Faculty Collaboration Database

Observing pneumothoraces: The 35-millimeter rule is safe for both blunt and penetrating chest trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019 Apr;86(4):557-564

Date

01/11/2019

Pubmed ID

30629009

DOI

10.1097/TA.0000000000002192

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85063712748 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   29 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As more pneumothoraxes (PTX) are being identified on chest computed tomography (CT), the empiric trigger for tube thoracostomy (TT) versus observation remains unclear. We hypothesized that PTX measuring 35 mm or less on chest CT can be safely observed in both penetrating and blunt trauma mechanisms.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients diagnosed with PTX by chest CT between January 2011 and December 2016. Patients were excluded if they had an associated hemothorax, an immediate TT (TT placed before the initial chest CT), or if they were on mechanical ventilation. Size of PTX was quantified by measuring the radial distance between the parietal and visceral pleura/mediastinum in a line perpendicular to the chest wall on axial imaging of the largest air pocket. Based on previous work, a cutoff of 35 mm on the initial CT was used to dichotomize the groups. Failure of observation was defined as the need for a delayed TT during the first week. A univariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of failure in both groups, and multivariate analysis was constructed to assess the independent impact of PTX measurement on the failure of observation while controlling for demographics and chest injuries.

RESULTS: Of the 1,767 chest trauma patients screened, 832 (47%) had PTX, and of those meeting inclusion criteria, 257 (89.0%) were successfully observed until discharge. Of those successfully observed, 247 (96%) patients had a measurement of 35 mm or less. The positive predictive value for 35 mm as a cutoff was 90.8% to predict successful observation. In the univariant analyses, rib fractures (p = 0.048), Glasgow Coma Scale (p = 0.012), and size of the PTX (≤35 mm or >35 mm) (P < 0.0001) were associated with failed observation. In multivariate analysis, PTX measuring 35 mm or less was an independent predictor of successful observation (odds ratio, 0.142; 95% confidence interval, 0.047-0.428)] for the combined blunt and penetrating trauma patients.

CONCLUSION: A 35-mm cutoff is safe as a general guide with only 9% of stable patients failing initial observation regardless of mechanism.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level III.

Author List

Bou Zein Eddine S, Boyle KA, Dodgion CM, Davis CS, Webb TP, Juern JS, Milia DJ, Carver TW, Beckman MA, Codner PA, Trevino C, de Moya MA

Authors

Marshall A. Beckman MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Thomas W. Carver MD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Carley Davis MD Professor in the Urologic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Christopher Stephen Davis MD, MPH Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Marc Anthony De Moya MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Christopher M. Dodgion MD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
David J. Milia MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Colleen Trevino PhD APP Clinical Dir Inpatient 2 in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Observation
Pneumothorax
Retrospective Studies
Thoracic Injuries
Thoracostomy
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Trauma Centers
Wounds, Nonpenetrating
Wounds, Penetrating