Effect of Differences in Thorax Volume and Dimensions on CPR-related Injuries.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the prevalence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) related thoracic injury and patients' thoracic volume and dimensions.

Study Design: Observational study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey, from August 2015 to August 2019.

Methodology: Patients, who were in hospital due to a non-traumatic cause, had experienced cardiac arrest and subsequently had a post-CPR thorax tomography, were included in the study. Thorax dimensions were measured on sagittal, transverse, and longitudinal axes, while thorax volumes were calculated using a 3D computer programme. This data was later compared to trauma findings.

Results: A total of 246 patients were included in the study. The sagittal measurements ranged from 130 - 302 mm, with an average of 228.42 ± 25.61 mm; the transverse measurements ranged from 160-293 mm, average 238.60 ± 22.25 mm, and longitudinal measurements ranged from 99-259 mm, average 187.94 ± 29.76 mm; while thorax volumes were between 4670 - 21512 cc, with an average of 10118.19 ± 2438.01 cc. Trauma was present in 34.1% of patients.  Sagittal, longitudinal dimensions, and thorax volume were lower for the group positive for trauma compared to the non-trauma group (p=0.019, p=0.023 and p=0.002). Thorax volume and longitudinal dimensions were found to be lower in patients who experienced rib fractures (p=0.021, p<0.05). Sagittal dimensions were also found to be significantly lower in the group with pneumothorax (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Lower thorax volume and sagittal dimensions were associated with an increased prevalence of traumatic findings. Key Words: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Thoracic injuries, Pneumothorax, Rib fracture.