Comparative Findings of Thoracic Ultrasonography and Chest Radiography in Suspected Pneumonia

Authors : Mehmet Sinan Bodur, Barış Çil, Yasemin Bodur, Fatma Tokgöz Akyıl, Tülin Sevim

Pages : 102-106

Doi:10.38175/phnx.1788336

View : 34 | Download : 228

Publication Date : 2026-01-13

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: To quantify the inter-modality agreement between thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) and standard chest radiography (CXR) in adults presenting with symptoms suggestive of pneumonia. Material and Method: In an observational cross-sectional diagnostic agreement study, 63 consecutive adults evaluated in emergency/outpatient pulmonology settings underwent posteroanterior (PA) ± lateral CXR and TUS. Imaging findings (consolidation, air bronchogram, pleural effusion, atelectasis, mass, diaphragmatic abnormality) were defined a priori. Inter-modality agreement was assessed with Cohen’s κ; observed percent agreement (Po) was also reported. Results: Of 63 participants, 52.3% (n=33) carried a clinical working diagnosis of pneumonia. In that subgroup, CXR vs TUS detected consolidation in 81.8% vs 63.6%, air bronchogram in 12.1% vs 45.5%, and pleural effusion in 33.3% vs 42.4%. Agreement was substantial for pleural effusion (κ=0.755, p<0.001) and consolidation (κ=0.711, p<0.001), moderate for air bronchogram (κ=0.480, p<0.001), and slight for atelectasis (κ=0.141, p=0.29). Conclusion: TUS complements CXR at the bedside for pleural effusion and pleural-contact consolidation, enabling faster, lower-radiation care when transport is difficult or reassessment is frequent. However, centrally located consolidations without pleural contact may not be visualized by TUS, and therefore a negative TUS does not reliably exclude non-pleural pneumonia. Brief, standardized training for pulmonologists may support wider and more reproducible use.
Keywords : torasik ultrasonografi, göğüs radyografisi, pnömoni, tanısal uyum, hasta başı ultrason, pulmonolog eğitimi

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