Description
Chest trauma can result from penetrating trauma such as a stabbing or a gunshot wound, or from blunt trauma such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall. The lungs, heart, aorta and esophagus are the most seriously injured organs. Significant chest trauma can be fatal if undiagnosed and untreated.
Symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, swallowing problems, coughing up blood, low blood pressure, neck pain, fainting.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays are not accurate enough to detect most chest injuries and imaging studies such as a chest CT scan or chest MRI are typically done. Transesophageal echocardiogram can also be helpful in identifying an injury to the heart or aorta.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Transesophageal echocardiogram
Specialists:
Trauma Surgery, Thoracic Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays are not accurate enough to detect most chest injuries and imaging studies such as a chest CT scan or chest MRI are typically done. Transesophageal echocardiogram can also be helpful in identifying an injury to the heart or aorta.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Transesophageal echocardiogram
Specialists:
Trauma Surgery, Thoracic Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the extent and location of the injury but may include: surgery, antibiotics and blood transfusions.