One year of SARS-CoV-2 and lung ultrasound: what has been learned and future perspectives

J Ultrasound. 2021 Jun;24(2):115-123. doi: 10.1007/s40477-021-00575-x. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Abstract

A first screening by ultrasound can be relevant to set a specific diagnostic and therapeutic route for a patient with a COVID-19 infection. The finding of bilateral B-lines and white lung areas with patchy peripheral distribution and sparing areas is the most suggestive ultrasound picture of COVID-19 pneumonia. Failure to detect bilateral interstitial syndrome (A pattern) on ultrasound excludes COVID-19 pneumonia with good diagnostic accuracy, but does not exclude current infection. The use of shared semiotic and reporting schemes allows the comparison and monitoring of the COVID-19 pulmonary involvement over time. This review aims to summarise the main data on pulmonary ultrasound and COVID-19 to provide accurate and relevant information for clinical practice.

Keywords: COVID-19; Imaging; Lung; SARS-CoV-2; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography / methods*
  • Ultrasonography / trends