Radiodiagnosis
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- ItemAccuracy of "red-dot" after-hour trauma-radiograph triage by radiographers in a South African regional hospital(Stellenbosch University, 2013) Hlongwane, S. T.; Pitcher, R. D.BACKGROUND: The global demand for diagnostic imaging exceeds the supply of radiologists and is of particular significance in poorly resourced healthcare environments where many radiographs are unreported. Delayed or absent reporting may negatively impact patient management. In well-resourced countries there is recognition that extending the role of radiographers to radiological reporting tasks helps meet service demands. AIM: To determine the accuracy of acute fracture detection by South African radiographers working in an after-hour setting. METHOD: We performed a retrospective study of radiographers at a Western Cape Regional Hospital over 2 months in 2011. The sensitivity and specificity of radiographers' fracture detection were compared with that of a consultant radiologist. Differences were evaluated using the McNemar chi-squared test, with p<0.05 regarded as significant. RESULTS: A total of 369 radiographs were analysed. The overall accuracy of reporting by radiographers was 93.7%, with 74.4% sensitivity for fracture detection. Experienced radiographers performed better than inexperienced radiographers; adult fractures were more consistently identified than paediatric fractures, and appendicular fractures were better visualised than axial fractures. In all instances there was a significant difference between fracture detection by radiographers and the radiologist. Experienced radiographers evaluating appendicular fractures in adults achieved the highest sensitivity (89.9%), which was not significantly different from that of a consultant radiologist (p=0.88). CONCLUSION: The performance of experienced radiographers in our study is comparable with that of experienced radiographers internationally, who have no specific training in trauma radiograph reporting. However, additional training is required if role extension is to be considered.
- ItemThe accuracy of after-hour registrar Computed Tomography (CT) reporting in a tertiary South African teaching hospital(AOSIS Publishing, 2014-05-16) De Witt, Juruan F.; Griffith-Richards, Stephanie; Pitcher, Richard D.Background: The Division of Radiodiagnosis at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, a 1384-bed tertiary training institution in Cape Town, South Africa provides a comprehensive 24-hour clinical radiology service, and has a duty registrar on-site at all times. The demand for computed tomography (CT) imaging is increasing and plays a pivotal role in patient management. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of after-hour registrar CT reporting, to identify possible factors that may affect the error rate, and to assess whether or not errors had any clinical impact. Method: A set of senior registrar reports (provisional reports) issued during a 28-day period was compared with the corresponding consultant reports (final reports). Discrepancies were identified and quantified, based on their impact on patient management. Results: The overall discrepancy rate was 8% (18 out of 225) and the overall accuracy rate was 92% (207 out of 225). The major error rate was 4% (9 out of 225) and the minor error rate was also 4% (9 out of 225). Conclusion: We observed that the accuracy of after-hour CT reporting by senior registrars at the Division of Radiodiagnosis at Tygerberg Hospital was on par with international standards. We investigated three factors which may have affected discrepancy rates, and only found one factor, namely the time of day, to be significant. Steps can be taken to create awareness of this fact amongst registrars, which hopefully would result in improved patient care and management.
- ItemThe accuracy of radiology speech recognition reports in a multilingual South African teaching hospital(BioMed Central, 2015-03) Du Toit, Jacqueline; Hattingh, Retha; Pitcher, RichardBackground: Speech recognition (SR) technology, the process whereby spoken words are converted to digital text, has been used in radiology reporting since 1981. It was initially anticipated that SR would dominate radiology reporting, with claims of up to 99% accuracy, reduced turnaround times and significant cost savings. However, expectations have not yet been realised. The limited data available suggest SR reports have significantly higher levels of inaccuracy than traditional dictation transcription (DT) reports, as well as incurring greater aggregate costs. There has been little work on the clinical significance of such errors, however, and little is known of the impact of reporter seniority on the generation of errors, or the influence of system familiarity on reducing error rates. Furthermore, there have been conflicting findings on the accuracy of SR amongst users with English as first- and second-language respectively. Methods: The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of SR and DT reports in a resource-limited setting. The first 300 SR and the first 300 DT reports generated during March 2010 were retrieved from the hospital’s PACS, and reviewed by a single observer. Text errors were identified, and then classified as either clinically significant or insignificant based on their potential impact on patient management. In addition, a follow-up analysis was conducted exactly 4 years later. Results: Of the original 300 SR reports analysed, 25.6% contained errors, with 9.6% being clinically significant. Only 9.3% of the DT reports contained errors, 2.3% having potential clinical impact. Both the overall difference in SR and DT error rates, and the difference in ‘clinically significant’ error rates (9.6% vs. 2.3%) were statistically significant. In the follow-up study, the overall SR error rate was strikingly similar at 24.3%, 6% being clinically significant. Radiologists with second-language English were more likely to generate reports containing errors, but level of seniority had no bearing. Conclusion: SR technology consistently increased inaccuracies in Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) radiology reports, thereby potentially compromising patient care. Awareness of increased error rates in SR reports, particularly amongst those transcribing in a second-language, is important for effective implementation of SR in a multilingual healthcare environment.
