Pediatrie thoracic trauma

Abstract

Pediatric thoracic trauma is relatively uncommon but results in disproportionately high levels of morbidity and mortality when compared with other traumatic injuries. Thoracic trauma includes injuries to the lungs, heart, aorta and great vessels, esophagus, tracheobronchial tree, and structures of the chest wall. Children have a smaller blood volume and a more insidious onset of hemorrhagic shock, commonly with tachycardia, as the only early warning sign. Children have a markedly compliant thorax, making them vulnerable to intrathoracic injury without overlying bony injury. With proper recognition and management of these injuries, there is an associated improved long-term outcome.