Review of lung ultrasound findings in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Effectiveness, applications and approach to lung ultrasound during times of a pandemic

Abstract

As of 22 April 2020, there are 6 countries with >100,000 cases, 21 countries with 1000 to 10,000 confirmed cases and 53 countries with between 1000 and 10,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Six articles (5 research articles and 1 review article) with a total of 159 cases delineating the equipment, protocol, techniques, indications and follow-up management of COVID-19 were identified in a PUBMED search evaluating the role of lung Ultrasound. In the current review article, 55%-60% of the patients with COVID-19 were male; the median age has been reported between 34 and 59 years. Lung Ultrasound features of COVID-19 are related to the stage of the disease, the severity of lung injury, and comorbidities. This review article provides a summary of lung Ultrasound findings in COVID-19 and clinical guidance for the use and interpretation of lung ultrasound for patients with moderate, severe and critical COVID-19-related pulmonary syndrome.