Tissues Subcutaneous hematomas are produced Blunt chest trauma can result in a variety of
Subcutaneous emphysema refers to the by accumulation of blood in the soft tissues. skeletal injuries depending on the mechanism
presence of air in the extrathoracic soft tis- This condition may result from damage to involved. Forceful shoulder injuries can pro-
sues. This condition can result from chest thoracic vessels, muscles, or ribs during duce scapular fractures, which are shown on
wall infection, blunt trauma with damage to blunt or penetrating chest trauma. On chest chest radiographs and scapular views (Fig. 4).
the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems, radiographs, nonspecific opacities are visu- Scapulothoracic dissociation, or flail shoulder,
and penetrating injuries that introduce exter- alized in the soft tissues (Fig. 2). Localiza- occurs when strong forces pull the shoulder
nal air into the soft tissues. Chest radiogra- tion to the chest wall may not be possible girdle away from the thorax. This can predis-
phy shows air in the subcutaneous tissues, without lateral radiographs. Most hemato- pose to muscle, vascular, and nerve injury.
which may create radiolucent striations out- mas resolve spontaneously, but persistent Scapular dislocation, edema, and hematoma
lining the individual fibers of the pectoralis bleeding may be seen with severe trauma, formation are noted on chest radiographs.
major muscles (“ginkgo leaf” sign) (Fig. 1). coagulopathies, and vascular malformations. Clavicle fractures are common in trauma
Air can spread via fascial planes to the rest of Foreign bodies, such as knife blades and bullet patients and are generally of minor clinical
significance (Fig. 4). Sternoclavicular dislo-
cations or fractures occur after severe shoul-
der trauma and may be identified on angled
chest radiographs (Fig. 5). Posterior disloca-
tions may injure the mediastinal organs and
great vessels. These injuries require closed
or surgical reduction.
Fractures to the upper ribs are rare and sug-
gest severe downward trauma with damage to
the great vessels and brachial plexus. Lower
rib fractures may also involve upper abdomi-
nal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kid-
neys, and CT should be ordered if suspicion
for injury is high. Fractured rib ends can lac-
erate the pleura or lung, leading to the forma-
Fig. 1—37-year-old man 2 weeks after knife wound Fig. 2—31-year-old woman with superficial anterior tion of pulmonary hematomas, hemothorax,
to chest. Frontal chest radiograph shows extensive chest trauma. Frontal chest radiograph shows or pneumothorax. Most fractures can be visu-
subcutaneous emphysema (arrows) and air outlining radiodense opacity (asterisk) overlying right chest
fibers of pectoralis muscles bilaterally (“ginkgo leaf” wall. CT confirmed presence of subcutaneous alized on chest radiographs, and a radiodense
sign) (asterisks). hematoma. fracture callus develops after several weeks
Fig. 3—15-year-old boy with gunshot wound to axilla. Fig. 4—41-year-old woman injured in motor vehicle Fig. 5—26-year-old man with blunt trauma to right
Frontal chest radiograph shows bullet (asterisk) and collision. Frontal chest radiograph shows scapular shoulder. Frontal chest radiograph shows inferior
surrounding shrapnel in soft tissues of axilla. body fracture (short arrow) and multiple left displacement of medial end of right clavicle (asterisk).
clavicular fractures (long arrows). CT revealed posterior sternoclavicular joint
dislocation.
