Bedside ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary pathologies in the intensive care unit.
Among critically ill patients, opacification of a part or whole lung field on chest radiography may pose a challenge in the differential diagnosis of acute pulmonary pathologies (eg, pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, atelectasis, and solid organ in thoracic cavity) and selection of treatment modalities. In cases in which clinical findings, history, and imaging studies are not conclusive, bedside ultrasonography may be invaluable in achieving a diagnosis. We present two cases in which portable ultrasonography at the bedside was critical to the diagnosis and subsequent management of the patient.
Alptekin
Burak
B
Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Tran
Dan-Thuy
DT
Lisbon
Alan
A
Kaynar
A Murat
AM
D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography