Lung ultrasound in the COVID-19 pandemic

Postgrad Med J. 2021 Jan;97(1143):34-39. doi: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-138137. Epub 2020 Sep 7.

Abstract

Lung ultrasound has been described for over a decade and international protocols exist for its application. It is a controversial area among pulmonologists and has had more uptake with emergency as well as intensive care physicians. We discuss the basics and evidence behind the use of lung ultrasound in respiratory failure, and what role we see it playing in the current 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic.

Keywords: Adult thoracic medicine; Respiratory infections; Thoracic medicine; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnosis
  • COVID-19 / diagnostic imaging*
  • COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging*
  • Point-of-Care Testing
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography