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Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardTraumaTraumatic diaphragmatic ruptureABEM Board

A 46-year-old man arrives after a side-impact MVC with dyspnea and abdominal pain. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 104/66 mm Hg, HR 122/min, SpO2 91%. Breath sounds are decreased on the left, and bowel sounds are heard in the chest. Chest radiograph shows a nasogastric tube above the diaphragm. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — CT chest and abdomen with IV contrast

Stable suspected traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is best evaluated with CT chest and abdomen with IV contrast.

Reference: ATLS thoracoabdominal trauma guidance