Ultrasound detection of pneumothorax

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of pneumothorax. METHODS: Prospective blinded study comparing ultrasound, CT and radiographic findings in 29 patients following 41 CT-guided lung biopsies. Ultrasound examination of the chest was limited to the biopsy needle entry site. RESULTS: Thirteen patients developed a post-biopsy pneumothorax demonstrated by CT. Seven of these were detected by ultrasound and six were visible on erect chest radiographs. Six of the 13 pneumothoraces were not detected by ultrasound, but five of these were loculated away from the biopsy needle entry site and were therefore in areas not examined during the limited ultrasound examination. There were no false-positive diagnoses of pneumothorax using ultrasound. The positive predictive value for ultrasound was 100% and the negative predictive value was 82%. CONCLUSION: In this patient group, ultrasound was more sensitive than erect chest radiography in the detection of pneumothorax. Both have a specificity of 100%. This study suggests that ultrasound may prove valuable in pneumothorax detection when rapid conventional radiography is not possible or practical, and in circumstances where ultrasound is readily available, such as during ultrasound-guided interventional procedures.     

CT detection of occult pneumothorax in head trauma

A prospective evaluation for occult pneumothorax was performed in 25 consecutive patients with serious head trauma by combining a limited chest CT examination with the emergency head CT examination. Of 21 pneumothoraces present in 15 patients, 11 (52%) were found only by chest CT and were not identified clinically or by supine chest radiograph. Because of pending therapeutic measures, chest tubes were placed in nine of the 11 occult pneumothoraces, regardless of the volume. Chest CT proved itself as the most sensitive method for detection of occult pneumothorax, permitting early chest tube placement to prevent transition to a tension pneumothorax during subsequent mechanical ventilation or emergency surgery under general anesthesia.     

Detection of pneumothorax: comparison of digital and conventional chest imaging

To investigate radiologists' performance at interpreting digital radiographic images, we compared the detectability of pneumothoraces on computed radiographic chest images with 0.2-mm pixel size (2.5 Ip/mm) with their detectability on matched conventional screen-film images (5 Ip/mm). Eight radiologists reviewed 50 computed and 50 screen-film chest radiographs from 25 patients with pneumothoraces and 25 patients with other (or no) abnormalities. Four of the readers who best detected pneumothoraces on screen-film examinations performed worse when interpreting computed radiographic studies; the other four readers detected pneumothoraces similarly with both techniques. No relationship was found between the size of a pneumothorax and its likelihood of detection by either technique. These results raise concerns about implementing computed radiography for comprehensive chest imaging.     

The floating cardiac fat pad—sign of occult pneumothorax

Pneumothoraces are a possible sequela of chest trauma with potential morbidity and mortality if not recognized and treated promptly. A portable supine chest radiograph is frequently the first radiologic study performed in the setting of trauma. While large pneumothoraces can be readily recognized on these radiographs, smaller pneumothoraces are missed in up to 15 % of trauma patients. There are many radiographic signs of occult pneumothoraces, and we are presenting a new radiographic sign of occult pneumothorax. The floating cardiac fat pad sign occurs when pleural air collects anteriorly and superiorly in the most non-dependent portion of the chest lifting the pericardial fat pad off the diaphragm. Lung markings are still seen surrounding the pericardial fat pad due to the inflated lower lobe of the lung resting dependently. Rapid and accurate identification of pneumothoraces is critical but often difficult on chest radiographs. Although there are many existing radiographic signs for identification of pneumothorax, prospective identification of small pneumothoraces is still relatively poor. Here, we describe an additional sign which aides in the detection of pneumothoraces, the floating cardiac fat pad. When present, this should prompt further evaluation with chest CT or upright chest radiograph.     

