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Trauma Chest CT

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    NC Chest Non-contrast Lung apices to Costophrenic angles
    CTA Chest Arterial (bolus tracked) Lung apices to Costophrenic angles
    • Blunt chest trauma
    • Rib fractures
    • Pneumothorax
    • Hemothorax

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine with arms raised if possible
    • NPO Status: None - trauma

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    No Intravenous Contrast

    This protocol does not require IV contrast administration.

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Single acquisition lung apices to costophrenic angles. RIB REFORMATS required. Submillimeter acquisition
    • Additional Recons: Dedicated rib reformats (oblique sagittal each rib). Count fractures. 3D chest wall
    • Trauma precautions. Arms up if able

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: N/A
    • Pneumothorax hemothorax. Rib fractures (count and location). Pulmonary contusion. Aortic injury. Sternal/scapular fractures
    • Submillimeter acquisition critical for rib detail
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Lung apices Costophrenic angles N/A N/A AP and lateral
NC Chest Lung apices Costophrenic angles N/A 0.625-1 mm Submillimeter for ribs
CTA Chest Arterial (bolus tracked) Lung apices to Costophrenic angles Bolus tracked 0.625 mm Evaluate for aortic injury
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Chest Chest 2.5 mm/2.5 mm Standard 3 Mediastinal window
Axial Chest Chest 2.5 mm/2.5 mm Lung 3 Lung window
Axial CTA Chest Chest 2.5 mm/2.5 mm Standard 3 Evaluate for aortic injury
Coronal Chest Chest 2.5 mm/2.5 mm Bone N/A Rib overview
Oblique sagittal Chest Ribs 2 mm/2 mm Bone N/A Rib reformats all ribs