Imaging evaluation of diaphragmatic injuries: Improving interpretation accuracy

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Trauma Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Diaphragmatic injuries (DIs) present diagnostic challenges with potential for severe delayed complications.
• High index of suspicion is crucial for blunt thoracoabdominal trauma and penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries.
• Current diagnostic strategies require refinement for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of current evidence and controversies surrounding diaphragmatic injuries.
• To offer a practical tutorial for radiologists to enhance interpretive accuracy in diagnosing DIs.
• To elucidate imaging findings of DIs, emphasizing multidetector CT (MDCT) utility.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing evidence on diaphragmatic injuries.
• Emphasis on multidetector CT (MDCT) as the primary imaging modality.
• Discussion of diagnostic pitfalls, imaging protocols, and management considerations.

Main Results:

• Multidetector CT (MDCT) demonstrates significant utility in diagnosing diaphragmatic injuries.
• Specific imaging signs for both blunt and penetrating DIs are detailed.
• Common diagnostic pitfalls and their avoidance strategies are presented.

Conclusions:

• Accurate and timely diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries is critical to prevent delayed complications.
• Radiologists play a pivotal role in identifying DIs through meticulous interpretation of imaging findings.
• Standardized protocols and awareness of diagnostic pitfalls can improve diagnostic accuracy for DIs.