Hemothorax CT

Hemothorax Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Irfan Dotani Joanna Ekabua, M.D. [2]

Overview

Radiological examination is the key for accurate identification of the source of bleeding. CT of the chest demonstrates pleural effusion. An enhanced chest CT scan can reveal the bleeding site and the severity of the haemothorax. But it is not usually indicated in the initial trauma setting to the diagnosis of hemothorax.

CT

• Pleural fluid collection
• Rib fracture

Axial CT showing left sided hemothorax secondary to rib fractures while skiing (Picture courtesy: MedPix)