Abstract
Background: PTPE is a significant complication and te main cause for 2–10% of victims. MDCT is increasingly used. Our study is an analysis focused on the anatomy of pleura, principles behind fluid formation/reabsorption and imaging approach to assessing pleural effusion and PTPE under-CT evacuation.
Material and methods: The study is conducted on eight (8) patients with PTPE at University Hospital of Trauma, University Hospital– “Mother Theresa”, University Hospital “ Shefqet Ndroqi” in Tirana, during the period, January 2015 – June 2018, by using a MDCT of 128 slice – 64 detector – dual source, SIEMENS, German machine.
Results and conclusions: The frequency of post-traumatic pleural injuries with presence of Hydrothorax is 75.6 % in total; second after that of Chest wall injuries (94.2 %). Among the variable forms are reported Hemothorax – 17.4 % and Pneumothorax – 7.3 %. Empyema is rare – 2 %. MDCT is the most sensitive, specific, and accurate imaging modality in the assessment of PTPE and management of patients:
- demonstrates the significant disorder in patients with normal initial radiographs,
- indicates changing of management in up to 20% of cases with abnormal initial radiographs,
- assists several micro-invasive procedures in order to prevents development of empyema,
- enables early prediction of respiratory compromise and limits the severe invasive interventions.
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Alejandro Folch, MD; Adnan Majid, MD; Daniel Alape, MD; Jose Cardenas-Garcia, MD; Christopher Manley, MD; George Cheng, MD; Erik Folch, MD. Recurrent Exudative Pleural Effusion After Chest Trauma: A Case Series. Chest. 2016; 150(4 S): 564A. doi10.1016/j chest. 2016.08.653.
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