scholarly journals Optimizing Chest X-ray Indication in Blunt Trauma Patients using Clinical Criteria

Author(s):  
Luca GA Pivetta ◽  
Cristiano Below ◽  
Giovanna Z Rondini ◽  
Jacqueline AG Perlingero ◽  
José C Assef ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background There is an excessive number of unnecessary chest X-rays (CXRs) in minor blunt trauma patients. Objective To identify, using routine clinical criteria, a subgroup of blunt trauma patients that do not require CXR for assessment. Materials and methods This was a retrospective analysis of trauma registry data collected over a 24-month period. Adult blunt trauma patients undergoing CXR on admission were analyzed. The following clinical criteria were assessed: Normal neurologic examination on admission (NNEx), hemodynamic stability (HS), normal physical examination of the chest on admission (NCEx), age ≤ 60 years, and absence of distracting injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale >2 in head, abdomen, and extremities). These clinical criteria were progressively merged to select a group with lowest risk of exhibiting abnormal CXR on admission. Results Out of 4,647 patients submitted to CXR on admission, 268 (5.7%) had abnormal findings on scans. Of 2,897 patients admitted with NNEx, 116 (4.0%) had abnormal CXR. Of 2,426 patients with NNEx and HS, 74 (3.0%) had abnormal CXR. Of 1,698 patients with NNEx, HS, and NCEx, 24 (1.4%) had abnormal CXR. Of 1,347 patients with NNEx, HS, NCEx, and age < 60 years, 12 had thoracic injury (0.9% of total individuals receiving CXR). A total of 4 patients underwent chest drainage. Among 1,140 cases with all clinical criteria, 8 had confirmed thoracic injuries and 2 underwent chest drainage. Conclusion A subgroup of blunt trauma patients with low probability of exhibiting abnormalities on CXR at admission was identified. The need for CXR in this subgroup should be reviewed. How to cite this article Pivetta LGA, Parreira JG, Below C, Rondini GZ, Perlingero JAG, Assef JC. Optimizing Chest X-ray Indication in Blunt Trauma Patients using Clinical Criteria. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):30-34.

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1032-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron S. Weinberg ◽  
William Chang ◽  
Grace Ih ◽  
Alan Waxman ◽  
Victor F. Tapson

Objective: Computed tomography angiography is limited in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to renal insufficiency, hemodynamic instability, and difficulty transporting unstable patients. A portable ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan can be used. However, it is commonly believed that an abnormal chest radiograph can result in a nondiagnostic scan. In this retrospective study, we demonstrate that portable V/Q scans can be helpful in ruling in or out clinically significant pulmonary embolism (PE) despite an abnormal chest x-ray in the ICU. Design: Two physicians conducted chart reviews and original V/Q reports. A staff radiologist, with 40 years of experience, rated chest x-ray abnormalities using predetermined criteria. Setting: The study was conducted in the ICU. Patients: The first 100 consecutive patients with suspected PE who underwent a portable V/Q scan. Interventions: Those with a portable V/Q scan. Results: A normal baseline chest radiograph was found in only 6% of patients. Fifty-three percent had moderate, 24% had severe, and 10% had very-severe radiographic abnormalities. Despite the abnormal x-rays, 88% of the V/Q scans were low probability for a PE despite an average abnormal radiograph rating of moderate. A high-probability V/Q for PE was diagnosed in 3% of the population despite chest x-ray ratings of moderate to severe. Six patients had their empiric anticoagulation discontinued after obtaining the results of the V/Q scan, and no anticoagulation was started for PE after a low-probability V/Q scan. Conclusion: Despite the large percentage of moderate-to-severe x-ray abnormalities, PE can still be diagnosed (high-probability scan) in the ICU with a portable V/Q scan. Although low-probability scans do not rule out acute PE, it appeared less likely that any patient with a low-probability V/Q scan had severe hypoxemia or hemodynamic instability due to a significant PE, which was useful to clinicians and allowed them to either stop or not start anticoagulation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 480-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanjan Nagarsheth ◽  
Stanley Kurek

