Lung Ultrasound in Respiratory Failure and Pneumonia

Abstract

Lung ultrasonography is emerging as a powerful clinical tool in the intensive care unit due to its accessibility, noninvasiveness, and accuracy. While it is not intended to replace traditional imaging altogether, it offers the ability to augment one's bedside clinical decision making and provides the ability to repeatedly assess a patient as their disease process evolves over time. A variety of respiratory disorders can be diagnosed expeditiously through the use of lung ultrasound, including pneumonia and pulmonary edema, and causes of respiratory failure can be differentiated through use of this technology. In order to maximally and safely utilize the information gained from lung ultrasonography, the operator must possess strong competencies in the acquisition and interpretation of the images.