Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Bedside Lung Ultrasonography and High-Resolution Computed Tomography of the Thorax in Acute Chest Trauma Patients: A Study Protocol

TL;DR

This study aims to compare the accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound and CT scans in diagnosing chest injuries in trauma patients.

Contribution

The study introduces a direct comparison of bedside lung ultrasonography and HRCT for acute chest trauma diagnosis.

Findings

Bedside LUS will be evaluated for detecting pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusion.

Diagnostic accuracy of LUS will be compared to HRCT thorax findings in trauma patients.

Abstract

Background

Emergency rooms frequently see cases of chest trauma, which require prompt and precise assessment to determine the best course of action. Traditional diagnostic techniques like CT scans and chest X-rays have restrictions related to radiation exposure, cost, and mobility. Due to its mobility, radiation-free nature, and real-time imaging capabilities, bedside lung ultrasonography (LUS) has become a potential modality for assessing chest injuries. The main goal is to evaluate the accuracy of bedside LUS and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax in patients with acute chest trauma.

Materials and methods

A bedside LUS will be performed on 45 adult patients over the age of 18 who present to the emergency department with severe chest trauma. An HRCT thorax will be done at the radiodiagnosis division. To evaluate LUS's diagnostic accuracy in identifying different traumatic conditions such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusion, its results will be compared with those of HRCT thorax.

Results

After the study is completed in 2025, conclusions will be made.

Conclusions

The accuracy of bedside LUS in diagnosing traumatic lung injury will be compared to HRCT thorax findings, and conclusions will be drawn.