- ItemThe accuracy of radiology speech recognition reports in a multilingual South African teaching hospital(Springer Verlag, 2015-03) Du Toit, Jacqueline; Hattingh, Retha; Pitcher, Richard; Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology: RadiodiagnosisBackground Speech recognition (SR) technology, the process whereby spoken words are converted to digital text, has been used in radiology reporting since 1981. It was initially anticipated that SR would dominate radiology reporting, with claims of up to 99% accuracy, reduced turnaround times and significant cost savings. However, expectations have not yet been realised. The limited data available suggest SR reports have significantly higher levels of inaccuracy than traditional dictation transcription (DT) reports, as well as incurring greater aggregate costs. There has been little work on the clinical significance of such errorshowever, and little is known of the impact of reporter seniority on the generation of errors, or the influence of system familiarity on reducing error rates. Furthermore, there have been conflicting findings on the accuracy of SR amongst users with English as first- and second-language respectively. Methods The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of SR and DT reports in a resource-limited setting. The first 300 SR and the first 300 DT reports generated during March 2010 were retrieved from the hospital’s PACS, and reviewed by a single observer. Text errors were identified, and then classified as either clinically significant or insignificant based on their potential impact on patient management. In addition, a follow-up analysis was conducted exactly 4 years later. Results Of the original 300 SR reports analysed, 25.6% contained errors, with 9.6% being clinically significant. Only 9.3% of the DT reports contained errors, 2.3% having potential clinical impact. Both the overall difference in SR and DT error rates, and the difference in ‘clinically significant’ error rates (9.6% vs. 2.3%) were statistically significant. In the follow-up study, the overall SR error rate was strikingly similar at 24.3%, 6% being clinically significant. Radiologists with second-language English were more likely to generate reports containing errors, but level of seniority had no bearing. Conclusion SR technology consistently increased inaccuracies in Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) radiology reports, thereby potentially compromising patient care. Awareness of increased error rates in SR reports, particularly amongst those transcribing in a second-language, is important for effective implementation of SR in a multilingual healthcare environment.
- ItemAdvanced radiological investigations and findings amongst community assault victims admitted to a tertiary South African hospital(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2019) Du Toit, F.; Griffith-Richards, S. B.; Van Zyl, B. C.; Pitcher, Richard D.Community assault (CA) has been increasing in certain Cape Town suburbs over the past decade. There are limited CA-related imaging data. The aim of this study was to review CA-related advanced radiological investigations and findings at a Level 1 South African Trauma Centre. METHODS: A retrospective study at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, from 1 January through 30 June 2013. All advanced radiological investigations performed on CA victims at the time of admission were retrieved and analysed by patient demographics, imaging investigations and radiological findings. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (n=62) with a median age of 25 years were included; CT brain was acquired in 90% (n=56) and was abnormal in 68% (n=42). Craniofacial fractures were demonstrated in 60% (n=37), with involvement of the paranasal sinuses in 32% (n=20) and the base of skull in 19% (n=12). Almost half (n=28/62; 45%) had intracranial haemorrhage, which was intra-axial in 36% (n=22/62), extra-axial in 34% (n=21/62) and both intra- and extra-axial in 23% (n=14/62). Cerebral oedema was present in 29% (n=18/62), with herniation in 10% (n=6/62). Non-cranial CT was acquired in 52% (n=32/62), of whom 19 (n=19/32; 59%) also underwent CT brain. CT abdomen was acquired in approximately a quarter of the cohort (n=16/62, 26%), demonstrating abnormalities in 15 (24%). Fifteen cervical spine CTs were performed (n=15/62; 24%) demonstrating no acute bony injury. CONCLUSION: We recommend a high index of suspicion for severe intracranial injury in CA victims and urgent tertiary referral of those with a depressed level of consciousness. Prospective work is required to determine the long-term outlook for survivors.
- ItemThe anatomical extent of the pyloric sphincteric cylinder, the pyloric mucosal zone and the pyloric antrum(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 1982-8) Keet, A. D.The anatomy of the pyloric sphincteric cylinder is discussed. The pyloric ring is not a separate anatomical structure, but is an inherent part of the cylinder. Contraction of the cylinder narrows the diameter of the pyloric ring, and thus of the pyloric aperture. The extent of the sphincteric cylinder is determined on radiographs. It is seen to be 3-5 cm in length when fully contracted. Anatomical features of the pyloric mucosal zone are reviewed. On the aboral side both the cylinder and the mucosal zone end at the ring. The entire cylinder is lined by pyloric mucosa, but the mucosal zone extends orally beyond the confines of the cylinder. In gastric ulcer it may extend much further up the stomach. In contrast to the cylinder, the greatest length of the mucosal zone is on the lesser curvature. The sphincteric cylinder and the pyloric mucosal zone are clearly defined anatomically. The term 'pyloric antrum', in contrast, has been used in many different senses.
- ItemAn anatomico physiological principle governing the direction of the gastro intestinal mucosal folds during life(HMPG, 1974-03) Keet A. D.The mucosa, being the innermost layer of the gastro intestinal tract, is intimately concerned with digestion and absorption, and, presumably, also with the transport of intestinal contents. In anatomical, physiological and motility studies, possible movements of the mucosa and its folds are neither considered nor investigated. Dogmatic statements about the direction of the folds are often made. Radiologists have long been aware of mucosal movements, but after the fundamental work of Forssell, no further views have been put forward. Radiological procedures have been used to investigate the normal, macroscopic, physiological movements of mucosal folds. A general rule follows. Normally, when the intestine is filled, but inactive, the folds are circular; when the walls contract, the folds change in direction, to become longitudinal. This phenomenon is confirmed by in vivo baboon studies and elucidated by wire spirals. It is seen to be an inherent characteristic of 'peristaltic' and 'segmental' contractions. In this manner longitudinal mucosal furrows are formed simultaneously with the contraction wave of the walls, thus facilitating transit. Were this not so, peristalsis would be an ineffective mechanism, with contraction waves acting against the resistance of circular folds.
- ItemAn audit of elective outpatient magnetic resonance imaging in a tertiary South African public-sector hospital(AOSIS Publishing, 2014-12-09) Van Schouwenburg, Francois; Ackermann, Christelle; Pitcher, RichardBackground: Increasing demand for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has resulted in longer waiting times for elective MRI, particularly in resource-limited healthcare environments.However, inappropriate imaging requests may also contribute to prolonged MRI waiting times. At the time of the present study, the waiting time for elective MRI studies at Tygerberg Hospital (TBH), a tertiary-level public-sector healthcare facility in Cape Town (South Africa),was 24 weeks. Objectives: To document the nature and clinical appropriateness of scheduled TBH outpatient MRI examinations. Method: A retrospective analysis of the referral forms of all elective outpatient MRIexaminations scheduled at TBH from 01 June to 30 November 2011 was conducted. Patient age, gender, clinical details, provisional diagnosis, examination requested and referring clinician were recorded on a customised data sheet. Two radiologists independently evaluated the appropriateness of each request by comparing the clinical details and the provisional diagnosis provided with the 2012 American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines for the appropriate use of MRI. Results: Four hundred and sixty-six patients (median age 42 years; interquartile range 19–55) who had 561 examinations were scheduled in the review period; 70 (15%) were children less than 6 years old. Neurosurgery (n = 164; 35%), orthopaedic (n = 144; 31%),neurology (n = 53; 11%) and paediatric (n = 27; 6%) outpatients accounted for the majority(81%) of referrals; 464 (99.6%) were from specialist clinics. MRIs of the spine (n = 314; 56%),brain (n = 152; 27%) and musculoskeletal system (n = 70, 13%) accounted for more than 95%of the investigations. In 455 cases (98%), the referral was congruent with published ACR guidelines for appropriate MRI utilisation. Conclusion: Scheduled outpatient MRI examinations at TBH reflect optimal clinical use of a limited resource. MRI utilisation is largely confined to traditional neuro-imaging. Any initiative to decrease the elective MRI waiting time should focus on service expansion.
