Lung ultrasonography for early management of patients with respiratory symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic

J Ultrasound. 2020 Dec;23(4):449-456. doi: 10.1007/s40477-020-00501-7. Epub 2020 Jul 7.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic is representing a serious challenge to worldwide public health. Lung Ultrasonography (LUS) has been signaled as a potential useful tool in this pandemic contest either to intercept viral pneumonia or to foster alternative paths. LUS could be useful in determining early lung involvement suggestive or not of COVID-19 pneumonia and potentially plays a role in managing decisions for hospitalization in isolation or admission in general ward. In order to face pandemic, in a period in which a large number of emergency room accesses with suspicious symptoms are expected, physicians need a standardized ultrasonographic approach, fast educational processes in order to be able to recognize both suggestive and not suggestive echographic signs and shared algorithms for LUS role in early management of patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; Lung Ultrasound; Sonographic interstitial syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Clinical Protocols*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Medical Staff, Hospital / education
  • Pandemics
  • Patient Isolation
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Ultrasonography