Abstract
Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of thoracic CT-scans in comparison with conventional chest radiographs in ICU-patients. Methods: Chest radiographs and corresponding thoracic CT-scans of 25 consecutive surgical ICU-patients were reviewed and interpreted independently by two radiologists. We analyzed the additional information provided by CT-scans and the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of these findings. Results: In 22 patients (88%), thoracic CT revealed 35 single additional findings, in comparison with the corresponding bedside radiographs. In 7 cases (28%), these findings (tubemalpositioning, mediastinitis, mediastinal abscess and pneumothorax) required modification of patient management. Of 7 patients with tube thoracostomy, 3 tubes were malpositioned, which was only depicted on CT- scans. In 10 of 21 cases (48%), pleural effusions could only be visualized by CT. 3 of 5 (60%) pneumothoraces were detected by CT-scans only. There were no significant complications during transport or CT-examination. Conclusion: Thoracic CT may provide significant information in addition to plain chest radiographs, particularly when specific problems or questions, referring to the management of ICU-patients, arise.
| Translated title of the contribution | Thoracic computed tomography in intensive care patients - Additional information to chest radiographs |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 322-329 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Rontgenpraxis |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue number | 10-12 |
| State | Published - 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Chest radiograph
- ICU-patient
- Thoracic computed tomography
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging