Evolving concepts in MDCT diagnosis of penetrating diaphragmatic injury

This article reviews current and evolving concepts in the diagnosis of penetrating diaphragmatic injury with multidetector CT (MDCT). As criteria for nonoperative management in the setting of penetrating trauma become more inclusive, confident exclusion of penetrating diaphragmatic injury (PDI) has become imperative. Diagnostic performance of MDCT for PDI has improved substantially with the use of thin sections and multiplanar reformats. Evaluation of injury trajectory in nonstandard planes using 3D post-processing software can aid in the diagnosis. Contiguous injury and transdiaphragmatic trajectory are the best predictors of PDI. Careful appraisal of the diaphragm for defects should be undertaken in all patients with thoracoabdominal penetrating trauma.