Ultrasound as the first imaging method in severe lung disease. Considerations about a case of pulmonary tuberculosis and review of the literature

Abstract

Abdominal ultrasound (US) performed as a “primary imaging procedure” is an important diagnostic tool in gastroenterology. Expanding the routine investigation to the lower thoracic region might sometimes accelerate the diagnosis in inconclusive manifestations such as pulmonary pathology.US is a valuable tool in evaluating patients with breathing difficulties, chest pain, hypoxia, or chest trauma. This paper presents the particular situation of a patient hospitalized in the gastroenterology department, where the US identified significant pulmonary alterations and changed the final diagnosis from a gastrointestinal disease to pleuro-pulmonary tuberculosis. A brief review of literature is also included, in relation to chest US.