The Application Value of Spiral CT in Diagnosis and Dynamic Observation of Pulmonary Laceration

Objective: To investigate the application value of spiral CT in the diagnosis and dynamic observation of pulmonary laceration. Methods: CT results of twenty patients with pulmorary laceration were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 45 lesions were found in the 20 patients, with 25 on the right side and 20 on the left side. CT manifestations were pneumatocele (n=9), pulmonary liquid-air cavity (n=12), sub-pleural gas-bubble shadow (n=15), intrapulmonary hematoma (n=7) and wedge shaped gas fissures (n=2). Various degrees of lung contusion around the pulmonary laceration could be observed in all patients. The locations of the 45 lesions of laceration included lung surface or sub-pleural region (n=26), deep site of lung (n=5) and paravertebral area (n=14). Rib fracture was detected in all patients and hemopneumothorax was found in 8 patients. The results of CT dynamic observation are as follows:liquid was seen and pulmonary liquid-air cavities were formed in 7 lung cavities, 6 sub-pleural gas-bubble shadow formed into hemopneumothorax, while 5 patients were diagnosed as pulmonary hematoma with pleural effusion. Besides, pneumatocele, pulmonary liquid-air cavity and absorption and shrinkage of pulmonary hematoma were found in one or two months. Conclusion: The characteristic manifestations of pulmonary laceration are pneumatocele, pulmonary liquid-air cavity and sub-pleural gas-bubble shadow, while the wedge shaped gas fissures is a specific sign of the disease. Spiral CT examination plays the most effective role in early detection and diagnosis and dynamic observation of the pulmonary laceration.