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Clinical Pathways
CT
CT

CT

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Decision

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Background

Computed Tomography (CT)

The current gold standard for imaging diagnosis of pneumothorax is CT of the chest. CT is more sensitive and more specific than both CXR and ultrasound, and may detect occult injuries that would otherwise have presented only when the patient decompensated. Many trauma activations will include a whole-body CT of the cervical spine, head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis to ensure that no injuries are missed; however, in less-severe injuries, clinicians may elect to avoid unnecessary scans in an effort to save patients radiation exposure and cost. CXR and ultrasound are both highly specific and, despite being the gold standard, a confirmatory CT is not required unless there is concern for other injuries. The decision about which patients to scan, and when, is generally based upon the type and extent of injury and is made by the clinician using both clinical findings as well as the guidelines and protocols of their institution.

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References
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PTX found
PTX found
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