Assessment of radiological evaluation of penetrating chest trauma patients at the Radiodiagnosis Department, Assiut University Hospital

Introduction
Penetrating chest trauma is one of the most common forms of trauma presented to Assiut University Hospital. Each year, more than 300 cases of penetrating chest trauma are encountered in the emergency unit. Firearm shots and penetrating stabs are the most common causes, yet it may be a result of industrial accidents, falls, collisions, or blast injuries. The presentation of penetrating thoracic trauma can vary widely, from stable patients with few complaints to hemodynamically unstable patients requiring immediate life-saving interventions. Even apparently stable patients with penetrating chest injuries can deteriorate precipitously; and a focused evaluation must be rapidly performed to assess for life-threatening conditions. Penetrating chest trauma is generally less common but more deadly than blunt chest trauma. According to small retrospective reviews, chest injuries are a relatively common cause of preventable death among trauma patients.
Patients and methods
This study was conducted in patients who are presented by penetrating chest trauma to the Assiut university hospital trauma unit during the period from the 1 of October to the 31 of December 2017. After history taking and clinical examination, all patients were subjected to chest radiography in the radiology department, followed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) chest in seven cases who needed further imaging.
Aim
The aim of the study was to determine the need for multislice computed tomography of the chest in patients with penetrating trauma to the chest after initial radiographic screening at Assiut University Hospital during a period of 3 months.
Results
This study was conducted on 47 patients presented with penetrating chest trauma to the Trauma Unit – Assiut University Hospital, from October 1 to December 31, 2017; about 85% of them did not need further assessment by multislice computed tomography of chest.
Conclusion
In the majority of penetrating chest trauma cases, a 'chest radiography' was sufficient for diagnosis and management of the patients.