婴幼儿仰卧位胸片投照的临床应用价值

目的：探讨婴幼儿仰卧位胸片投照的临床应用价值。方法：回顾分析200例婴幼儿仰卧位胸片的X线照片质量,并加以总结。结果：200例婴幼儿仰卧位胸片中,甲级片185例,占92.50%,乙级片15例,占7.50%。吸入性肺炎14例,占7.00%,支气管炎和感染性肺炎99例,占49.50%,气胸5例,占2.50%,外伤性骨折11例,占5.50%。结论：婴幼儿仰卧位胸片X线平片检查简便、经济,能基本反映其病理改变,是有效影像学检查方法之一。     

Evaluation of the role of chest computed tomography in the management of trauma patients

The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the management of trauma patients is evolving. The present study reviews the chest radiographic and chest CT findings in a group of trauma patients to determine the clinical impact of findings noted exclusively on chest CT.Fifty-five trauma patients examined with chest radiography and chest CT and whose clinical charts were available for review were retrospectively identified. There were 46 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 39 years. The presence (and size) of pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, and fractures was tabulated for the chest radiographs and CT scans. The presence of mediastinal widening on chest radiographs and all mediastinal findings on CT were noted. The results of aortography, when applicable, were correlated. The clinical charts were reviewed to assess the impact of CT findings on patient management.Pneumothorax (P<0.05), hemothorax (P<0.05), pulmonary contusions, and fractures were noted more frequently on chest CT than on chest radiography. However, clinical management was affected in only three (5%) of these patients. Chest CT findings related to the mediastinum affected patient management in 13 (24%) patients. CT obviated the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with mediastinal widening on chest radiographs. Six other patients had aortography, four for mediastinal hematoma with a normal-appearing aorta on contrast medium-enhanced CT, and two for mediastinal hematoma and aortic injury on CT.Despite detection of significantly more pneumothoraces and hemothoraces on chest CT, clinical management was affected in only a small minority (5%) of cases. CT did prove useful in evaluating the mediastinum, obviating the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with a widened mediastinum on chest radiography and accurately diagnosing the presence and site of aortic injury in the two patients with that diagnosis.     

Distribution of pneumothorax in the supine and semirecumbent critically ill adult

Although a number of radiologic signs of pneumothorax in the supine patient have been reported, the frequency of involvement of various pleural recesses has not been emphasized. In 88 critically ill patients with 112 pneumothoraces, the anteromedial (38%) and subpulmonic (26%) recesses were the most commonly involved in the supine and semirecumbent position. In this study, 30% of pneumothoraces were not initially detected by the clinician or radiologist, and half of these progressed to tension pneumothorax. Knowledge of the most common recesses involved in pneumothorax and aggressive use of additional radiographic views, including computed tomography, should increase detection of pneumothoraces in critically ill patients.     

Value of ultrasound in diagnosis of pneumothorax: a prospective study

Transthoracic ultrasound (US) is useful in the evaluation of a wide range of peripheral parenchymal, pleural, and chest wall diseases. Furthermore, it is increasingly used to guide interventional procedures of the chest and pleural space. The role of chest US in the diagnosis of pneumothorax has been established, but comparison with lung computed tomography (CT) scanning has not yet been completely performed. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the accuracy of US with that of chest radiography in the detection of pneumothorax, with CT as the reference standard. One hundred ninety-seven patients who were evaluated by spiral chest CT scan for various clinical indications were prospectively evaluated. Ultrasonography was performed by a radiologist, blinded to the chest CT findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of pneumothorax were then compared with chest CT scan. CT scan showed pneumothorax in 92 patients. Sonography and plain X-ray of the chest revealed 74 and 56 cases of pneumothorax, respectively. Statistical analysis disclosed the US to be 80.4 % sensitive and 89 % specific in the detection of pneumothorax with an overall accuracy of 85 %. In this study, US was more sensitive than chest radiography in the detection of pneumothorax. The results of this study suggest that thoracic US, when performed by trained individuals, can be helpful for the detection of pneumothorax.     

