The posttraumatic pulmonary mass.

Each year approximately 2 million people are seriously injured in traffic accidents. Injuries to the chest play a major role in the mortality and morbidity of these patients. One-third to one-half of motor vehicle crash victims suffer blunt thoracic trauma. The spectrum of injuries is broad but posttraumatic pulmonary masses are rarely noted. The proper use of radiographic imaging procedures allows documentation of pulmonary hematoma and exclusion of more ominous lesions.