ICJEM
Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine

The Intercontinental Journal of Emergency Medicine aims to publish issues related to all fields of emergency medicine and all specialties involved in the management of emergencies in the hospital and prehospital environment of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Original Article
The comparison of ultrasound, chest X-ray, and chest CT in the diagnosis of pneumothorax in thoracic trauma patients
Abstract
Aims: Pneumothorax is a critical condition frequently encountered in thoracic trauma that requires prompt diagnosis and management. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (USG), chest X-ray (CXR), and thoracic computed tomography (CT) in detecting pneumothorax in patients with thoracic trauma.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients presenting to the emergency department with thoracic trauma. Each patient underwent an initial ultrasound examination using the Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (E-FAST) protocol, followed by CXR and CT. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of USG and CXR were evaluated using CT as the reference standard.
Results: CT confirmed pneumothorax in 15 cases (13%) among the studied patients. USG demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 100%, while CXR showed a sensitivity of 0.0% and a specificity of 98.7%. The diagnostic accuracy of USG was significantly superior to that of CXR.
Conclusion: USG is a highly specific and efficient bedside tool for diagnosing pneumothorax in thoracic trauma patients. Its implementation in emergency settings can facilitate early detection and management, particularly when CT is unavailable or delayed.

Keywords : Pneumothorax, ultrasound, chest X-ray, computed tomography, emergency department

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 2, 2025
Page : 35-38
https://doi.org/10.51271/ICJEM-0055
Article Information
Received : 28 Feb 2025
Accepted : 17 Mar 2025
Published : 13 Jun 2025
Corresponding Author :

Mehmet Yılmaz: Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Health Practice and Research Center, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Yılmaz M, Şahin Kavaklı H. The comparison of ultrasound, chest X-ray, and chest CT in the diagnosis of pneumothorax in thoracic trauma patients. Intercont J Emerg Med. 2025;3(2):35-38.

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