Detection of Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Air With Sonography A Sensitive and Specific Modality

摘要: OBJECTIVES Soft tissue air may raise suspicion for several life-threatening illnesses. Physical examination has limited sensitivity in detecting air, and computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging are time-consuming expensive. Sonography can show soft but the specificity this setting currently unknown. Therefore, purpose of study was to assess performance characteristics sonography depicting presence, amount, affected plane a cadaver model air. METHODS We conducted single-blinded observational study. Cutaneous sites were selected marked (≈4 or 5 on each 6 cadavers). An examiner injected at some sites, recording both depth (plane) volume. A second examiner, who blinded injection procedure, examined site with recorded presence absence (subcutaneous intramuscular). The results compared, statistical analysis performed. RESULTS Twenty-eight cadavers used. Sites not used if they damaged within 10 cm previous dissection. Air 20 28 sites; remaining 8 sham injections. showed all injected. No detected 7 yielding 1 false-positive case. accurately assessed cases. Sensitivity detection 100%, 87.5%. CONCLUSIONS anatomic 100%. It warrants investigation as screening test patients high risk subcutaneous from conditions such necrotizing fasciitis gas gangrene.