Diagnostic accuracy of ultra-low-dose chest computed tomography in an emergency department

This study examined whether ultra-low-dose chest computed tomography (ULD-CT) could improve detection of acute chest conditions.

To determine (i) whether diagnostic accuracy of ULD-CT is superior to supine chest X-ray (sCXR) for acute chest conditions and (ii) the feasibility of ULD-CT in an emergency department.

From 1 February to 31 July 2019, 91 non-traumatic patients from the Emergency Department were prospectively enrolled in the study if they received an sCXR. An ULD-CT and a non-contrast chest CT (NCCT) scan were then performed. Three radiologists assessed the sCXR and ULD-CT examinations for cardiogenic pulmonary edema, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion. Resources and effort were compared for sCXR and ULD-CT to evaluate feasibility. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated for sCXR and ULD-CT using NCCT as the reference standard.

The mean effective dose of ULD-CT was 0.05±0.01 mSv. For pleural effusion and cardiogenic pulmonary edema, no difference in diagnostic accuracy between ULD-CT and sCXR was observed. For pneumonia and pneumothorax, sensitivities were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 69-100) and 50% (95% CI 7-93) for ULD-CT and 60% (95% CI 26-88) and 0% (95% CI 0-0) for sCXR, respectively. Median examination time was 10 min for ULD-CT vs. 5 min for sCXR (P<0.001). For ULD-CT 1-2 more staff members were needed compared to sCXR (P<0.001). ULD-CT was rated more challenging to perform than sCXR (P<0.001).

ULD-CT seems equal or better in detecting acute chest conditions compared to sCXR. However, ULD-CT examinations demand more effort and resources.