RESUMO
The spreading pandemic, successive waves and increasingly inefficient hospital care system contributed to the analysis and inclusion of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in the COVID-19 diagnostic process, which is faster, cheaper, more available and safer method for patients. It is also the method of choice for pregnant women and children. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of lung ultrasound in the diagnostic process, its predictive value and its comparison with computed tomography (CT) of the chest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted with keyword in the title and abstracts in the Pubmed National Library of Medicine database. RESULTS: Twenty papers were reviewed which showed a high consistency in CT and ultrasound image evaluation, particularly in the inferolateral and posterior lung areas. The association between LUS and CT images with disease severity has also been demonstrated, which translates into the predictive value of these studies related to hospitalization, use of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and mortality in COVID-19 patients. An association between the stage of disease severity assessed by LUS and elevated levels of inflammatory markers were revealed. In addition, lung ultrasound showed high sensitivity in the early stages of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound performed by appropriately trained staff is a good diagnostic and prognostic tool in the Hospital Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. Nevertheless, due to the subjectivity and technical limitations of this study, this method needs further research.
