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