Pneumothorax after trauma can be a life threatening injury and its care requires expeditious and accurate diagnosis and possible intervention. We performed a prospective, single blinded study with convenience sampling at a Level I trauma center comparing thoracic ultrasound with chest X-ray and CT scan in the detection of traumatic pneumothorax. Trauma patients that received a thoracic ultrasound, chest X-ray, and chest CT scan were included in the study. The chest X-rays were read by a radiologist who was blinded to the thoracic ultrasound results. Then both were compared with CT scan results. One hundred and twenty-five patients had a thoracic ultrasound performed in the 24-month period. Forty-six patients were excluded from the study due to lack of either a chest X-ray or chest CT scan. Of the remaining 79 patients there were 22 positive pneumothorax found by CT and of those 18 (82%) were found on ultrasound and 7 (32%) were found on chest X-ray. The sensitivity of thoracic ultrasound was found to be 81.8 per cent and the specificity was found to be 100 per cent. The sensitivity of chest X-ray was found to be 31.8 per cent and again the specificity was found to be 100 per cent. The negative predictive value of thoracic ultrasound for pneumothorax was 0.934 and the negative predictive value for chest X-ray for pneumothorax was found to be 0.792. We advocate the use of chest ultrasound for detection of pneumothorax in trauma patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Roberts ◽  
Lewis E. Jacobson ◽  
Michelle M. Amaral ◽  
Courtney D. Jensen ◽  
Louis Cooke ◽  
...  

Abstract Background High morbidity and mortality rates of trauma injuries make early detection and correct diagnosis crucial for increasing patient’s survival and quality of life after an injury. Improvements in technology have facilitated the rapid detection of injuries, especially with the use of computed tomography (CT). However, the increased use of CT imaging is not universally advocated for. Some advocate for the use of selective CT imaging, especially in cases where the severity of the injury is low. The purpose of this study is to review the CT indications, findings, and complications in patients with low Injury Severity Scores (ISS) to determine the utility of torso CT in this patient cohort. Methods A retrospective review of non-intubated, adult blunt trauma patients with an initial GCS of 14 or 15 evaluated in an ACS verified level 1 trauma center from July 2012 to June 2015 was performed. Data was obtained from the hospital’s trauma registry and chart review, with the following data included: age, sex, injury type, ISS, physical exam findings, all injuries recorded, injuries detected by torso CT, missed injuries, and complications. The statistical tests conducted in the analysis of the collected data were chi-squared, Fischer exact test, and ANOVA analysis. Results There were 2306 patients included in this study, with a mean ISS of 8. For patients with a normal chest exam that had a chest CT, 15% were found to have an occult chest injury. In patients with a negative chest exam and negative chest X-ray, 35% had occult injuries detected on chest CT. For patients with a negative abdominal exam and CT abdomen and pelvis, 16% were found to have an occult injury on CT. Lastly, 25% of patients with normal chest, abdomen, and pelvis exams with chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scans demonstrated occult injuries. Asymptomatic patients with a negative CT had a length of stay 1 day less than patients without a corresponding CT. No incidents of contrast-induced complications were recorded. Conclusions A negative physical exam combined with a normal chest X-ray does not rule out the presence of occult injuries and the need for torso imaging. In blunt trauma patients with normal sensorium, physical exam and chest X-ray, the practice of obtaining cross-sectional imaging appears beneficial by increasing the accuracy of total injury burden and decreasing the length of stay.


Author(s):  
JÚLIO PATROCÍNIO MORAES ◽  
JOSÉ GUSTAVO PARREIRA ◽  
PEDRO DE SOUZA LUCARELLI-ANTUNES ◽  
GIOVANNA ZUCCHINI RONDINI ◽  
JACQUELINE ARANTES GIANNINNI PERLINGEIRO ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify a subgroup of blunt trauma patients with very low chance of sustaining pelvic fractures based on clinical criteria. Methods: retrospective analysis of the trauma registry data, collected in a period of 24 months. We selected adult blunt trauma patients who had a PXR on admission. The frequency of pelvic fractures was calculated for the following groups: Normal neurological examination at admission (NNE), hemodynamical stability (HS), normal pelvic examination at admission (NPE), less than 60 years old (ID<60) and absence of distracting injuries (ADI). Logistic regression analysis was carried out in order to create a probability model of negative PXR. Results: an abnormal PXR was identified in 101 (3.3%) out of the 3,055 patients who had undergone a PXR at admission. Out of these, 1,863 sustained a NNE, with 38 positive CXRs (2.0%) in this group. Considering only the 1,535 patients with NNE and HS, we found 28 positive PXRs (1.8%). Out of these, 1,506 have NPE, with 21 abnormal PXRs (1.4%). Of these, 1,202 were younger than 60 y, with 11 positive PXRs (0.9%). By adding all these criteria to the ADI, we found 2 abnormal PXRs in 502 (0.4%) cases. The probability model including all these variables had a 0,89 area under the ROC curve. Conclusions: by adding clinical criteria, it is possible to identify a group of trauma patients with very low chance of sustaining pelvic fractures. The necessity of PXR in these patients needs to be reassessed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482199866
Author(s):  
Emily Leede ◽  
Tatiana C. P. Cardenas ◽  
Brent J. Emigh ◽  
Lawrence H. Brown ◽  
Pedro G. Teixeira ◽  
...  

