THORACIC POINT-OF-CARE ULTRASONOGRAPHY A RELIABLE DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUE FOR TRAUMATIC PNEUMOTHORAX

Abstract

Introduction: Pneumothorax is a common and potentially life-threatening injury characterized by sudden chest discomfort and respiratory distress. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Thoracic point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool for rapid and radiation-free diagnosis of pneumothorax, offering dynamic evaluation at the bedside. Aim: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of thoracic POCUS performed by physicians in detecting clinically significant traumatic pneumothorax. Material and Methods: A prospective clinical observation study was conducted in the Emergency Department of the University Clinic for Traumatology, with thoracic POCUS performed on trauma patients upon arrival. The procedure involved scanning for specific landmarks and assessing the pleural line for evidence of pneumothorax. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of thoracic POCUS. Results: Forty trauma patients participated, predominantly males aged 35–50, with blunt trauma being the most common mechanism. Thoracic POCUS demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.4% , and a specificity of 95.8% in detecting P pneumothorax. The procedure had a high negative predictive value (92%) and positive predictive likelihood ratio (21.4), with no reported complications. Conclusion: Finally, our research validates that thoracic POCUS is a useful tool for identifying traumatic pneumothorax in trauma patients. Thoracic POCUS provides a quick and accurate way to diagnose, which helps with prompt intervention and potentially life-saving care.