Objectives: Thorax computed tomography (CT) is highly sensitive for the detection of thoracic injuries and is considered to be superior to conventional thorax radiography (X-ray). In this retrospective study, the clinical course and treatment of patients with CT-only diagnosed thoracic injuries were evaluated and compared with patients with X-ray-proven thorax injuries.

Methods: 56 patients (44 males, 12 females; mean age 41.8 years; range 18 to 72 years) underwent thorax CT for blunt thoracic trauma were included in this study. Records were reviewed for age, sex, mechanism of injury, radiological modalities, Injury Severity Score, length of hospital stay and intensive care unit stay, and treatment methods.

Results: A computed tomography diagnosis of thoracic injury was made in 46 patients. Of these, 27 also had a thoracic injury on X-ray (X-ray - CT group) and 19 had a normal X-ray (CT group). Ten patients had a normal CT (Control group). Mean Injury Severity Score, length of hospital and intensive care unit stay were significantly lower in the CT group and Control group compared with the X-ray - CT group. No statistically significant difference was detected between the CT group and the Control group. The percentages of patients requiring tube thoracostomy were significantly higher in the X-ray - CT group compared with CT and Control groups.

Conclusions: Although X-ray is less sensitive than thorax CT in diagnosing thoracic injuries, clinically it can reveal significant pathologies. The finding of thoracic injuries by CT alone does not increase patient morbidity.

Keywords : Thoracic injuries/radiography; tomography, X-ray computed