Background This study evaluates the utility of chest (CXR) and pelvis (PXR) X-ray, as adjuncts to the primary survey, in screening geriatric blunt trauma (GBT) patients for abdominal injury or need for laparotomy. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients 65-89 years in the 2014 National Trauma Data Bank. X-ray injuries were identified by ICD9 codes and defined as any injury felt to be readily detectable by a non-radiologist. X-ray findings were dichotomized as “both negative” (no injury presumptively apparent on CXR or PXR) or “either positive” (any injury presumptively apparent on CXR or PXR). Rates of abdominal injuries and laparotomy were compared and used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. The primary outcomes were abdominal injury and laparotomy. The secondary outcomes included mortality, ventilator days, and hospital days. Results A total of 202 553 patients met criteria. Overall, 9% of patients with either positive X-rays had abdominal injury and 2% laparotomy vs. 1.1% and .3% with both negative ( P < .001). The specificity for any positive X-ray was 79% for abdominal injury and 78% for laparotomy. The sensitivity was 69% for abdominal injury and laparotomy. The either positive group had fewer ventilator days (.3 vs. .8, P < .0001), longer length of stay (7 vs. 5, P < .0001), and higher mortality (6% vs. 4%, P < .0001) vs both negative. Conclusion CXR and PXR can be used to assess for intra-abdominal injury and need for laparotomy. GBT patients with either positive X-rays should continue workup regardless of mechanism due to the high specificity of this tool for abdominal injury and need for laparotomy.


Author(s):  
Robert Emmett Reily ◽  
Tyler Simpson ◽  
Morgan Evans ◽  
Alison A. Smith ◽  
Juan Carolos Duchesne

Background: Current algorithms for resuscitation in blunt trauma patients rely on chest x-ray, FAST, and pelvic x-ray to quickly elicit a source of major bleeding in the trauma bay.  There are currently no good recommendations for the patient in whom all three of these imaging studies are negative.  Methods:  We identified blunt trauma victims who presented with a systolic blood pressure below 100mmHg.  Chest x-ray, FAST, and pelvic x-ray obtained in the trauma bay were reviewed, and patients who had all three studies negative underwent thorough chart review and characterization of injuries.   Results:  Of the total hypotensive blunt trauma victims (n=649), we found 47 who had a “non-diagnostic triad” (NDT).  Of the NDT group, 31.9% (n=15) were found to have a major injury contributing to hypotension, while 61% (n=29) were not diagnosed with a severe injury that could have contributed to hypotension.  Of the NDT group with severe injury, 40% (n=6) were found to have retroperitoneal bleeding, 40% (n=6) were found to have intraperitoneal bleeding despite negative fast, 13% (n=2) were thought to have spinal shock, and one patient had a blunt cardiac injury.    Conclusions:  Most of the NDT group patients in this study were not diagnosed with a serious injury.  However, a significant minority (31%) were found to have a major injury contributing to hypotension.  Of these patients, retroperitoneal and/or intra-abdominal bleeding were found in 80%, with neurogenic and cardiogenic shock less common.  We feel these sicker NDT patients may benefit from REBOA, although more study is warranted before formal algorithms and recommendations are made. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-94
Author(s):  
Jyotsna Bhushan ◽  
Shagufta Iqbal ◽  
Abhishek Chopra

