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Review
. 2020 Dec;158(6):2511-2516.
doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.08.2052. Epub 2020 Aug 22.

Lung Ultrasound Scanning for Respiratory Failure in Acutely Ill Patients: A Review

Seth Koenig  1 , Paul Mayo  2 , Giovanni Volpicelli  3 , Scott J Millington  4
Affiliations
Review

Lung Ultrasound Scanning for Respiratory Failure in Acutely Ill Patients: A Review

Seth Koenig et al. Chest. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Lung ultrasonography (LUS), an imaging modality quickly performed, interpreted, and integrated by the treating physician at the bedside, is a particularly useful tool for acutely ill patients. In the evaluation of a patient with respiratory failure in the ICU or ED, LUS is superior to chest radiograph and generally comparable with CT imaging and reduces the need for patient transport and radiation exposure. This article will provide a concise review of LUS as it pertains to respiratory failure in general and will include examples of relevant ultrasound images and video clips from critically ill patients.

Keywords: acute lung injury; critical care; ultrasound.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A-D, Thoracic ultrasound technical aspects. A, Diagram illustrates three basic transducer positions. B, Upper BLUE point. C, Lower BLUE point. D, Posterolateral alveolar and/or pleural syndrome point.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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