A B C
obtained. A postprocedure radiograph is ob- atory thoracotomy is indicated to identify Lobar atelectasis or collapse may result
tained to verify subsequent tube placement and repair the site of bleeding (Fig. 11). from foreign body obstruction, aspiration, or
and to assess the effectiveness of therapy Chylothorax results from damage to the bronchial rupture. Any lobe can be involved,
(Fig. 10). thoracic duct, with chylous fluid recovered and classic chest radiographic signs have
Simple hemothorax can result from vascu- through thoracentesis. Left-sided chylothorax been described for upper and middle lobe
lar rupture or laceration in blunt and penetrat- is seen in ruptures of the upper thoracic duct, (“juxtaphrenic peak” sign or “Katten” sign),
ing trauma. On chest radiographs, the appear- whereas right-sided chylothorax is produced left upper lobe (luftsichel sign), left lower
ance is similar to serous pleural effusion by lower-level injuries in which the thoracic lobe (“flat waist” sign, “ivory heart” sign),
(hydrothorax), with layering of fluid and duct has crossed the midline (Fig. 12). CT of- and right lower lobe (superior triangle sign)
blunting of the costophrenic angles. Rarely, fers enhanced contrast resolution that is use- collapse. Pneumothorax ex vacuo is a rare
effusions can be subpulmonic, loculated, or ful for distinguishing chylothorax, hydrotho- complication of acute lobar collapse that in-
lamellar. Small hemothoraces usually resolve rax, pyothorax, and hemothorax as well as creases the negative intrapleural pressure
spontaneously, and drainage is rarely required. other causes of radiographic density [7, 8, 10]. around the collapsed lobe. This selectively
However, a large hemothorax can fill the entire draws gas into the space surrounding the col-
pleural space and present radiographically as Lungs lapsed lobe without affecting the visceral and
an opacified hemithorax. Chronic hemothorax Lung protrusion or herniation can occur parietal pleura of adjacent lobes. The pneu-
can be complicated by infection (empyema or through trauma-induced weakening or tears mothorax resolves spontaneously after relief
pyothorax) with chest wall erosion (empye- of the cervical, intercostal, and diaphragmat- of the bronchial obstruction with reexpansion
ma necessitatis) or fibrosis (fibrothorax) re- ic fascia. Chest radiography identifies regions of the corresponding lobe. Identification of
quiring decortication. Tension hemothorax of lung extending beyond the thoracic cage this condition is important for directing treat-
can result from massive intrathoracic bleed- (Fig. 13). Conservative management is ad- ment toward the affected bronchus rather
ing causing ipsilateral lung compression and visable unless respiratory distress, incarcera- than inserting a chest tube into the pleural
mediastinal displacement. Emergent explor- tion, or strangulation occurs. space (Fig. 14).
A B C
D E F
Fig. 9—Injuries to the diaphragm and abdominal organs.
A, 24-year-old man after motor vehicle crash. Frontal chest radiograph shows intrathoracic herniation of stomach (thick arrows) through ruptured left hemidiaphragm,
along with internal air–fluid level (thin arrows).
B, 37-year-old man after fall injury. Frontal chest radiograph shows focal rounded opacity (asterisk) arising from left hemidiaphragm (collar sign). CT confirmed herniation
of stomach through ruptured hemidiaphragm.
C, 27-year-old woman injured in motor vehicle crash. Frontal chest radiograph shows focal rounded opacity (asterisk) arising from right hemidiaphragm (“cottage loaf”
sign). CT confirmed herniation of liver through ruptured hemidiaphragm.
D, 18-year-old woman injured in motor vehicle crash. Erect frontal chest radiograph shows bilateral pneumoperitoneum (arrows) in superolateral abdominal region.
E, 32-year-old man injured in motor vehicle crash. Supine frontal chest radiograph shows pneumoperitoneum with anteromedial accumulation of air (cupola sign) (arrows).
F, 61-year-old woman with remote history of chest trauma and diaphragmatic rupture. Frontal chest radiograph shows multiple left-sided rib masses (asterisks) and
irregularities (bracket). Heat-damaged RBC scintigraphy was diagnostic for splenosis.
