Presentation
Motorbike accident.
Patient Data
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Generally increased density of the right hemithorax compared to the left in a supine trauma patient. This is highly suspicious for a right sided haemothorax especially given the film does not appear rotated. No other definite signs of trauma are seen.
Bilateral haemothorax, right greater than left, accounting for the density difference seen on the supine chest x-ray. Mild atelectasis is seen adjacent to the haemothoraces and likely small volume pulmonary contusion in the right lung base where a small traumatic pneumatocele is seen. Subtle inward angulation of multiple anterobasal ribs are consistent with incomplete fractures. A right T10 transverse process fracture was better appreciated on sagittal images and a fracture of the right superior aspect of the T10 vertebral body. Locules of soft-tissue gas are seen near the T10 injury and also near the rib fractures. Trace bilateral pneumothorax is seen anterobasally.
Case Discussion
This case is a nice example of a supine haemothorax on a trauma chest radiograph being identifiable as a generalised increase in hemithorax density compared to the contralateral side.
CT Findings
- Bilateral haemothorax, right greater than left
- mild atelectasis adjacent to the haemothoraces
- small pulmonary contusion and traumatic pneumatocele right lung base
- multiple bilateral anterobasal incomplete rib fractures
- right T10 transverse process and vertebral body fracture with adjacent locules of gas
- trace bilateral pneumothorax anterobasally (very tiny!)