Respiratory Arrest (Apnea): Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics.

  • Electrocardiography (ECG).
  • X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax), in two planes [images all injuries in blunt trauma/injury to the thorax only 29% of the time]
  • Thoracic sonography – imaging of the intrathoracic organs (excl. the heart) by ultrasound.

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and mandatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.

Further notes

Common occult (“hidden”) injuries after blunt trauma to the thorax on plain radiography include:

  • Diaphragmatic injuries
  • Hematothoraces
  • Pulmonary Contusions
  • Pneumothoraces
  • Rib series fractures
  • Sternal fractures
  • Large vessel injuries