Comparative characteristics of computed tomography and radiography in the diagnosis of blunt chest trauma

Abstract

Aim. To conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of X-ray diagnostics and computed tomography in detecting injuries in patients with blunt chest trauma. Methods. We examined 68 patients with chest injuries (men and women) and an average age of 34.6±7 years (between 18 and 65 years). The causes of injury were: road accidents — 37 (54.4%), falls from a height — 21 (30.8%), blunt blow to the chest — 10 (14.8%). The results of X-ray and computed tomography examination of patients were compared. Results. X-ray examination revealed a chest bone fracture in 24 (35.3%) patients, while computed tomography revealed a bone fracture in 32 (47.1%) cases (χ2=1.943; p=0.163). This allows us to state that the results of compu¬ted tomography scans are more accurate in the diagnosis of chest fractures. computed tomography scan revealed chest injuries — pneumothorax and hemothorax, in 56 (82.4%) cases, while X-ray examination in 37 (54.4%) ¬cases (χ2=12.277; p <0.001). Thus, the results of the study showed that computed tomography is a more informative ¬method of diagnosis compared to radiography, since computed tomography revealed 11.8% more cases of chest bones fractures, and 28.0% more cases of chest cavity damage with blunt trauma. Conclusion. Our study allows us to recommend computed tomography of the chest in blunt trauma as the initial preferred diagnostic radiology.