Ultrasound probe scratches the pleural surface: revealing the shades of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia.

We present a case of a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and illustrate the changes observed using thoracic ultrasound alongside disease evolution. The case renders how COVID-19 pneumonia can sonographically correlate with chest radiograph findings and links with the oxygen requirement during different clinical stages of illness. We compare these images as the patient escalates through mild disease on low flow oxygen therapy, moderate disease on high flow oxygen therapy and severe disease requiring mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit. We then reveal further imaging showing recovery of the disease process. We recommend utilising thoracic ultrasound as it provides clinical effectiveness, ensures patient, staff and equipment safety (in the much-needed personal protective equipment environment) without exposure to radiation. This case report invites clinicians and researchers to share their thoracic ultrasound experience during the COVID-19 pandemic with a wider audience. We hope our observations will increase awareness and give credibility to thoracic ultrasound in future aspects of disease management.

Thoracic ultrasonic narration of Covid-19 pneumonia.

Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new coronavirus. Since the declaration of a global pandemic, a lot has been learnt about its spread, disease pattern, diagnosis and management. The lungs remain the prime organs to incur serious insult and when lung complications embark, significant morbidity and mortality is observed. Predominantly, patchy and peripheral lung distribution in the Covid-19 pneumonia has been described in the radiology experience and literature. There are a range of imaging modes useable in diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and therapy of Covid-19. However, when it comes to the appropriateness and the potential benefits of imaging, resource utilization and infectious risk must be considered. The use of ultrasound during this pandemic has provided us with an alternate imaging modality that is easily performed at the bedside, with real time images available to the clinician. This case highlights the role played by the thoracic ultrasound in the diagnosis and progression of Covid-19 pneumonia.