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Woman Assaulted on Street

The chest radiograph demonstrates a massive amount of soft tissue and subcutaneous emphysema extending from the neck down through the chest and into the lower chest/upper abdomen. In addition, there are several fractured posterior ribs bilaterally. No large pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum is noted. 

Because of the extent and mechanism of injury, CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis had already been ordered. Arrangements were also made for the patient to be admitted to the ICU for closer observation.

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Nandan R. Hichkad, PA-C, MMSc

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Clinician Reviews - 23(10)
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6
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radiology, review, radiograph, assault, chest, back, pain, soft tissue, subcutaneous emphysema, fractured posterior ribs bilaterally, fracture, ribs,
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Author and Disclosure Information

Nandan R. Hichkad, PA-C, MMSc

Author and Disclosure Information

Nandan R. Hichkad, PA-C, MMSc

The chest radiograph demonstrates a massive amount of soft tissue and subcutaneous emphysema extending from the neck down through the chest and into the lower chest/upper abdomen. In addition, there are several fractured posterior ribs bilaterally. No large pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum is noted. 

Because of the extent and mechanism of injury, CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis had already been ordered. Arrangements were also made for the patient to be admitted to the ICU for closer observation.

The chest radiograph demonstrates a massive amount of soft tissue and subcutaneous emphysema extending from the neck down through the chest and into the lower chest/upper abdomen. In addition, there are several fractured posterior ribs bilaterally. No large pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum is noted. 

Because of the extent and mechanism of injury, CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis had already been ordered. Arrangements were also made for the patient to be admitted to the ICU for closer observation.

Issue
Clinician Reviews - 23(10)
Issue
Clinician Reviews - 23(10)
Page Number
6
Page Number
6
Publications
Publications
Topics
Article Type
Display Headline
Woman Assaulted on Street
Display Headline
Woman Assaulted on Street
Legacy Keywords
radiology, review, radiograph, assault, chest, back, pain, soft tissue, subcutaneous emphysema, fractured posterior ribs bilaterally, fracture, ribs,
Legacy Keywords
radiology, review, radiograph, assault, chest, back, pain, soft tissue, subcutaneous emphysema, fractured posterior ribs bilaterally, fracture, ribs,
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A 40-year-old woman is brought in by EMS for evaluation of injuries secondary to being assaulted. She was out walking late last night when she was approached by two men who pushed her to the ground and began punching and kicking her repeatedly on her face, chest, and back. She is primarily complaining of chest wall and back pain. Her medical history is significant for hypertension, diet-controlled diabetes, and “some sort of heart problem” for which she takes medication. Surgical history is significant for hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, and appendectomy. She smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day and consumes at least a six-pack of beer daily. Initial exam shows an anxious female who appears somewhat uncomfortable but is in no obvious distress. Her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure, 130/88 mm Hg; pulse, 120 beats/min; respiratory rate, 22 breaths/min; and O2 saturation, 100% on room air. Physical exam reveals extensive facial/periorbital swelling, as well as swelling in the neck. Some splinting is noted. There is extensive crepitus noted within the soft tissue of the face, neck, and chest wall. Also, there is moderate tenderness bilaterally over the ribs. Chest radiograph is obtained (shown). What is your impression?
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