Occult Pneumothorax in Blunt Thoracic Trauma: Clinical Characteristics and Results of Delayed Tube Thoracostomy in a Level 1 Trauma Center.

ABSTRACT: Occult pneumothorax in blunt trauma patients is often diagnosed only after computed tomography because supine chest X-ray (CXR) is preferred as an initial evaluation. However, improperly managed preexisting occult pneumothorax could threaten the vitality of patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of occult pneumothorax in a single trauma center. From 2020 to 2022, patients who were admitted to the level 1 trauma center were retrospectively investigated. Inclusion criteria focused on blunt chest trauma. Variables including demographic factors, image findings, injury-related factors, tube thoracostomy timing, and treatment results were evaluated. Of the 1621 patients, 187 who met the criteria were enrolled in the study: 32

SUBMITTER: Kim CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10342870 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature