Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2005 Jan;38(1):56-82.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Traumatic Diaphragm Injury and Comparison of Scoring Systems as Predictors

• Lee SJ
• Jung JH
• Sohn DS
• Cho DY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Because of high morbidity and mortality, traumatic diaphragm injury remains a diagnostic challenge. In this study, we evaluate that some factors and scores can be used as predictors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From May 1995 to June 2003, 23 patients with traumatic diaphragm injury were enrolled. We examined the clinical features of patients. RTS, TRISS, ISS and APACHE II scores for each patient are calculated for analyzing the relationship of mortality and ICU duration. RESULT: The study identified 15 men (65.2%) and 8 women (34.8%). There are right sided diaphragmatic injury in 11 patients (47.8%), left sided in 11 (47.8%), and both sided in 1 (0.4%). Plain X-ray, CT, upper GI contrast study and esophagogastroscopy were used as diagnostic tools. Age, hemodynamic status, early diagnosis are not associated with outcome. As prognostic factor, RTS and ISS are associated with mortality and there was negative relationship between RTS and ICU duration (r=0.737, p=0.026).
CONCLUSION
An early diagnosis of traumatic diaphragm injury can frequently be missed in the acute trauma setting. So high index of suspicion and a careful examination are important in multiple trauma patients. An RTS can probably be used effectively as a predictor for the severity and prognosis in patients with traumatic diaphragm injury.

Keyword

Diaphragm, trauma; Diaphragm; Trauma

MeSH Terms

APACHE
Diaphragm*
Early Diagnosis
Female
Hemodynamics
Humans
Male
Mortality
Multiple Trauma
Prognosis