Lung Ultrasound in Critically Ill Patient

Abstract

Lung Ultrasound has received increasing interest from intensivests in recent years. Modern ultrasound devices are used easily, inexpensive, lightweight and portable, which makes them suitable for outpatient settings as well as bedside investigation of the severely ill patient. Lung ultrasonography is a useful tool in the intensive care unit. It is superior in many respects to standard supine chest radiography, and its immediate availability allows the intensivists to rapidly assess the patient with acute respiratory failure at the bedside. It is easy to learn and straightforward in its bedside application; therefore, the intensivists should consider it as a key component of their skill set. Ultrasound examination is a valuable method in diagnosis of various thoracic conditions including pleural effusion, empyema, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. Intensivists are able to provide better bedside care efficiently with a focused examination in critically ill patients.