Lung Ultrasound: Pathology
Common LunG pathology The following are common lung pathology that can be picked up with lung ultrasound. Pneumothorax Interstitial oedema (pulmonary oedema) Subpleural consolidation Lung consolidation Pleural effusions Pneumothorax Lung ultrasound findings: Absent lung sliding – indicates possible pneumothorax, but this sign can also be seen with other conditions such as apnea, emphysematous bullae or endobronchial intubation. Lung point – confirms with almost 100% certainty that a pneumothorax is present. Barcode sign on M-Mode. The pleural line is indicated by the arrow. Note the absent lung sliding. The pleural is statis and has lost it’s ants marching appearance. The image shows a lung point. There is lung sliding on the left of the pleura and absent lung sliding on the right. Interstitial Oedema Interstitial oedema is typically seen on ultrasound as B-lines. B-lines are laser like bright lines that appear to arise from the ultrasound probe and extend all the…
Lung Ultrasound
Overview Probe Selection The linear and curvilinear probes are used for lung ultrasound scanning. Linear probe: Use this to scan to a depth of 6cm. It provides for good resolution of the pleural line and superficial structure. Curvilinear probe: Use this particularly at the lung bases and for deeper imaging. It is useful for evaluating consolidation, B-lines and pleural effusions. Patient Position The patient is scanned in the supine position or head up at 45 degrees. Protocol Each hemithorax can be divided into 4 zones as shown in image 1. Scan these 4 zones with the linear and curvilinear probe. The probe should be place in the longitudinal plane, across 2 ribs. The probe orientation marker faces the patient’s head. Probe positioning. The transducer orientation marker faces the patient’s head and the probe is placed longitudinally across 2 ribs. Image 1 Picture Images 2 and 3 show the normal lung…