Diagnostic Importance of Lung Ultrasonography in the Follow-up of Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma

Aim: Radiological follow-up of patients with blunt thoracic trauma is essential in providing a chance for early intervention for complications that may develop. The study aims to investigate lung ultrasound’s diagnostic value in patients with blunt thoracic trauma. Material and Method: Patients of adult age who were treated for blunt chest trauma in the thoracic surgery clinic of our center between February 2022 and June 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Among these patients, those who radiologically followed up with a combination of lung US and chest radiography were included in the study. Radiological data that indicates pneumothorax, hemothorax, and atelectasis were recorded. Results: A total of 60 patients with blunt thoracic trauma were included in the study. Forty-nine of the patients were male, and 11 were female. The mean age was 45.7±17.8, and the median was 49 (range 18–74). While the perfect agreement was observed in the detection of hemothorax between the lung US and chest radiogram, substantial agreement was observed in the detection of pneumothorax and atelectasis. Conclusion: In the follow-up of patients with blunt chest trauma, lung ultrasound is a good alternative to standard posterolateral chest X-ray with its similar diagnostic success, easy reproducibility, and the possibility to be applied at the bedside.

Keywords:

atelectasis, chest trauma, hemothorax lung ultrasound; pneumothorax,

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