- ItemBurkitt lymphoma research in East Africa: highlights from the 9th African organization for research and training in cancer conference held in Durban, South Africa in 2013(BioMed Central, 2014-09) Simbiri, Kenneth O.; Biddle, Joshua; Kinyera, Tobias; Were, Pamela A.; Tenge, Constance; Kawira, Esther; Masalu, Nestory; Sumba, Peter O.; Lawler-Heavner, Janet; Stefan, Cristina D.; Buonaguro, Franco M.; Robinson, Detra; Newton, Robert; Harford, Joe; Bhatia, Kishor; Mbulaiteye, Sam M.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A one-day workshop on Burkitt lymphoma (BL) was held at the 9th African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) conference in 2013 in Durban, South Africa. The workshop featured 15 plenary talks by delegates representing 13 institutions that either fund or implement research on BL targeting AORTIC delegates primarily interested in pediatric oncology. The main outcomes of the meeting were improved sharing of knowledge and experience about ongoing epidemiologic BL research, BL treatment in different settings, the role of cancer registries in cancer research, and opportunities for African scientists to publish in scientific journals. The idea of forming a consortium of BL to improve coordination, information sharing, accelerate discovery, dissemination, and translation of knowledge and to build capacity, while reducing redundant efforts was discussed. Here, we summarize the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
- ItemA case control study of breast cancer risk and exposure to injectable progestogen contraceptives : methods and patterns of use among controls(Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG), 1997-03) Bailie, R.; Katzenellenbogen, J.; Hoffman, M.; Schierhout, G.; Truter, H.; Dent, D.; Gudgeon, A.; Van Zyl, J.; Rosenberg, L.; Shapiro, S.Objective. To describe the patterns of use of injectable progestogen contraceptives (IPCs) among coloured and black women in the Western Cape. These data are part of an ongoing study in the Western Cape, the main aim of which is to explore the relationship between IPCs and breast cancer. Design. A population-based case-control study of breast cancer risk in relation to the use of IPCs among coloured and black women. Setting. The Western Cape, including the Cape metropole and surrounding rural areas. Study subjects. All coloured and black women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, resident in the study area and below age 55 years, who present at either of the two tertiary care hospitals in the Western Cape are recruited. Controls are a sample of hospitalised patients representative of the populations from which the patients are drawn. Cases are frequency-matched according to cross-tabulation of age, ethnic group and residential area in a ratio of approximately 1:3. Measurements. Questionnaires are administered by trained nurse interviewers. Information is elicited on a wide range of variables, including sociodemographic variables, medical history, family history of breast disease, lifetime history of all methods of contraception and use of non-contraceptive female steroids, reproductive variables, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and other potentially confounding variables. Results. Between January and December 1994, 122 incident cases and 389 controls were enrolled. Ever-use of IPCs among the controls was 72% (N = 280) and use for 5 years or more was 30% (N = 117). Use of IPCs in the distant past was common, with 61% (N = 232) of all controls having initiated use 10 or more years previously. Current use was also high (19%). Other contraceptive methods were used far less commonly. Conclusion. Coloured and black women in South Africa have been using and continue to use IPCs far more commonly and for longer periods than women anywhere else in the world. It is therefore especially important to evaluate the risk of breast cancer and other health effects of IPCs. The rates of use identified in this study ensure that there will be adequate statistical power to evaluate long-term use, use in the distant past and current use of IPCs.
- ItemChemotherapy, medical oncology and nomenclature(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 1992) Smith, B. J.[No abstract available]
- ItemComparative morphological study of the pituitary gland by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 1988) Loxton, A. J.A prospective study was undertaken to compare the morphology of the pituitary gland by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 27 consecutive patients. CT is an accepted imaging modality but this study suggested that MRI has certain advantages. MRI is proposed as the imaging modality of choice for lesions of the pituitary gland.
- ItemCongenital CMV infection(AOSIS Publishing, 2015-12) Vlok, Sucari; Du Plessis, VicciMeconium pseudocyst is a rare complication of fetal bowel perforation in utero, following extravasation and localised containment of meconium within the intra-peritoneal cavity.
