The Accuracy and Utility of Lung Ultrasound Findings When Compared to Chest Radiograph Findings in Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Children Under 12 Years at Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
Background: Conventional diagnosis of pneumonia relies on clinical history, physical
examination and clinically indicated chest radiographs (CXRs). Chest Computed
Tomography (CT) scan is used to evaluate complications of pneumonia. CXR and CT
scan of the chest are the only standardized acceptable radiological imaging tools. The
utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in the diagnosis of pneumonia has increased in the past
two decades owing to its portability ease of administration and lack of ionizing
radiation. LUS offers immediate results and can be used repeatedly in the diagnostic
assessment of patients with pneumonia.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of LUS as a tool in diagnosing
pneumonia in children less than 12 years at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) by
correlating lung ultrasound and chest radiography findings in patients who have been
clinically diagnosed to have pneumonia, using CXR as the reference standard.
Methodology: This was an analytic cross-sectional study carried out at Kenyatta
National Hospital (KNH) Department of Radiology following approval from the
University of Nairobi-Kenyatta National Hospital Ethics Research Committee (KNHUoN
ERC).
Study Population: The study population included pediatric patients (age 12 and below)
with clinically suspected pneumonia and meeting the criteria for chest radiography who
present to the KNH radiology department. The study participants were patients
clinically suspected with pneumonia in whom a chest radiograph had been performed
and informed consent obtained from the parents/guardians and assent from the patients.
The time frame between the CXR and LUS was 24 hours or below. Patients with a time
frame greater than 24 hours between LUS and CXR, with radiographic results known
to principal investigator/sonologist, with non-diagnostic chest radiographs or in whom
Publisher
Uon
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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