摘要: Summary Penetrating chest trauma causes a broad spectrum of injury that requires variety diagnostic and resuscitative skills. Prompt resuscitation decisive action are mandatory for patients who present in extremis, whereas thorough evaluation appropriate observation indicated less compelling circumstances. Clinical skill judgment along with plain radiographs provide the basis treatment most cases. More sophisticated imaging techniques, exception angiography, limited value. A systematic approach based on wound location, be it central, peripheral, or proximate to diaphragm, should result timely sound evaluation.