Lung Ultrasound After COVID-19: A Pivotal Moment for Clinical Integration—Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

Abstract

Lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a valuable bedside decision-making tool, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with applications in diagnosing pneumonia, managing fluid, and monitoring interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ultimately improving patient outcomes. Its repeatability, environmental safety, and reduced radiation exposure make it ideal for vulnerable populations and resource-limited settings. However, challenges such as inadequate documentation and a lack of standardized reporting formats limit its widespread adoption. The evolution of technology offers different possibilities, and improvements in software open up a range of possibilities, but this contrasts with the lack of postgraduate and undergraduate training and formal accreditation. This review addresses the impact of lung ultrasound through the course of air–liquid ratio impairment, crossing different clinical scenarios and exploring the challenges and opportunities for the implementation of lung ultrasound in the post-COVID era.