Pulmonary contusions occur when injury Acute respiratory distress syndrome mediastinal structures, which can result from
to the lungs results in leakage of blood and (ARDS) can develop secondary to a variety penetrating injury or blunt pharyngeal, tra-
edema into the interstitial and alveolar spaces. of insults, including trauma, infection, shock, cheobronchial, or esophageal injury. Air
On chest radiographs, contusions appear as aspiration, transfusion, and drugs. After 12– freely tracks throughout the mediastinum
geographic areas of peripheral air-space opac- 48 hours, damage to the alveolar–capillary and communicating spaces via vascular
ity or ground-glass opacification, usually ad- barrier allows influx of fluid into the alveolar sheaths and readily ruptures through fascial
jacent to bony structures. Lesions are evident space, which manifests radiographically as planes to affect adjacent anatomic compart-
within 6 hours after trauma and generally re- diffuse bilateral patchy lung opacities (Fig. ments. Several chest radiographic signs have
solve within 5–7 days. Pulmonary lacerations 16). The imaging differential diagnosis in- been described, including air superior to the
are more severe injuries involving disruption cludes atelectasis, aspiration, fat embolism, diaphragm (continuous diaphragm sign, con-
of the lung architecture. Organ ruptures and alveolar pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and tinuous left hemidiaphragm sign, extrapleu-
foreign body trauma may introduce air (pneu- hemorrhage. Therapy involves treatment of ral air sign), surrounding the right pulmo-
matocele), blood (hematoma), and infection the underlying condition and supportive care nary artery (“ring-around-the-artery” sign),
(abscess) into the lung parenchyma. On chest over weeks to months [7, 8, 10]. lateral to the descending aorta (“Naclerio’s
radiographs, localized air collections are V” sign), and superior to the brachiocephalic
seen within areas of air-space opacity. Inju- Mediastinum veins (“V” sign at confluence of brachio-
ries take weeks or months to resolve, and Pneumomediastinum, or mediastinal em- cephalic veins) (Fig. 17). In children, eleva-
chronic scarring may develop (Fig. 15). physema, refers to the presence of air in the tion of the thymic lobe (thymic sail sign) can
A B C
Fig. 10—Pneumothorax injuries.
A, 18-year-old woman injured in motor vehicle crash. Erect frontal chest radiograph shows left-sided pneumothorax (“visceral pleural line” sign) (arrows).
B, 16-year-old boy injured in motor vehicle crash. Supine frontal chest radiograph shows pneumothorax in costophrenic sulcus (deep sulcus sign) (asterisk).
C, 24-year-old man with penetrating knife wound to right chest. Frontal chest radiograph shows complete right lung collapse (unilateral hyperlucent lung) (asterisk) with
ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic depression, widened intercostal spaces, and contralateral mediastinal shift (arrows) indicative of tension pneumothorax. Patient was
immediately decompressed using large-bore needle thoracostomy.
A B
diastinal to chest width ratio greater than
0.25 (Fig. 18A).
Esophageal rupture and foreign body in-
jury can lead to mediastinal infection (medi-
astinitis). Radiography may show edema,
hemorrhage, and gas production in the medi-
astinal and cervical soft tissues, as well as
pleural effusions and lower-lobe consolida-
tion [7, 8, 13, 14] (Fig. 18B).
A B C
Fig. 14—Lobar collapse injuries.
A, 21-year-old patient with asthma with left upper
lobe collapse. Frontal radiograph shows
compensatory hyperexpansion of superior segment of
left lower lobe creating paraaortic crescent of
hyperlucency (luftsichel sign) (asterisks).
B, 36-year-old patient with history of interstitial lung
disease and new left upper lobe collapse. Frontal
radiograph shows tenting of ipsilateral
hemidiaphragm with visualization of inferior
accessory fissure (“juxtaphrenic peak” or “Katten”
sign) (arrow).
C, 51-year-old mechanically ventilated patient with
history of smoking and bronchogenic carcinoma
presenting with right upper and left lower lobe
collapse. Frontal radiograph shows dense
opacification of heart silhouette (“ivory heart” sign)
and loss of concavity of left heart border (“flat waist”
sign) (arrow).
D, 31-year-old patient after abdominal surgery with
D E
right lower lobe collapse. Frontal radiograph shows
triangular opacity (arrow) representing traction on
superior mediastinum (superior triangle sign).
