Lung Parenchymal and Airway Injuries: Differential Diagnosis and Severity Grading

Lung parenchymal and airway injuries are common and potentially life-threatening complications of thoracic trauma, requiring rapid and accurate radiological evaluation for optimal patient management. Chest CT remains an important diagnostic tool, because imaging findings-such as the extent of pulmonary injury and precise localization of tracheobronchial tears, often directly guide critical management decisions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key imaging features of pulmonary contusion, laceration, and tracheobronchial injury, with emphasis on clinically relevant findings that guide treatment. We also propose a clinical checklist and structured report to facilitate timely communication between radiologists and clinicians.