[Lung sonography in the critically ill patient]

Abstract

Lung sonography is an old technique applied in a new fashion. Applying lung sonography in the examination of an acute patient with pulmonary problems is a novelty in Denmark. Applications, limitations, techniques, equipment and general principles for lung sonography are reviewed. We introduce the "typical signs" such as lung sliding and artefacts. The rationale for lung ultrasonography in the treatment of acute patients seems obvious when comparing this technique with conventional diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of pulmonary status.