Diagnostic Accuracy of Chest Ultrasonography Vs. Chest X-ray in the Evaluation of Chest Trauma: a Comparative Study Using CT As the Gold Standard.

Chest trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with timely and accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment. While chest X-ray (CXR) has traditionally been the first-line imaging modality in emergency settings due to its availability and ease of use, it has limitations, particularly in detecting subtle or occult injuries like pneumothorax, haemothorax, rib fractures, and pulmonary contusions, especially in trauma patients positioned supine. Overuse of CXR can also lead to increased costs, radiation exposure, and emergency department overcrowding.

Ultrasound has emerged as an alternative, with multiple studies showing that chest ultrasonography (CUS) is highly sensitive and specific for detecting traumatic intrathoracic injuries, including pneumothorax. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CUS compared to CXR. While CT scans remain the gold standard for diagnosing thoracic trauma due to their superior accuracy, they expose patients to significant radiation and should be used judiciously. Although CXR is a fast and accessible option in emergencies, it may miss critical injuries, highlighting the importance of balancing diagnostic accuracy with patient safety and resource management in trauma care.

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of chest ultrasonography (sonar) versus chest X-ray (CXR) in the detection of thoracic injuries in patients presenting with chest trauma, using computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard.