ISSN: 2577-4301
Authors: Dragan Vasin, Marija Dobrić, Bojana Mišković, Bojana Maričić, Dragan Mašulović
The importance of ultrasound diagnostics in intensive care units is based on the fact that it is a radiological examination method that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, can be repeated several times in a short period of time, minimally invasive, simple to carry out, does not involve transporting the patient to the radiology service and enables immediate decision-making on diagnosis and further treatment of the patient. Bedside lung US (bLUS) can reliably identify pneumothorax, consolidation, atelectasis, interstitial syndromes, pleural effusions with a high degree of sensitivity. Experts consider it a reliable tool on the basis of which a clinical decision can be made. Chest radiography is the most commonly used visualization method of examination in intensive care units and is certainly used for the diagnosis of ARDS. Radiography cannot monitor changes in the interstitium in a short period of time but ultrasound can detect more discrete changes in the interstitium, which is important for making the decision to extubate the patient. Bedside lung ultrasound is a simple visualization technique for the detection and characterization of conditions in the lung parenchyma. It can detect pleural effusion, interstitial syndrome, pneumothorax with considerable sensitivity and can be a good prognostic criterion for patient extubation.
Keywords: Ultrasound; Lung; Edema; Critically Ill
