How accurate is chest ultrasonography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax and hemothorax in adult trauma patients?

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Why is this study important?

The diagnosis of pneumothorax and hemothorax in adult trauma patients is time sensitive and timely chest X-rays (CXR) with properly positioned, cooperative patients is often impossible. Bedside chest ultrasonography (CUS) can be immediately and repeatedly performed in most trauma patients in various body positions regardless of level of consciousness. This review pools the results from multiple studies to determine the overall accuracy of CUS in adult trauma patients.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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