Performance of thoracic ultrasonography compared with chest radiography for the detection of rib fractures using computed tomography as a reference standard.
Evangelia E Vassalou, Iraklis Perysinakis, Michail E Klontzas, Eelco de Bree, Apostolos H Karantanas
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: Although there is growing evidence that ultrasonography is superior to X-ray for rib fractures' detection, X-ray is still indicated as the most appropriate method. This has partially been attributed to a lack of studies using an appropriate reference modality. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography and X-ray in the detection of rib fractures, considering CT as the reference standard.
Materials and methods: Within a 2.5-year period, all consecutive patients with clinically suspected rib fracture(s) following blunt chest trauma and available posteroanterior/anteroposterior X-ray and thoracic CT were prospectively studied and planned to undergo thoracic ultrasonography, by a single operator. All imaging examinations were evaluated for cortical rib fracture(s), and their location was recorded. The cartilaginous rib portions were not assessed. CTs and X-rays were evaluated retrospectively. Concomitant thoracic/extra-thoracic injuries were assessed on CT. Comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test.
Results: Fifty-nine patients (32 males, 27 females; mean age, 53.1 ± 16.6 years) were included. CT, ultrasonography, and X-ray (40 posteroanterior/19 anteroposterior views) diagnosed 136/122/42 rib fractures in 56/54/27 patients, respectively. Ultrasonography and X-ray had sensitivity of 100%/40% and specificity of 89.7%/30.9% for rib fractures' detection. Ultrasound accuracy was 94.9% compared to 35.4% for X-rays (P < .001) in detecting individual rib fractures. Most fractures involved the 4th-9th ribs. Upper rib fractures were most commonly overlooked on ultrasonography. Thoracic cage/spine fractures and haemothorax represented the most common concomitant injuries.
Conclusion: Ultrasonography appeared to be superior to X-ray for the detection of rib fractures with regard to a reference CT.
期刊介绍：
Skeletal Radiology provides a forum for the dissemination of current knowledge and information dealing with disorders of the musculoskeletal system including the spine. While emphasizing the radiological aspects of the many varied skeletal abnormalities, the journal also adopts an interdisciplinary approach, reflecting the membership of the International Skeletal Society. Thus, the anatomical, pathological, physiological, clinical, metabolic and epidemiological aspects of the many entities affecting the skeleton receive appropriate consideration.
This is the Journal of the International Skeletal Society and the Official Journal of the Society of Skeletal Radiology and the Australasian Musculoskelelal Imaging Group.
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