E, 48-year-old patient in intensive care unit with acute
bronchial obstruction from mucus plugging. Frontal
radiograph shows pneumothorax ex vacuo developing
around collapsed right upper lobe (arrows), which
resolved after bronchoscopy.
chest radiographs, endotracheal tube overdis- continuity and to prevent complications such of the trachea at the level of the thoracic inlet,
tension may be seen, with herniation through as tracheobronchial stricture [7, 8, 13, 14]. moves to the right at the level of the carina,
the ruptured tracheal wall. In bronchial and crosses back to the left as it enters the
transections, the involved lung may be visual- Esophagus stomach. Most esophageal tears are located
ized falling inferiorly away from the hilum on Esophageal injury may be caused by vio- in the cervical and upper thoracic regions and
erect radiographs and posterolaterally in the lent vomiting (Boerhaave’s syndrome), pene- present with left- and right-sided pleural effu-
supine position (fallen lung sign) (Fig. 19). trating injury, or compressive bone forces in sions, respectively. Occasionally, gastroeso-
Surgical repair is required to maintain airway blunt trauma. The esophagus runs to the left phageal junction lesions are seen, typically in
A B
A B C
Fig. 19—Tracheobronchial injuries.
A, 39-year-old man injured in motor vehicle crash. Frontal chest radiograph shows irregularity of left main bronchus (arrow) and mediastinal widening (double-headed
arrow), indicative of paratracheal hematoma.
B, 21-year-old woman 1 week after tracheobronchial injury. Frontal chest radiograph shows collapse of left lung with inferolateral displacement (fallen lung sign)
(asterisk).
C, 40-year-old man 4 months after tracheobronchial injury. Frontal chest radiograph shows diffuse tracheal stenosis (arrows).
A B C
Fig. 21—Pericardial tears and ruptures.
A, 32-year-old woman injured in motor vehicle crash. Frontal chest radiograph shows convexity at normal location of main pulmonary artery (arrow). CT confirmed
pericardial tear with focal cardiac herniation.
B, 24-year-old man injured in motor vehicle crash. Frontal chest radiograph shows leftward shift of heart silhouette (asterisk). CT confirmed left-sided pericardial rupture.
C, 36-year-old man injured in motor vehicle crash. Frontal chest radiograph shows complete rotation of heart silhouette (asterisk) with apex pointing toward right. CT
confirmed diagnosis of right-sided pericardial rupture with resulting cardiac volvulus.
Aorta
Traumatic aortic injury (TAI) refers to a
spectrum of injuries caused by blunt aortic
trauma, which produces differential decelera-
tion of thoracic structures with associated A B
solid and fluid mechanical effects. The aortic Fig. 23—Pneumopericardium.
isthmus is most frequently involved, followed A, 43-year-old woman with pneumopericardium. Frontal chest radiograph shows band of air outlining heart
by the aortic root and diaphragmatic aorta. (halo sign) inferiorly (arrows).
B, 34-year-old man with gunshot wound to chest. Frontal chest radiograph shows left-sided pneumothorax
Forces affecting the aortic isthmus include (asterisk) and bilateral pneumopericardium compressing heart (“small heart” sign) (arrows).
shearing stress, in which the freely movable
aortic arch separates from the fixed descend-
ing aorta; bending stress, with flexion of the
aorta over the left pulmonary artery and
mainstem bronchus; and osseous pinch, in-
volving compression of the aorta between the
spine and anterior bony structures. In the as-
cending aorta, torsion stress occurs at the
level of the aortic valve because of cardiac
displacement, and the water-hammer effect is
produced by abrupt increases in intraaortic
pressure with possible pericardial rupture
and cardiac tamponade. Possible injuries in-
clude aortic tearing or laceration, in which
sections of the aorta are forcibly pulled apart; A B
transection or transverse circumferential di-
vision of the aorta; and rupture, with massive
disruption of tissue. Any or all layers of the
arterial wall may be affected, with resultant
hematoma formation in a variety of locations.
