Diagnostic Value of Chest Radiography in Pediatric Cardiovascular Diseases: A Retrospective Study in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran

Chest X-ray is usually the first radiography performed for a newborn. This test is easily accessible and yet a basic screening method. Different results have been reported in various studies regarding the diagnostic value of chest X-ray in cardiovascular disease in children. The study was carried out retrospectively using the medical files of 100 patients under 10 years of age who were referred to Tabriz Children’s Hospital, Tabriz-Iran, during 2013-2014. The data obtained were analyzed with SPSS-17. The mean difference test was used to compare the quantitative variables. Fifty-two patients (52%) were male. Their mean age was 4.54  1.22 (0-108) months, and the patients’ mean weight was 4.38  0.34 (1.25-27) kg. Cardiovascular examination and radiology report were negative in 70% and 57% of the patients, respectively, while cardiologic assessments revealed cardiovascular problems in 70% of the cases. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, and the positive and negative predictive value of chest X-ray in this study were 61%, 80%, 53%, 86%, and 42%, respectively. In addition, gender, age, weight, the presence or absence of clinical signs, and the type of cardiovascular disease had no effect on the diagnostic accuracy of chest X-ray. According to the results, chest radiography cannot be referred to as a test to confirm or rule-out cardiovascular disease in children. Therefore, when a cardiovascular disease is suspected in physical examination, echocardiography can be recommended without a need for chest X-ray.