Lung ultrasound can detect occult traumatic pneumothorax in the ED

Results of a prospective study suggest that lung ultrasonography performed in the emergency department may be nearly as accurate as computed tomography (CT) in detecting occult traumatic pneumothorax (PTX) and its size.

"Although presently considered to be the reference diagnostic standard for PTX, CT lung scanning may have some disadvantages, including the need for patient transportation and high doses of radiation," the study team notes in the January issue of Chest.

MedicExchange.com