Der Unfallchirurg
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Review Comparative Study
[Chest injury. Part I: Significance--symptoms--diagnostic procedures].
Chest injuries can be sustained in isolation or in association with multiple injuries. Life-threatening complications may ensue because organs that are vital to survival of the organism are situated within the thoracic cavity. ⋯ Clinical examination and awareness of the possibility of other injuries (high level of suspicion) are essential, and standard chest X-ray, ultrasound and thoracic computed tomography may also be needed for the diagnosis. The first part of this serial paper on the management of chest injuries focuses on anatomical aspects, pathophysiology and symptoms, but mainly on the indications for the standard diagnostic procedures and further high-tech examinations.