SynthesisIndian pediatrics2026
Thoracic Computed Tomography Scan Versus Thoracic Ultrasonography for Management Decisions in Empyema Thoracis: A Systematic Review.
Synthesis in Indian pediatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
contextAlthough thoracic ultrasonography (USG) provides valuable information for managing empyema, many clinicians resort to thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans.
objectiveThis systematic review was conducted to synthesize evidence on the efficacy, safety and cost of thoracic CT scan versus USG for managing childhood empyema. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched for diagnostic test accuracy studies and observational studies in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, clinical trial registries and grey literature sources (ProQuest and OpenGrey), without any language restrictions. Two reviewers independently screened studies for inclusion. Studies in children (< 18 years) with confirmed empyema were included. The outcomes evaluated were findings impacting management missed by the other modality, adverse events, concordance, additional findings identified with either modality, and cost. Risk of bias was estimated using study design-specific tools. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.
resultsOnly one retrospective study with 13 participants met the inclusion criteria. CT identified one additional case with loculations compared to USG, and one additional lung abscess, although it was not confirmed at surgery. Fibrin strands seen on USG in all 13 cases were not detected by CT. Both modalities detected pulmonary consolidation in 11 patients; although the sites of consolidation differed in some children. There was no comparative data on cost and adverse events. The GRADE evidence certainty was judged as very low.
conclusionThe limited, very low certainty evidence suggested no advantage of CT scan over USG in the management of childhood empyema. Appropriately designed prospective studies can resolve this question.
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