Computed tomography whole body imaging in multi-trauma: 7 years experience

AIM: To assess the impact of the introduction of a computed tomography (CT) imaging protocol for multi-trauma patients on the workload, overall diagnostic yield, and effect on detection of cervical spine injury and pneumothorax. METHOD: Between February 1997 and April 2004, all patients presenting acutely to the Emergency Department (ED) with haemodynamically stable trauma (Abbreviated Injury Scale 3 or more) involving more than two body systems were imaged with a comprehensive pre-set helical CT protocol (including non-contrast head, cervical spine: cranio-cervical and cervico-thoracic junctions; and oral and intravenous contrast-enhanced thoracic, abdomen and pelvis) after initial triage and a standard trauma series of radiographs (chest, lateral C-spine and pelvis). Diagnosis of cervical spine fracture and pneumothorax was noted before and after the CT protocol was carried out and findings from all studies were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Over the 7-year period 296 multi-trauma CT studies were completed of which 41 (13.8%) were negative. Of the positive cases there were 127 (43%) head injuries; 25 cervical spine fractures (8%); 66 pelvic fractures (22%);48 thoracic or lumbar spine fractures (16%); 97 pneumothoraces (33%); 22 mediastinal injuries (7%) and 49 intra-abdominal injuries (17%) with 19 (6%) splenic tears/ruptures. Positive findings included many unsuspected injuries, including 19 cervical spine fractures which were not demonstrated on the standard lateral radiograph from the resuscitation room. Of the 97 CT detected pneumothoraces, 12 were bilateral, 52 already had a chest drain in situ and 36 were not detected on initial supine chest radiography in the resuscitation room. One undetected case had bilateral tension pneumothoraces that were promptly drained on the CT table. Only three patients did not complete their multi-trauma examination because of deterioration in clinical condition and these were all immediately returned to the resuscitation room. CONCLUSION: Over the 7-year period in a large acute National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust currently averaging 85,000 ED attendances per year only 296 patients fulfilled the stated criteria for an immediate multi-trauma CT study. Although disruptive in the short-term, the overall impact on workload was small. A wide range of significant injuries were demonstrated rapidly, accurately and safely, including 19 cervical spine fractures and 26 pneumothoraces not detected on plain radiographs.     

First-line sonographic diagnosis of pneumothorax in major trauma: accuracy of e-FAST and comparison with multidetector computed tomography

Purpose

Combined clinical examination and supine chest radiography have shown low accuracy in the assessment of pneumothorax in unstable patients with major chest trauma during the primary survey in the emergency room. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of extended-focused assessment with sonography in trauma (e-FAST), in the diagnosis of pneumothorax, compared with the results of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and of invasive interventions (thoracostomy tube placement).

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective case series involving 368 consecutive unstable adult patients (273 men and 95 women; average age, 25 years; range, 16–68 years) admitted to our hospital’s emergency department between January 2011 and December 2012 for major trauma (Injury Severity Score ≥ 15). We evaluated the accuracy of thoracic ultrasound in the detection of pneumothorax compared with the results of MDCT and invasive interventions (thoracostomy tube placement). Institutional review board approval was obtained prior to commencement of this study.

Results

Among the 736 lung fields included in the study, 87 pneumothoraces were detected with thoracic CT scans (23.6 %). e-FAST detected 67/87 and missed 20 pneumothoraces (17 mild, 3 moderate). The diagnostic performance of ultrasound was: sensitivity 77 % (74 % in 2011 and 80 % in 2012), specificity 99.8 %, positive predictive value 98.5 %, negative predictive value 97 %, accuracy 97.2 % (67 true positive; 668 true negative; 1 false positive; 20 false negative); 17 missed mild pneumothoraces were not immediately life-threatening (thickness less than 5 mm).

Conclusions

Thoracic ultrasound (e-FAST) is a rapid and accurate first-line, bedside diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of pneumothorax in unstable patients with major chest trauma during the primary survey in the emergency room.     

The radiological diagnostic and clinical approach to the patient with stab and cut wounds of the chest. The authors' personal experience

