Selected topics in chest trauma.

Trauma is the leading cause of death of young adults in the United States, and chest trauma is one of the leading causes of trauma-related fatalities. This article presents an approach to the radiological evaluation and diagnosis of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, traumatic aortic rupture, and thoracic spine injuries. Also discussed is the radiological assessment of vascular catheters, endotracheal tubes, and thoracostomy tubes.