The Value of Ultralow Dosis CT and Ultrasound in the Diagnosing of Pneumonia in the Emergency Department

Detailed Summary

Pneumonia is one of the most common infections in the emergency department (ED). Nevertheless, the current diagnostic tools are often slow and inaccurate. Currently, a chest x-ray is the first choice for diagnostic imaging for pneumonia in the ED, but is inaccurate with low sensitivity and specificity, resulting in both over-and underdiagnosing of pneumonia. Alternatively, computer thermography (CT) and high-resolution CT (HR-CT) offers high diagnostic accuracy but involves significantly increased radiation to the patient, and increased costs and examination time. Lately, two alternatives to chest x-ray have emerged: * The first is lung ultrasound (LUS) which has shown higher sensitivity and specificity for pneumonia than a chest x-ray when performed by experts. However, the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound performed by novice operators in the ED still needs investigation. * The second alternative to chest x-ray is ultra-low-dose CT (ULD-CT). A ULD-CT is a CT scan where the radiation dose is significantly reduced, while still maintaining acceptable image quality. In effect merging the high diagnostic accuracy of chest CT with the low radiation doses of chest X-ray. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of LUS by novice operators in the ED and the diagnostic accuracy of ULD-CT thorax, in patients suspected of having pneumonia.

Study Details

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