Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Critically ill Patients

Abstract

Background: Lung ultrasound is increasingly being used by the bedside physicians to complement the findings of physical examination. Lung ultrasound is non-invasive, devoid of radiation exposure and can be performed rapidly and repeatedly as needed at bedside. This review aims to elucidate the evidence base and the future directions for bedside point-of-care lung ultrasound in critically ill patients.

Methods: Research articles, review papers and online contents related to point-of-care ultrasound in critically ill patients were reviewed.

Results: The diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound for common conditions like pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema and pneumonia is superior to chest radiograph and is comparable to chest CT scan. Lung ultrasound is helpful to evaluate the progress of lung pathology and response to treatment, over time. Ultrasound guidance for thoracocentesis decreases the complication rates.

Conclusion: Bedside lung ultrasound in critically ill patients can serve as a tool to diagnose common lung pathologies, monitor its course and guide clinical management.

Keywords: Chest radiograph; clinical management; critically ill; lung ultrasound; point-of-care; radiation exposure.