Lung Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Leading Tool for SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: A Narrative Review

Diagnostics (Basel). 2021 Dec 17;11(12):2381. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics11122381.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide causing a global pandemic. In this context, lung ultrasound (LUS) has played an important role due to its high diagnostic sensitivity, low costs, simplicity of execution and radiation safeness. Despite computed tomography (CT) being the imaging gold standard, lung ultrasound point of care exam is essential in every situation where CT is not readily available nor applicable. The aim of our review is to highlight the considerable versatility of LUS in diagnosis, framing the therapeutic route and follow-up for SARS-CoV-2 interstitial syndrome.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; chest ultrasound; interstitial syndrome; lung ultrasound; pneumonia; point of care.

Publication types

  • Review