During the global shortage of contrast in 2022, unenhanced CT scans were used for acute and posttraumatic patients in emergency departments at some institutions [36]. CT Chest With IV Contrast Given the unpredictable trajectory of ballistic trauma, liberal use of CT imaging of the chest is typically performed when there is presumed isolated abdominal and pelvic trauma [2]. Penetrating Torso Trauma CT Chest Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature regarding the use of CT chest without and with IV contrast for initial evaluation of penetrating torso trauma. The addition of a noncontrast phase does not provide additional information pertinent to penetrating trauma [31]. CT Chest Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature regarding the use of CT chest without IV contrast for initial evaluation of penetrating torso trauma. During the global shortage of contrast in 2022, unenhanced CT scans were used for acute and posttraumatic patients in emergency departments at some institutions [36]. CTA Abdomen and Pelvis With IV Contrast In the hemodynamically stable patient population, multiphasic imaging can provide additional useful information regarding the source of active bleeding. Additionally, it is important to remember that imaging can be performed after damage control surgery to identify injuries that may need definitive treatment [29,33]. In their retrospective study, Nummela et al [29] found that arterial and venous phases of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT facilitated recognition of active bleeding in patients with penetrating thoracic trauma. Differentiating between arterial and venous hemorrhage may have treatment implications. For example, a hemodynamically stable patient with active arterial bleeding may be treated with an angioembolization procedure, whereas bleeding from a venous structure may result in supportive care [29,33].
Penetrating Torso Trauma. During the global shortage of contrast in 2022, unenhanced CT scans were used for acute and posttraumatic patients in emergency departments at some institutions [36]. CT Chest With IV Contrast Given the unpredictable trajectory of ballistic trauma, liberal use of CT imaging of the chest is typically performed when there is presumed isolated abdominal and pelvic trauma [2]. Penetrating Torso Trauma CT Chest Without and With IV Contrast There is no relevant literature regarding the use of CT chest without and with IV contrast for initial evaluation of penetrating torso trauma. The addition of a noncontrast phase does not provide additional information pertinent to penetrating trauma [31]. CT Chest Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature regarding the use of CT chest without IV contrast for initial evaluation of penetrating torso trauma. During the global shortage of contrast in 2022, unenhanced CT scans were used for acute and posttraumatic patients in emergency departments at some institutions [36]. CTA Abdomen and Pelvis With IV Contrast In the hemodynamically stable patient population, multiphasic imaging can provide additional useful information regarding the source of active bleeding. Additionally, it is important to remember that imaging can be performed after damage control surgery to identify injuries that may need definitive treatment [29,33]. In their retrospective study, Nummela et al [29] found that arterial and venous phases of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT facilitated recognition of active bleeding in patients with penetrating thoracic trauma. Differentiating between arterial and venous hemorrhage may have treatment implications. For example, a hemodynamically stable patient with active arterial bleeding may be treated with an angioembolization procedure, whereas bleeding from a venous structure may result in supportive care [29,33].