Thoracic Ultrasound: a Review of the State-of-the-art

Overview

Journal J Bras Pneumol

Specialty Pulmonary Medicine

Date 2024 Oct 2

PMID 39356907

Authors

Philippe de Figueiredo Braga Colares

Thiago Thomaz Mafort

Felipe Marquesini Sanches

Laura Braga Monnerat

Carlos Augusto Metidieri Menegozzo

Alessandro Wasum Mariani

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is a tool that has become increasingly essential in the daily practice of thoracic medicine. Driven by the need to assess patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the use of point-of-care TUS, which has demonstrated several benefits, either as a complement to clinical decision-making for diagnosis or as a real-time guide for procedures, whether as a predictor or measure of treatment response. Here, we present a review of TUS, based on the most recent scientific evidence, from equipment and techniques to the fundamentals of pulmonary ultrasound, describing normal and pathological findings, as well as focusing on the management of lung disease and guidance for invasive thoracic procedures at the bedside. Finally, we highlight areas of perspective and potential lines of research to maintain interest in this valuable tool, in order to improve the diagnostic process and expand the treatment arsenal.

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