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Updated: May 17, 2026

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Chest radiography in intensive care: an irreplaceable survey?
V Palazzetti1, E Gasparri, C Gambini
1Dipartimento di Radiologia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedali Riuniti Torrette-Lancisi-Salesi, Via Conca 7, 60125, Ancona, Italy. vale.palazzetti@libero.it
Bedside chest X-rays are crucial for critically ill patients, showing an 84.5% diagnostic efficacy. This imaging method remains valuable for monitoring patient conditions in intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Bedside chest X-ray is a primary imaging modality in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Its value in assessing critically ill patients requires ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy (DE) and clinical impact of bedside chest X-rays in the ICU setting.
- To analyze the utility of this imaging technique across various patient populations and conditions.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted on 258 consecutive ICU patients.
- Patient data were stratified by reason for hospitalization and the indications for chest X-ray.
- Diagnostic efficacy (DE) was assessed based on the changes observed in serial examinations.
Main Results:
- The overall diagnostic efficacy (DE) of bedside chest X-rays was determined to be 84.5%.
- A significant proportion (15.5%) of examinations did not lead to changes in patient management.
- DE varied across different patient groups, with higher efficacy noted in postoperative neurosurgery (90.54%) and general surgery (90.79%) patients.
Conclusions:
- Bedside chest X-rays are indispensable for monitoring critically ill patients, demonstrating substantial diagnostic efficacy.
- Radiologists must maintain proficiency in interpreting these examinations due to their widespread use and clinical importance.
- The study underscores the continued relevance of bedside chest radiography in intensive care settings.
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