Real-time lung ultrasound for the diagnosis of alveolar consolidation and interstitial syndrome in the emergency department

During the last few years, a growing number of studies have shown the accuracy of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. The latest developments in lung ultrasound are not because of technological advance, but are based on new applications and discovering the meanings of sonographic artifacts. Real-time sonography of the lung in the emergency department saves time and cost, providing immediate information to the clinician, relying on very easy-to-acquire data. The bedside sonographic recognition of pulmonary diseases practically guides management and reduces the amount of negative radiologic image testings. This review describes some innovative practical applications of B-mode lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of alveolar consolidations and interstitial syndrome in the emergency department. European Journal of Emergency Medicine 17: 63-72 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.