As an ultrasound focused company, we've been following the development of the COVID-19 pandemic with an interest in how the technology we work with everyday can help in a time of crisis. We've reviewed some interesting scholarly articles and clinical observation that we feel it appropriate to share. As other imaging modalities become backlogged with patients, Ultrasound is an excellent point of care alternative.nnNearly any modern Ultrasound system with the correct transducer would be capable of aiding our frontline healthcare workers in diagnosing COVID-19.
Published by National Institutes of Health:
Authors Goffi A, Kruisselbrink R, Volpicelli G.
PURPOSE:nLung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as an effective and accurate goal-directed diagnostic tool that can be applied in real time for the bedside assessment of patients with respiratory symptoms and signs. Lung ultrasound has definite and easily recognized findings and has been shown to outperform physical examination and chest radiography for the diagnosis and monitoring of many pulmonary and pleural conditions. In this article, we review the principles of LUS image acquisition and interpretation, summarizing key terms and sonographic findings.nn nnArticle: The Sound of Air
Published by Point-of-Care Ultrasound Certification Academy
SUMMARY:nnThe recent coronavirus outbreak is a serious health concern. Learn how lung ultrasound can support healthcare providers in monitoring and managing patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.nnThis resource offers videos and Clinical Case Examples.nn nnResource: POCUS to Monitor COVID-19
Published by Radiology Business
nAuthor: Marty Stempniak
SUMMARY:nnRecent radiology literature has focused on the use of chest CT or x-ray to pinpoint COVID-19 pneumonia, but a group of Italian imaging experts is urging for ultrasound as one possible alternative.nn nnArticle: Bedside Ultrasound for COVID-19
Published by WVU Medicine
Poster: Joseph Minardi
SUMMARY:nnThis video is a brief review of the use of POCUS in patients with known or suspected COVID-19 pulmonary syndrome. It briefly covers disinfection, reviews how to perform lung ultrasound with normal findings and the findings of the disease itself.nn nnVideo: POCUS for Covid19
Published by National Institutes of Health:
Authors Luna Gargani and Giovanni Volpicelli
PURPOSE:nnIn the last 15 years, a new imaging application of sonography has emerged in the clinical arena: lung ultrasound (LUS). From its traditional assessment of pleural effusions and masses, LUS has moved towards the revolutionary approach of imaging the pulmonary parenchyma, mainly as a point-of-care technique. Although limited by the presence of air, LUS has proved to be useful in the evaluation of many different acute and chronic conditions, from cardiogenic pulmonary edema to acute lung injury, from pneumothorax to pneumonia, from interstitial lung disease to pulmonary infarctions and contusions. It is especially valuable since it is a relatively easy-to-learn application of ultrasound, less technically demanding than other sonographic examinations. It is quick to perform, portable, repeatable, non-ionizing, independent from specific acoustic windows, and therefore suitable for a meaningful evaluation in many different settings, both inpatient and outpatient, in both acute and chronic conditions.nn nnArticle: How I do it: Lung Ultrasound