CHEST RADIOGRAPHY IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Waed Alghazali, Mustafa Ghandour*, Ahmad Zynab and Khalid Khattab

ABSTRACT

Background: Portable chest radiography is a key diagnostic tool in intensive care units (ICUs), especially for non-ambulatory patients. These images assist in evaluating and monitoring various critical conditions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 3,852 patients admitted to different ICUs at Al-Mouwasat University Hospital between 2023 and 2024. Portable chest X-rays, thoracic, and abdominal ultrasound data were analyzed using frequency and percentage-based descriptive statistics. Data were collected from the radiology archive and ICU records. Results: Normal chest X-rays accounted for 32% of cases, while 68% showed pathological findings, mainly pleural effusions and parenchymal consolidations. Repeat imaging was required in 43% of cases due to poor image quality or for follow-up. Portable chest ultrasound was performed in 35% of cases, mainly in COVID-19 patients, while FAST abdominal ultrasound revealed positive findings in 13% of trauma cases. Image quality varied due to the use of older computed radiography (CR) devices compared to modern digital systems. Conclusion: Portable chest imaging remains a cornerstone in ICU patient evaluation, but upgrading imaging technology may enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient management.

Keywords: Intensive Care Unit, Portable Radiography, Chest Imaging, Bedside Ultrasound.