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Background: The purpose of this study was to survey the current practice of the use
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of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in the diagnosis of pneumothorax.
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Methods: Physician sonographers, accredited for diagnostic ultrasonography in
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surgery, anaesthesia, and medicine were studied. Questions addressed the
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frequency of exposure to patients with suspected pneumothorax, frequency of LUS-
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use, preferences regarding technical aspects of LUS examination, assessment of
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diagnostic accuracy of LUS and involvement in teaching.
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Results: 55.1 % of respondents used LUS “always” or “frequently” for suspected
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pneumothorax. 35.5% of physicians rated LUS as “always reliable” in ruling out
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pneumothorax, and 21.3% of respondents rated LUS as “always reliable” in ruling in
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pneumothorax. The mode of performing LUS for pneumothorax was highly variable.
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Statistically significant differences where found regarding the likelihood of LUS-
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usage, the combined use of M-Mode and B-mode scanning, and the confidence to
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exclude pneumothorax based on LUS findings for physicians with frequent exposure
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to pneumothorax cases.
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Conclusions: Physicians’ use of LUS in the diagnosis of pneumothorax is modest.
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Confidence in diagnostic accuracy is not comprehensive. Further research is required
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to establish the most efficient way of performing LUS in this scenario to achieve
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highest possible diagnostic accuracy and reliable documentation of examination
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results.
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Key words: ultrasonography, pneumothorax, technology assessment, questionnaire