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Comparative Study of Lung Ultrasound and Chest X Ray in Diagnosis of Paediatric Pneumonia – Study of 200 Patients

Introduction: Paediatric pneumonia is the commonest cause of under five mortalities in India. The diagnosis is based on clinical and characteristic radiographic findings. Chest X-Ray is commonly used as initial radiological investigation for the diagnosis of pneumonia in children, which causes radiation exposure. The aim of our study was to replace chest ultrasound as initial and primary modality of pneumonia as an alternative radiological investigation. Material and Methods: We reviewed 200 cases of paediatric patients with respiratory signs and symptoms and clinically diagnosed as pneumonia who were admitted from September 2017 to February 2018. We exempted cases of serious pneumonia who were admitted at ICU. We perform independent lung ultrasound and chest X Ray of paediatric patients. The final diagnosis was made on the basis of history and clinical findings, laboratory and radiological investigations. Results: Our results show out of 200 confirmed cases of paediatric pneumonia X ray findings were positive in 192 patients whereas lung ultrasound able to detect 196 patients. 8 patients were diagnosed false negative on x ray. 4 patients were diagnosed false negative by lung ultrasound. Conclusion: Lung ultrasound is valuable, valid and non-hazardous alternative diagnostic test for the diagnosis of pneumonia in children and it must be used as initial first line radiological investigation in place of X rays to minimize radiation hazards and improve diagnostic accuracy.