[Radiographic diagnosis of traumatic bronchial rupture].

OBJECTIVE: To study the X-ray and CT findings of traumatic bronchial rupture for early radiographic diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS: The chest plain X-ray films and CT images of 21 patients with traumatic bronchial rupture confirmed by operations or bronchoscopy were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: The main radiographic findings of traumatic bronchial rupture included interrupted tracheobronchial air column, atelectasis, lung ptosis, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax or hydropneumothorax. CT scanning also revealed tracheobronchial wall defect, bronchostenosis, and bronchial occlusion, displacement and angulation.

CONCLUSION: Chest plain X-ray film combined with CT scanning has important values for early diagnosis of traumatic bronchial rupture.