Lung ultrasonography in COVID-19 pneumonia

Background Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the lung in patients with COVID-19 plays a key role in the emergency room and intensive care unit. Lung ultrasound is able to depict typical pulmonary findings of COVID-19 and is therefore suitable for diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. Clinical/methodological issue Lung ultrasound in COVID-19 patients in the emergency room and intensive care unit. Standard radiological methods Computed tomography (low-dose CT) and X-ray of the lung. Methodological innovations Lung ultrasound in COVID-19 patients. Recommendations Lung ultrasound in patients with COVID-19 offers similar performance as CT and is superior when compared to X-ray in evaluating pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Lung ultrasound plays an important role in the emergency room and intensive care unit. POCUS reduces exposure to radiation, therapy delays, and minimizes transport of high-risk patients. Differential diagnoses can also be clarified.