Computed Tomography-Aided System Quickly Detects and Quantifies Pneumothorax

NEW YORK, March 27, 2009 — A computer-assisted volumetry system is showing promise for rapidly detecting and quantifying pneumothorax in trauma patients who undergo multidetector computed tomography (CT) imaging, researchers reported in the March issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

"This CT-based computer-aided tool can quickly provide quantitative information on pneumothoraces, which is an emerging criterion for the pneumothorax treatment, yet unavailable in current clinical practice," lead investigator Dr Wenli Cai told Reuters Health.

Dr Cai et al at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, validated their volumetry scheme in 68 trauma patients known to have at least 1 pneumothorax. Their system had 100% sensitivity. The false positive rate was 0.15 per case for 32 occult pneumothoraces of at least 25 mL. Detection and measurement took approximately 3 minutes.

Given this accurate and efficient performance, concluded Dr Cai, "The tool has the potential to replace the current standard X ray and ultrasound and become a primary test for the diagnosis of pneumothoraces in trauma patients."

Source: Reuters Health Information