- ItemCost of breast preservation surgery for cancer(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 1992) Smit, B. J.; Liebenberg, T. J.; Du Toit, D. F.[No abstract available]
- ItemDefining the diagnostic divide : an analysis of registered radiological equipment resources in a low-income African country(African Field Epidemiology Network, 2016) Ngoya, Patrick Sitati; Muhogora, Wilbroad Edward; Pitcher, Richard DenysENGLISH SUMMARY : Introduction: Diagnostic radiology is recog nised as a key component of modern healthcare. However there is marked inequality in global access to imaging. Rural populations of low - and middle - income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need. Carefully coordinated healthcare planning is required to me et the ever increasing global demand for imaging and to ensure equitable access to services. However, meaningful planning req uires robust data. Currently, there are no comprehensive published data on radiological equipment resources in low - income countries . The aim of this study was to conduct the first detailed analysis of registered diagnostic radiology equipment resources in a low - income African country and compare findings with recently published South African data. Methods: The study was conducted in T anzania in September 2014, in collaboration with the Tanzanian Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), which maintains a comprehensive database of the country’s registered diag nostic imaging equipment. All TAEC equipment data were quantified as units per million people by imaging modality, geographical zone and healthcare sector. Results: There are 5.7 general radiography units per million people in the public sector with a relatively homogeneous geographical di stribution. When compared with the South African publ ic sector, Tanzanian resources are 3 - , 21 - and 6 - times lower in general radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Conclusion: The homogeneous Tanzanian distribution of basic public - sector radiological services reflects central government’s commitment to equitable distribution of essential resources. However, the 5.7 general radiography units per million people is lower than the 20 units per million people recommended by the World Health Organizati on
- ItemDiagnostic reference levels for paediatric computed tomography(AOSIS Publishing, 2015-11-30) Vawda, Zakariya; Pitcher, Richard; Akudugu, John; Groenewald, WillemObjectives: To establish local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for emergency paediatric head computed tomography (CT) scans performed at a South African (SA) tertiary-level hospital and to compare these with published data. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of volume-based CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) data from uncontrasted paediatric head CT scans performed in the Trauma and Emergency Unit of a tertiary-level SA hospital from January to June 2013. A random sample of 30 patients in each of 3 age groups (0–2, >2–5 and >5–10 years) was used. LDRL values were compared with several national DRLs from Europe and Australia. Results: Mean CTDIvol and DLP values were: 30 mGy and 488 mGy.cm for the 0–2 years age group; 31 mGy and 508 mGy.cm for the >2–5 years group, and 32 mGy and 563 mGy.cm for the >5–10 years group, respectively. The mean DLP for 0–2 year-olds was the only parameter outside the range of corresponding published reference data. Stratification into narrower age groupings showed an increase in DLP values with age. Conclusion: An institutional review of the head CT scanning technique for emergency studies performed on children less than 2 years of age is recommended. The current study highlights the role of LDRLs in establishing institutional dosimetry baselines, in refining local imaging practice, and in enhancing patient safety. Standard age stratification for DRL and LDRL reporting is recommended.
- ItemDiffusion tensor imaging point to ongoing functional impairment in HIV-infected children at age 5, undetectable using standard neurodevelopmental assessments(BMC (part of Springer Nature), 2020-05-19) Ackermann, Christelle; Andronikou, Savvas; Saleh, Muhammad G.; Kidd, Martin; Cotton, Mark F.; Meintjes, Ernesta M.; Laughton, BarbaraBackground: Perinatal HIV infection negatively impacts cognitive functioning of children, main domains affected are working memory, processing speed and executive function. Early ART, even when interrupted, improves neurodevelopmental outcomes. Diffusion tension imaging (DTI) is a sensitive tool assessing white matter damage. We hypothesised that white matter measures in regions showing HIV-related alterations will be associated with lower neurodevelopmental scores in specific domains related to the functionality of the affected tracts. Methods: DTI was performed on children in a neurodevelopmental sub study from the Children with HIV Early Antiretroviral (CHER) trial. Voxel-based group comparisons to determine regions where fractional anisotropy and mean diffusion differed between HIV+ and uninfected children were done. Locations of clusters showing group differences were identified using the Harvard–Oxford cortical and subcortical and John Hopkins University WM tractography atlases provided in FSL. This is a second review of DTI data in this cohort, which was reported in a previous study. Neurodevelopmental assessments including GMDS and Beery-Buktenica tests were performed and correlated with DTI parameters in abnormal white matter. Results: 38 HIV+ children (14 male, mean age 64.7 months) and 11 controls (4 male, mean age 67.7 months) were imaged. Two clusters with lower fractional anisotropy and 7 clusters with increased mean diffusion were identified in the HIV+ group. The only neurodevelopmental domain with a trend of difference between the HIV+ children and controls (p = 0.08), was Personal Social Quotient which correlated to improved myelination of the forceps minor in the control group. As a combined group there was a negative correlation between visual perception and radial diffusion in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, which may be related to the fact that these tracts, forming part of the visual perception pathway, are at a crucial state of development at age 5. Conclusion: Even directed neurodevelopmental tests will underestimate the degree of microstructural white matter damage detected by DTI. The visual perception deficit detected in the entire study population should be further examined in a larger study.
