Evaluation of the Necessity of Computed Tomography in Thoracic Trauma Patients Undergoing Tube Thoracostomy in the Emergency Department

Authors : Evren Dal, Suna Eraybar
Pages : 232-237
Doi:10.16899/jcm.1762488
View : 20 | Download : 37
Publication Date : 2025-09-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Background/Aims:This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic necessity of thoracic computed tomography (CT) in patients who underwent tube thoracostomy due to thoracic trauma in the emergency department, in relation to posteroanterior (PA) chest radiograph findings. Methods:In this retrospective descriptive study, 65 patients who underwent tube thoracostomy due to thoracic trauma between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital were analyzed. Demographic data, vital signs, mechanism of trauma, PA radiograph and CT imaging findings, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The diagnostic necessity of CT was defined based on the presence of findings not detected on PA radiography that influenced clinical management. Results:Thoracic CT was performed in 84.6% of the patients and provided diagnostic contribution in all cases. However, additional pathological findings not visible on PA radiography were detected in only 13.6% of cases. CT provided diagnostic value in all patients with non-diagnostic PA radiographs, whereas it added new information in only 20% of cases with diagnostic PA radiographs. CT contributed significantly when the PA radiograph was non-diagnostic, but was often unnecessary when the radiograph was sufficient. Conclusion:In patients undergoing tube thoracostomy due to thoracic trauma, the diagnostic necessity of CT is directly related to the findings of the PA chest radiograph. Structuring imaging algorithms based on clinical context and initial radiographic findings is essential for diagnostic efficiency and resource optimization.
Keywords : Toraks travması, tüp torakostomi, bilgisayarlı tomografi, akciğer grafisi, tanısal değer

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL