Title:Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Critically ill Patients
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Author(s): Gentle S. Shrestha*, Dameera Weeratunga and Kylie Baker
Affiliation:
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu,Nepal
Keywords:
Chest radiograph, clinical management, critically ill, lung ultrasound, point-of-care, radiation exposure.
Abstract: Background: Lung ultrasound is increasingly being used by the bedside physicians to
complement the findings of physical examination. Lung ultrasound is non-invasive, devoid of radiation
exposure and can be performed rapidly and repeatedly as needed at bedside. This review aims to
elucidate the evidence base and the future directions for bedside point-of-care lung ultrasound in critically
ill patients.
Methods: Research articles, review papers and online contents related to point-of-care ultrasound in
critically ill patients were reviewed.
Results: The diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound for common conditions like pleural effusion,
pneumothorax, pulmonary edema and pneumonia is superior to chest radiograph and is comparable to
chest CT scan. Lung ultrasound is helpful to evaluate the progress of lung pathology and response to
treatment, over time. Ultrasound guidance for thoracocentesis decreases the complication rates.
Conclusion: Bedside lung ultrasound in critically ill patients can serve as a tool to diagnose common
lung pathologies, monitor its course and guide clinical management.