[Differential diagnosis of dyspnea: the incremental value of lung ultrasound]

Abstract

Acute dyspnea as a presenting symptom is a frequent challenge for physicians. Difficulties in establishing a correct diagnosis may lead to late institution of appropriate medical therapy.The authors describe the case of a 77 year-old man with both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiac insufficiency, presenting with episodes of acute dyspnea, whose ethiology has been revealed by lung ultrasound.