Lung Ultrasound Findings in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a valuable diagnostic tool for various pulmonary conditions.
• The utility of LUS in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic utility of LUS in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• To identify common LUS findings and their correlation with clinical deterioration.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 22 hospitalized COVID-19 patients who underwent LUS.
• A 12-zone LUS protocol was employed, with images interpreted based on a consensus document.
• Patients were stratified by clinical deterioration and time from symptom onset.

Main Results:

• Only 8% of LUS scans were normal; common findings included B-lines (89%), consolidations (56%), and pleural thickening (47%).
• Patients experiencing clinical deterioration showed significantly higher rates of bilateral, anterior, and lateral consolidations, as well as pleural thickening.
• Abnormal LUS findings were prevalent across different time points within the first 28 days of illness.

Conclusions:

• Specific LUS findings are frequently observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially those with severe disease.
• These LUS findings can manifest at any point within the first 28 days of illness.
• Further research is warranted to explore the predictive value of these LUS findings on patient outcomes.