Pattern of Ultrasound Request at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the pattern of ultrasound request in our tertiary health institution in order to make adequate recommendation on management and financing of imaging facilities in a hospital with limited resources. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study of all consecutive cases of ultrasound scan referred to the radiology department of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The study lasted for three months; January 1st 2017 to March 31st 2017. The request forms and duplicate copies of the report of all the cases scanned each day were collected and used for this study. Information on patient’s biodata, clinical indication for the ultrasound scan, ultrasound scan findings and radiologist advice were extracted and analysed, using SPSS. Results: Two hundred patients had ultrasound sound scan during the period. There were 147 (73.5%) females and 53(26.5%) males, giving male to female ratio of 1: 2.8. The department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology referred the highest number of patients 81(40.5%). Abdominopelvic scan 58(28.57%), obstetric scan 47(23.15%) and abdominal scan 40(19.70%) were the more common type of the scans. Ultrasound finding was in agreement with the clinical indication in 92(46%) cases, no agreement in 72 (36%) cases and none specific in 36 (18%) cases. Sixty three, (31.5%) cases were referred to appropriate alternative imaging evaluation. Conclusion: Ultrasound scan is an invaluable imaging modality that aids in diagnosing patients’ ailments and monitoring of treatment progress. Ultrasound scan is in high demand in obstetric and gynaecological management as depicted in this study and other studies evaluated in our discussion, hence we recommend that there should be point of care ultrasound scan service in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology to enable easy access for the patients.