Lung ultrasound in the critically ill

Abstract

The lung is a vital organ. Although often deemed of limited value at this area, ultrasound proves its ability in detecting the main disorders that affect the critically ill. Pleural effusion, alveolar consolidation, interstitial syndrome, pneumothorax and other are assessed. The clinical relevance of these findings, especially detecting interstitial syndrome in a dyspneic patient or the use of interventional ultrasound are then envisaged. Outcomes like the possibility of decreasing medical radiation doses or cost-savings are viewed. Used like a visual stethoscope, ultrasound highlights the lungs together with the heart, making the thorax a whole for the intensivist.

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