Ultrasound of the lung: just imagine

Excerpt

Imaging techniques have improved tremendously in recent decades. Digital chest radiography, magnetic resonance, and multislice spiral computed tomography (CT) are only a few examples of improved technology, and improved contrast media have also made contrast imaging much safer. Critically ill patients, however, have not always benefited from these advancements. Indeed, the paradox in intensive care has been that the sicker the patients, the poorer is the imaging. Portable chest radiography is of relatively poor, blurred imaging quality as it lacks a lead grid for scatter reduction, and therefore subtle abnormalities may go undetected on portable chest radiography that might otherwise be visualized. Chest CT appears to yield much information than conventional portable chest radiography both in the clinical evaluation of patients and in research settings for the acute respiratory distress syndrome [1, 2, 3, 4]. Indeed, chest CT has been recommended in cases of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome [5], but, again, the paradox is that those who might benefit most run the highest risks during transport and imaging. Although intrahospital transport is relatively safe [6], these patients poorly tolerate being lifted onto the CT table and then lifted back into bed. …