A comparison between the Use of Chest X-ray and Lung Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Children in Damietta Governorate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Damietta General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Egypt

2 Department of Pediatrics, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt

3 Department of Radiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia is a life-threatening disease in children. Diagnosis of pneumonia is mainly clinical. However, some clinical features may be subtle or not specific. Lung ultrasound (LUS) might be used as a diagnostic tool in pneumonia as it is an easily accessible and safe imaging technique.
Aim of the work: This study aimed to investigate the role of lung ultrasound in diagnosing pneumonia compared to chest x-ray in children.
Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the general pediatric wards and pediatric intensive care units [PICUs], Department of Pediatrics, Al-Azhar University Hospital [Damietta]. It included 120 patients who were clinically diagnosed to have pneumonia. Each legal guardian signed informed consent. Then, everyone was subjected to chest x-ray and lung ultrasound, and results were compared.
Results: Sonographic findings in children with pneumonia as consolidation was detected in 114/120 (95.6%), air bronchogram in 104/120 (86.7%), fluid bronchogram 37(31.1%), multiple B-lines in 68/120 (56.7%), pleural effusion in 29/120 (24.4%). The lung ultrasound [LUS] showed higher diagnostic accuracy (94.45%), sensitivity (95.6%), and specificity (93.3%). There was a statistically significant good agreement between LUS and chest X-ray [CXR].
Conclusion: LUS is safe, accurate, and more sensitive for the diagnosis of suspected pneumonia in the pediatric age group and had the advantage of reducing radiation hazard when compared to chest X-ray

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