Survival in complete ruptures requires pseu- Fig. 24—Cardiac injuries.
doaneurysm formation with containment of A, 28-year-old woman injured in motor vehicle crash.
Frontal chest radiograph shows rounded opacity
active bleeding by adventitia, thrombus, or continuous with cardiac silhouette (asterisk). CT
mediastinal structures. Immediate open sur- confirmed left ventricular aneurysm.
gical repair or endovascular stent-grafting is B, 35-year-old man injured in motor vehicle crash.
Frontal chest radiograph shows pulmonary edema
advised. Indirect radiographic signs of TAI predominantly in right upper lobe (asterisk). CT
include mediastinal widening, irregularity or confirmed rupture of mitral valve.
obscuration of the aortic contour, opacifica- C, 61-year-old woman 2 years after myocardial
tion of the aortopulmonary window, depres- infarction. Frontal chest radiograph shows
calcification of left ventricular wall (arrows).
sion of the left mainstem bronchus, rightward C
tracheal and esophageal deviation, widened
paratracheal and paraspinous stripes, and he- aortic knob (“broken halo” sign), or intralu- Traumatic aortic aneurysms represent lo-
mothorax or left apical capping (Figs. 25A minal displacement of a calcified aortic in- calized dilatation of the aorta involving all
and 25B). tima (ring sign) (Fig. 25C). Type B (de- three arterial wall layers and are susceptible
Traumatic aortic dissection is character- scending aortic) dissections can be managed to rupture. An enlarged and irregular aortic
ized by an intimomedial tear, which allows conservatively, whereas type A (ascending silhouette is seen on chest radiographs (Fig.
bleeding into the medial wall layer and for- aortic) dissections require immediate sur- 25D). Open surgery is recommended for as-
mation of a false lumen. Chest radiography is gery because of the risks of pericardial bleed- cending aortic aneurysms that are sympto-
nonspecific and may show an irregular aortic ing, coronary artery laceration, and aortic matic, rapidly expanding, or greater than
silhouette, discontinuous calcification of the valve rupture. 5.0–5.5 cm in diameter. Descending aortic
B C D
Pulmonary Arteries
In trauma patients, hypercoagulability and
immobilization predispose to deep venous
thromboses, which can circulate to the pul-
monary arteries and produce pulmonary em-
A B bolism (PE). This results in inflammation,
Fig. 26—Subclavian artery injuries.
hypoxemia, hemodynamic compromise with
A, 33-year-old man injured in motor vehicle collision. Frontal chest radiograph shows widening of superior right heart strain (cor pulmonale), and pulmo-
mediastinum (arrows), suggestive of hematoma. CT confirmed left subclavian artery transsection. nary infarction with regional loss of surfac-
B, 18-year-old man with knife wound to chest. Frontal chest radiograph shows right superior mediastinal tant. Chest radiography findings are largely
opacity (asterisk), suggestive of hematoma. CT confirmed right subclavian artery transsection.
nonspecific and include cardiomegaly, at-
electasis, pulmonary edema, pleural effu-
aneurysms exceeding 6.0 cm can usually be aortic contours and luminal narrowing may sion, and hemidiaphragmatic elevation. Clas-
repaired by endovascular stent-grafting. also be seen [7, 8, 16–21]. sic imaging signs include regional oligemia
Penetrating aortic injuries depend on the (Westermark sign), central pulmonary artery
mechanism of trauma and thus vary widely Vascular Trauma enlargement (Fleischner sign), right descend-
in size and location. Vessel laceration, trun- Great Vessels ing pulmonary artery enlargement (“Palla”
cation, or arteriovenous fistulization may re- More than 90% of injuries to the great ves- sign), and abrupt pulmonary artery tapering
sult. Most survivors show a small pseudoan- sels are caused by penetrating trauma. The (“knuckle” sign). In the presence of acute in-
eurysm at the site of vessel injury. Irregular aortic branch vessels, venae cavae, and pul- farction, focal subpleural opacities (Hampton
A B C
D E F
Fig. 27—Pulmonary embolism.
