[Sonographic Evaluation Algorithm for Acute Dyspnea]

The goal in emergency medicine is to provide a patient with dyspnea with the optimal therapy without delay, even when the definitive diagnosis has not yet been ascertained. The focused lung and heart ultrasound is a diagnostic resource that can be deployed immediately and repeatedly, and which rapidly provides the treating physician with essential information for providing therapy. Certain diagnoses (pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion) can be identified based on ultrasound. Other findings, including patient interview and physical exam, must also be considered in order to assess the clinical relevance. Further diagnoses can be made only after combining all findings (lung embolism, cardiac insufficiency with lung edema).