Transthoracic echocardiogram is a useful tool in the hemodynamic assessment of patients with chest trauma.

Introduction: The utility of transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in patients on the trauma service is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of abnormal echocardiographic findings that would aid in the assessment and management of cardiovascular hemodynamics in patients with chest trauma.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients who had a TTE on the trauma service at a level 1 trauma center during a 12-month period was performed.