PURPOSE: To report our personal experience with the clinical and radiological diagnostic approach to stab and cut wounds of the thoracic cage and its content, a type of injury whose diagnosis and treatment, as well as the surgical approach, vary case by case. CT of deep penetrating wounds permits correct assessment of severe changes such as pneumothorax, hemothorax and pneumomediastinum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last three years we examined 57 patients (48 men and 9 women; mean age 34 years, range 16-54): chest radiography was performed in 51 of them, with orthogonal projections in the standing and sitting positions. Chest CT was performed in emergency with i.v. contrast agent injection, with scans from the midneck to the diaphragm insertion to study border regions. Thoracostomy with pleural drainage was performed in 35 patients with pneumothorax and hemothorax while thoracotomy was performed in 8 patients, namely 4 with injury to the diaphragm, 2 to the heart, 1 with tear of the main bronchial artery and 1 of the aortic arch. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms we found were chest pain (100% of cases) and dyspnea (84%); laboratory data showed anemia and decreased hematocrit levels in 28 cases. Chest radiography was negative in 14 cases. The patients were then examined with CT to exclude radiographic underestimation of minimal pneumothorax, small lacerocontusive or hemorrhagic foci and hemothorax, which were observed in 4, 2 and one cases, respectively, and where radiography was actually negative for traumatic changes. Chest radiography was positive in 43 cases: the most frequent finding was pneumothorax, with 37 cases (86%)--8 of them associated with hemothorax and 5 with pneumomediastinum. Lacero-hemorrhagic foci of lung parenchyma were found in 5 cases and single pulmonary hematoma from punch crossing was seen in 1 case. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: CT was an accurate tool and had higher sensitivity than chest radiography in detecting and detailing pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and lacero-hemorrhagic foci, as well as in quantifying hemothorax. Chest radiography had 12% false negatives and therefore we decided to perform CT in all the patients with penetrating wounds to prevent radiographic underestimation. Given the low rate of false negatives (7/57 cases) CT might appear superfluous but since in 2 of these 7 cases we had massive pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum associated with neck emphysema we suggest its use to prevent complications, clinical failures and medicolegal problems. CT permits correct assessment of penetrating stab and cut wounds of the chest and efficient and targeted treatment, which can be conservative, with thoracostomy with pleural drainage, or surgical.     

在ICU应用超声诊断危重病人气胸的临床评价

目的探讨在ICU应用床旁超声诊断危重病人气胸的临床效果。方法2005年9月—2006年7月ICU收治95例危重病人,进行床旁胸部超声检查,以“肺滑行”和“彗尾”征消失诊断气胸。在超声检查前后3h内行胸部CT和床旁X片检查,以CT结果为“标准”比较超声和X片诊断气胸的价值。结果95例危重病人中,CT确诊气胸24例27侧,超声诊断21例23侧,X片诊断5例5侧,相应的诊断敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确度分别为85.1%对18.5%(P<0.001),98.8%对100%(P=0.489),92.0%对100%(P=1.0),97.6%对88.1%(P=0.002)和96.8%对88.4%(P=0.009)。超声与CT诊断气胸的一致性高于X片。结论在ICU应用超声检查诊断气胸具有较高的敏感性和特异性,为危重病人气胸的诊断提供了简单、快速而安全有效的手段。     

Lateral cavity wall thickening as an early radiographic sign of mycetoma formation

The sensitivity of chest radiography for the early detection of mycetoma formation within fibrotic cavities is poor. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of the secondary sign of lateral cavity wall thickening for the detection of a radiographically occult mycetoma. The chest radiographs and CT scans of 70 patients who had a total of 109 fibrotic cavities on CT were reviewed by two observers. Dimensions of the cavity, mycetoma, and cavity wall thickness on chest radiography and CT scans were recorded. Mycetomas were visible in 41 of 99 cavities on chest radiographs and in 61 of 109 cavities on CT. Using CT as the gold standard for detecting the presence of mycetomas, the sensitivity of chest radiography for the presence of a mycetoma was 62 % and the specificity 94 %, and the positive and negative predictive values were 93 and 66 %, respectively. On logistic regression analysis, lateral wall thickness on chest radiography was predictive of the presence of a mycetoma (p < 0.0005) independent of other radiographic features. In patients with chronic fibrocavitary disease on chest radiography, the presence of lateral wall thickening is highly suggestive of an underlying mycetoma. Received: 28 May 1999; Revised: 2 August 1999; Accepted: 5 August 1999     

CT and chest radiography are equally sensitive in the detection of pneumothorax after CT-guided pulmonary interventional procedures

Pneumothorax is the most common complication after CT-guided pulmonary interventional procedures and should be promptly diagnosed and treated. Because it is easier to obtain CT scans than chest radiographs after CT-guided interventional procedures, it is important to know the sensitivity of CT in detecting pneumothoraces. To determine the sensitivity of CT for detecting procedure-induced pneumothoraces, we retrospectively reviewed 70 pulmonary interventional procedures performed under CT guidance. The sensitivity for detecting pneumothoraces with CT was compared with the detection rate with expiratory chest radiographs. Thirty-two (46%) of 70 procedures resulted in pneumothorax. Twenty-nine (91%) of the pneumothoraces were detected on CT scans and 27 (84%) were detected on chest radiographs. The difference between these two detection rates was not statistically significant (p less than .90). We conclude that postprocedure CT scans can replace expiratory chest radiographs for the detection of pneumothoraces after CT-directed pulmonary procedures.     

