The essentials of pleural and lung ultrasound

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Ultrasound was first used to image pleural effusion in 1967. More recently, there have been exciting developments in the use of ultrasound to assess lungs. This presentation will cover key concepts of lung ultrasound, scan techniques and image interpretation for a range of pathology (including pleural effusion, empyema, consolidation, pneumonia, acute pulmonary oedema and pneumothorax). Method: Essentials of normal ultrasound lung artefacts, scan techniques and key diagnostic features will be presented, with case examples. Results: Ultrasound can be used to provide valuable diagnostic information for patients with a range of conditions. Ultrasound has been shown to be superior to both chest radiography and clinical examination in the detection of pleural fluid. Ultrasound is more sensitive than the supine chest radiography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax. Ultrasound is also sensitive in characterising pulmonary oedema, consolidation and pneumonia. Recently lung ultrasound has also been used in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Ultrasound has been shown to be an accurate and sensitive modality for diagnosing many pleural and lung conditions. Take home message Sonographers should remain up to date on the essentials of ultrasound diagnosis of pleural and lung conditions.