- ItemDiving injuries of the spinal cord(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 1992) Scher, A. T.Diving injuries to the cervical spine and spinal cord are a serious medical problem with longterm social and economic consequences. The exact incidence of these injuries in South Africa is unknown. In the USA, it is estimated that I 800 serious diving injuries to the spine occur annually; diving accidents are therefore a major cause of spinal cord injury. It is probable that the actual incidence of diving injury is much higher, since many cases of death by 'accidental drowning' result from paralysis or unconsciousness. In addition to the incalculable human suffering, the economic consequences of these injuries are immense.
- ItemDubbele pilorus en piloroduodenale fistels : twee gevalbeskrywings met bespreking(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 1984) Keet, A. D.; Bezuidenhout, D. J. J.Congenital double pylorus is extremely rare; only 2 cases have been found in the English and French literature. Acquired double pylorus occurs more often; up to 1982, 66 cases had been reported. During 6,810 consecutive barium meal examinations over a period of 2 years, we diagnosed the condition in 5 patients. Two came to operation, at which the diagnosis was confirmed. These 2 cases are described. Acquired double pylorus is in reality a short pyloroduodenal fistula situated next to the pylorus, usually on the lesser curvature side. In the majority of cases it results from a pyloric ulcer penetrating into the duodenum. In a minority of cases the primary lesion is a duodenal ulcer penetrating into the pyloric area. Cases initially present with peptic ulcer symptoms. With the formation of the fistula, symptoms may disappear. Some authorities consider this to indicate spontaneous cure of the ulcer, thus obviating the need for further medical or surgical treatment. In the present 2 cases there was no remission of symptoms. None of the cases has been associated with malignant disease. It is thought that the condition may be recognized more often in future.
- ItemFAST as a predictor of clinical outcome in blunt abdominal trauma(AOSIS, 2011) Terry, Benjamin M.; Blehar, David; Gaspari, Romolo; Maydell, Arthur Thomas; Bezuidenhout, Fourie Abraham; Andronikou, SavvasBackground. Peer-reviewed literature demonstrates increasing support for the use of focused abdominal sonography in trauma (FAST) in the setting of blunt trauma, one study demonstrating the sensitivity and specificity of FAST for the detection of free fluid to be 0.64 - 0.98 and 0.86 - 1.00, respectively, compared with abdominal CT. Utilising ultrasound in trauma triage increases efficiency and cost-effectiveness and reduces reliance on CT, compared with using CT alone. There is little evidence to support relying solely on a negative FAST and physical examination for patient management. Method. A retrospective descriptive study of 172 adult patients who received FAST for the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma between 22 July 2007 and 21 January 2008 at Tygerberg Hospital was performed. Ultrasound findings were correlated with CT scan findings, operative findings if managed surgically, clinical outcomes whether managed surgically or conservatively, as well as postmortem findings in deceased patients. Results. FAST was negative in 147 (85.5%) patients. Twenty-four (16.3%) of these patients died from all-cause mortality, none of which was due to intra-abdominal injury. Seven patients with negative FAST underwent CT scan owing to change in clinical course, and 3 patients with negative FAST underwent laparotomy owing to change in clinical course, with positive findings in 2 patients – a bowel injury requiring resection (not seen on CT) and a diaphragmatic rupture seen on CXR. A negative FAST was shown to be an excellent predictor for the absence of significant intra-abdominal trauma. The mortality rate among 25 FAST positive patients was 24% (N=6). Only one of these patients (with a splenic rupture) was suspected to have died from abdominal pathology.
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