Dual-energy chest radiography with a flat-panel digital detector: revealing calcified chest abnormalities

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the value of dual-energy chest radiography obtained using a cesium iodide flat-panel detector in addition to standard posteroanterior chest radiography for the detection of calcified chest abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients with a total of 37 calcified chest lesions (16 pulmonary nodules, 17 mediastinal calcifications, and four pleural calcifications) as confirmed on CT. Twenty-eight locations in the chests of the same patients who were free of lesions were used as negative controls. Four radiologists reviewed posteroanterior chest radiographs in a blinded manner alone and in conjunction with dual-energy soft-tissue and bone images. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, the negative predictive value (NPV), and the positive predictive value (PPV) for lesion prediction. The Wilcoxon's and the Brunner and Langer's tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: For posteroanterior chest radiography, sensitivity was 36%, the PPV was 64%, and the NPV was 47%. When dual-energy images were added, sensitivity increased significantly to 66% (p < 0.05), the PPV to 76%, and the NPV to 62%. The specificity remained constant at 73%. Brunner and Langer's test revealed a highly significant difference between posteroanterior chest radiography and dual-energy imaging in the detection of calcified chest abnormalities (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Dual-energy images added to standard posteroanterior chest radiographs significantly improve the detection of calcified chest lesions.     

CsI-detector-based dual-exposure dual energy in chest radiography for lung nodule detection: results of an international multicenter trial

To assess both sensitivity and specificity of digital chest radiography alone and in conjunction with dual-exposure dual-energy chest radiography for the detection and classification of pulmonary nodules. One hundred patients with a total of 149 lung nodules (3-45 mm; median, 11 mm) confirmed by CT were included in this study. Dual-exposure dual-energy chest radiographies of each patient were obtained using a CsI detector system. Experienced board-certified chest radiologists from four different medical centers in Europe reviewed standard chest radiographs alone and in conjunction with dual-energy images blinded and in random order. The reviewers rated the probability of presence, calcification and malignancy of all lung nodules on a five-point rating scale. Lesions detected were identified by applying a specific coordinate system to enable precise verification by the study leader. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. In addition to the 149 true-positive CT proven lesions, 236 false-positive lung nodules were described in digital chest radiographies in conjunction with dual-energy chest radiographies. The cumulative sensitivity of chest radiography in conjunction with dual energy was 43%, specificity was 55%. For digital radiography alone, sensitivity was 35% and specifity was 83%. For the dual energy system, positive predictive value was 58%, and negative predictive value was 66% compared to the digital radiography with a positive predictive value of 59% and a negative predictive value of 65%. Areas under the curve in a ROC analysis resulted in 0.631 (95% confidence interval =0.61 to 0.65) for radiography with dual energy and 0.602 (95% confidence interval =0.58 to 0.63) for digital radiography alone. This difference was not statistically significant. For the detection of lesion calcification or the determination of malignancy, ROC analysis also failed to show significant differences. CsI-based flat-panel dual-exposure dual-energy imaging added to standard chest radiography did not show statistically significant improvement for the detection of pulmonary nodules, nor the identification of calcifications, nor the determination of malignancy.     

新生儿气胸的X线诊断

目的 分析新生儿气胸的X线表现特点，以提高其诊断能力。资料与方法 39例新生儿气胸均摄有仰卧前后位胸片，30例同时摄有仰卧水平侧位片，19例有1次或多次随访X线片，3例作胸部螺旋CT扫描。结果 39例新生儿气胸表现为内侧气胸16例，前部气胸22例，外侧气胸1例，其中伴有纵隔积气9例。结论 由于新生儿多采用卧位摄片，因此其气胸与年长儿、成人的X线表现不同，气体多聚集在胸腔前部和内侧，并常伴有纵隔积气。CT能提供更多的病变信息。     

MDCT quantification is the dominant parameter in decision-making regarding chest tube drainage for stable patients with traumatic pneumothorax

It is commonly believed that the size of a pneumothorax is an important determinant of treatment decision, in particular regarding whether chest tube drainage (CTD) is required. However, the volumetric quantification of pneumothoraces has not routinely been performed in clinics. In this paper, we introduced an automated computer-aided volumetry (CAV) scheme for quantification of volume of pneumothoraces in chest multi-detect CT (MDCT) images. Moreover, we investigated the impact of accurate volume of pneumothoraces in the improvement of the performance in decision-making regarding CTD in the management of traumatic pneumothoraces. For this purpose, an occurrence frequency map was calculated for quantitative analysis of the importance of each clinical parameter in the decision-making regarding CTD by a computer simulation of decision-making using a genetic algorithm (GA) and a support vector machine (SVM). A total of 14 clinical parameters, including volume of pneumothorax calculated by our CAV scheme, was collected as parameters available for decision-making. The results showed that volume was the dominant parameter in decision-making regarding CTD, with an occurrence frequency value of 1.00. The results also indicated that the inclusion of volume provided the best performance that was statistically significant compared to the other tests in which volume was excluded from the clinical parameters. This study provides the scientific evidence for the application of CAV scheme in MDCT volumetric quantification of pneumothoraces in the management of clinically stable chest trauma patients with traumatic pneumothorax.     

US versus conventional radiography in the diagnosis of sternal fractures

Purpose: To investigate the value of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of sternal fractures.Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients (mean age 35.4 years) with a clinical suspicion of sternal fracture after blunt chest trauma were retrospectively reviewed. At admission, a.p. and lateral chest radiographies and sternal US were obtained. Sternal fractures were classified as nondisplaced or displaced. US and conventional radiographic findings were compared.Results: In 3/23 (13.0%) of the patients, no fracture was found by radiography or by US. Both radiography and US demonstrated sternal fractures in 16/23 (69.6%) of the patients. Sternal fractures were detected only by US while the conventional radiography was negative in 2/23 (8.7%) cases. Also in 2/23 (8.7%) of the patients with US positive for fracture, radiographies were suspicious. In 2 patients, the degree of fracture displacement on US was lesser than that found by radiography.Conclusion: US was better than lateral radiography to diagnose sternal fractures; however, conventional radiography remains the standard means of demonstrating grade of displacement.     

Study with thoracic and abdominal spiral CT in intensive care unit patients

INTRODUCTION: The severe clinical conditions of intensive care unit patients need frequent imaging studies to detect the pathologic changes in the patients' situation and to plan the correct therapeutic management. The yield of bedside plain radiography is often not diagnostic but moving the patients to the radiology department could affect their clinical conditions. Conventional CT is difficult to perform in these patients because they need continuous assistance and cannot cooperate during the diagnostic examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors examined with Spiral CT 46 unconscious patients in poor clinical conditions who presented a variety of pulmonary and abdominal diseases. Thirty coma patients were submitted to bedside chest radiography and then to Spiral CT because there was disagreement between the radiographic and the clinical findings. Sixteen patients with abdominal conditions underwent Spiral Ct, 11 of them after bedside US. The chest and abdomen were examined with Spiral CT in 2/16 patients and the abdomen only in 5 cases; twenty-two of 46 patients were under assisted ventilation. During all the Spiral CT studies, the patients had their arms along the body. Spiral CT results were compared with those of bedside chest radiography in 30 cases and with those of bedside abdominal US in 11 patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Spiral CT is a fast examination technique with no major artifacts which can be used safely also in unconscious patients. It confirmed a variety of pathologic conditions which may be misdiagnosed by conventional chest radiography, which improves the care of these patients. Bedside plain radiography is limited by several factors depending on the patient (no cooperation, variable respiration, still decubitus), the examination technique (X-ray projection, exposure, poor diagnostic yield), and the anatomical region of interest (mediastinal vessels). Even though our technical standard for conventional radiography was high, Spiral CT was better in detecting parenchymal consolidation and pleural effusion, a missed pneumothorax or thromboembolic disease. We always performed Spiral CT when the clinical findings did not match the results of bedside plain radiography. Moving the patients was very easy because the intensive care unit in our hospital is in the same building as the radiology department and there were dedicated devices supporting the coma patients.