Evaluation and Necessity of Imaging Modalities in Pediatric Thoracic Trauma: Balancing Clinical Benefits and Radiation Risks

Purpose: Thoracic trauma in pediatric patients presents unique challenges in diagnosis and management. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and impact of CXR and CT scans on the management of pediatric thoracic trauma. Methods: This study analyzed data on 819 thoracic trauma patients from 11,532 pediatric trauma patients admitted to a single trauma center. Patient demographics, trauma mechanisms, imaging results, and interventions were assessed. Cohort and and non-intervention group compared on positive findings.Statistical analyses were performed to assess the significance of imaging findings and their impact on management decisions. Results: The study included predominantly male patients (70.5%) with a mean age of 10.59 years. Blunt trauma accounted for 85.2% of cases. CXR was performed in 79% of cases, with 68% normal results. Conversely, CT scans detected a higher percentage of pathological findings, notably pulmonary contusions (54%) and pneumothoraces (45%). However, the increased diagnostic yield of CT did not significantly alter patient management or necessitate intervention.. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the overuse of imaging modalities in pediatric thoracic trauma with limited impact on management decisions. While CT scans offered greater sensitivity for detecting minor injuries, their routine use did not substantially influence clinical outcomes or therapy decisions.