A, 42-year-old man with pulmonary embolism and infarction. Frontal chest radiograph shows pleura-based wedge-shaped opacity with apex pointing toward hilum
(Hampton hump) (asterisk).
B, 57-year-old man with massive pulmonary embolism. Frontal chest radiograph shows enlargement of main (Fleischner sign) (P) and right descending (“Palla” sign)
(arrows) pulmonary arteries as well as abrupt tapering of right pulmonary artery (“knuckle” sign) (asterisk).
C, 44-year-old woman with septic embolism. Frontal chest radiograph shows diffuse patchy nodular opacities of various sizes.
D, 25-year-old woman who has femoral fracture from motor vehicle collision. Frontal chest radiograph obtained 1 week after collision shows diffuse patchy lung
opacities, suggestive of fat embolism.
E, 31-year-old pregnant woman with acute drop in oxygen saturation during labor. Frontal chest radiograph shows diffuse bilateral lung opacities, suggestive of amniotic
fluid embolism.
F, 35-year-old man 1 day after gunshot wound to chest. Pelvic radiograph shows massive foreign body embolism in left lower quadrant of abdomen.
hump) may be seen, whereas linear fibrosis show diffuse bilateral nodules of various Fat embolism results from trauma to the
(Fleischner lines) and centripetal infarct res- sizes and stages of cavitation, reflecting mul- long bones and pelvis, which can release fat
olution (“melting ice cube” sign) occur in tiple embolic showers. Over time, lesions can particles and occlude capillaries. Production
later stages (Figs. 27A and 27B). More defini- progress to wedge-shaped peripheral opaci- of free fatty acids causes a chemical pneu-
tive tests for PE include nuclear ventilation– ties (Fig. 27C). Treatment requires antibiotic monitis within 12–72 hours of injury. Radio-
perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy, CT angiogra- therapy and possible thoracentesis. logic manifestations are similar to those of
phy (CTA), and pulmonary angiography. Air embolism is caused by organ rupture or ARDS—that is, diffuse parenchymal opaci-
Nevertheless, radiographs are still routinely penetrating injury affecting the systemic ve- ties (Fig. 27D). Management is supportive,
used to screen for other sources of chest nous circulation. It also can be caused by and the condition takes 7–10 days to resolve.
pain and to aid in the proper interpretation of barotrauma. Mortality depends on the amount Pregnancy is a known risk factor for throm-
V/Q scans. Immediate anticoagulation ther- and rate of gas entry. Chest radiographs may boembolic disease. The risk of radiation expo-
apy is recommended for suspected PE. show hyperlucent areas in the right heart, pul- sure to the fetus should be weighed against the
Septic embolism occurs when infected monary arteries, and systemic veins. Signs of clinical suspicion for PE. Affected patients
material from organ rupture or foreign body pulmonary oligemia, edema, or right heart should be treated with heparin because of the
injury travels to the lungs. Chest radiographs congestion may also be seen. teratogenic effects of warfarin. In addition,
there is a risk of amniotic fluid embolism !CKNOWLEDGMENTS 11. Sliker CW. Imaging of diaphragm injuries. Radiol
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ine veins during labor or placental manipula- Bhalla, Andrew Bierhals, David Gierada, Har- 12. Shanmuganathan K, Killeen K, Mirvis SE, White
tion. Radiographically, this condition presents vey Glazer, Guillermo Geisse, Cylen Javidan- CS. Imaging of diaphragmatic injuries. J Thorac
with diffuse bilateral opacities indistinguishable Nejad, Gilbert Jost, Anoosh Montaser, Stuart Imaging 2000; 15:104–111
from PE, hemorrhage, and pneumonia (Fig. Sagel, Janice Semenkovich, Marilyn Siegel, 13. Euathrongchit J, Thoongsuwan N, Stern EJ. Non-
27E). The prognosis is poor, and management and Pamela Woodard for contributing many vascular mediastinal trauma. Radiol Clin North
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