A clinical case report of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a late-preterm neonate, chest x-ray showing classical “spinnaker sail sign,” which was managed conservatively and had excellent prognosis on conservative management. Respiratory distress in a preterm neonate is a common clinical finding. Common causes include respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, and pneumothorax. Pneumomediastinum is not very common cause of respiratory distress and more so spontaneous pneumomediastinum. We report here a preterm neonate with spontaneous pneumomediastinum who had excellent clinical recovery with conservative management. A male baby was delivered to G3P1A1 mother at 34 + 6 weeks through caesarean section done due to abruptio placenta. Apgar scores were 8 and 9. Maternal antenatal history was uneventful and there were no risk factors for early onset sepsis. Baby had respiratory distress soon after birth with Silverman score being 2/10. Baby was started on oxygen (O2) by nasal prongs through blender 0.5 l/min, FiO2 25%, and intravenous fluids. Blood gas done was normal. Possibility of transient tachypnea of newborn or mild hyaline membrane disease was kept. Respiratory distress increased at 20 h of life (Silverman score: 5), urgent chest x-ray done revealed “spinnaker sign” suggestive of pneumomediastinum, so baby was shifted to O2 by hood with FiO2 being 70%. Blood gas repeated was normal. Baby was managed conservatively on intravenous fluids and O2 by hood. Baby was gradually weaned off from O2 over next 5 days. As respiratory distress decreased, baby was started on orogastric feed, which baby tolerated well and then was switched to oral feeds. Serial x-rays showed resolution of pneumomediastinum. Baby was discharged on day 7 of life in stable condition on breast feeds and room air.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Nishimori ◽  
Kunihiko Kiuchi ◽  
Kunihiro Nishimura ◽  
Kengo Kusano ◽  
Akihiro Yoshida ◽  
...  

AbstractCardiac accessory pathways (APs) in Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome are conventionally diagnosed with decision tree algorithms; however, there are problems with clinical usage. We assessed the efficacy of the artificial intelligence model using electrocardiography (ECG) and chest X-rays to identify the location of APs. We retrospectively used ECG and chest X-rays to analyse 206 patients with WPW syndrome. Each AP location was defined by an electrophysiological study and divided into four classifications. We developed a deep learning model to classify AP locations and compared the accuracy with that of conventional algorithms. Moreover, 1519 chest X-ray samples from other datasets were used for prior learning, and the combined chest X-ray image and ECG data were put into the previous model to evaluate whether the accuracy improved. The convolutional neural network (CNN) model using ECG data was significantly more accurate than the conventional tree algorithm. In the multimodal model, which implemented input from the combined ECG and chest X-ray data, the accuracy was significantly improved. Deep learning with a combination of ECG and chest X-ray data could effectively identify the AP location, which may be a novel deep learning model for a multimodal model.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Aristida Georgescu ◽  
Crinu Nuta ◽  
Simona Bondari

Unilateral primary pulmonary hypoplasia is rare in adulthood (UPHA); it is characterized by a decreased number of bronchial segmentation and decreased/absent alveolar air space. Classical chest X-ray may be confusing, and the biological tests are unspecific. We present a case of UPHA in a 60-year-old female, smoker, with 3 term normal deliveries, who presented with late recurrent pneumonias and bronchiectasis-type symptomathology, arterial hypertension, and obesity. Chest X-rays revealed opacity in the left lower pulmonary zone, an apparent hypoaerated upper left lobe and left deviation of the mediastinum. Preoperatory multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) presented a small retrocardiac left lung with 5-6 bronchial segmentation range and cystic appearance. After pneumonectomy the gross specimen showed a small lung with multiple bronchiectasis and small cysts, lined by hyperplasic epithelium, surrounded by stromal fibrosclerosis. We concluded that this UPHA occurred in the 4–7 embryonic weeks, and the 3D MDCT reconstructions offered the best noninvasive diagnosis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julius Muchui Thambura ◽  
Jeanette G.E du Plessis ◽  
Cheryl M E McCrindle ◽  
Tanita Cronje

Abstract Introduction Anecdotal evidence suggests that medical professionals in trauma units are requesting additional regional images using conventional x-ray systems, even after trauma patients have undergone full-body Lodox scans. Patients are then exposed to additional radiation, additional waiting times and an increased medical bill. This study aimed at investigating the extent to which Lodox systems were used in trauma units (n=28) in South Africa. Method In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the researcher invited one radiographer from the 28 hospitals in South Africa that use Lodox systems. Radiographers who were most experienced in using the Lodox system completed an online questionnaire. Results Twenty (71.43% n=20) out of twenty-eight radiographers responded. Most hospitals (90%, n=18) were referring patients for additional conventional x-ray images. Radiographers indicated that conventional x-rays were requested for the chest (27.80%, 10/36), the abdomen (16.67%, 6/36), the spine (13.89%, 5/36) and the extremities and skull (19.44%, 7/36). Additionally, radiographers reported using Lodox to perform procedures and examinations usually performed on conventional x-ray systems when conventional x-ray systems were not operational. Conclusion Currently, it is not clear if the use of conventional x-ray imaging following Lodox is necessary, but the results suggest that the practice is commonplace, with healthcare workers in most hospitals (90%, n=18) requesting additional x-ray imaging. The researcher thus recommends that an imaging protocol for Lodox imaging systems should be developed to guide the referral of the patients for further imaging.


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