Lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of serious lesions caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Abstract

Introduction: Lung ultrasound is a technique that provides very useful information in the diagnostic approach of patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The infiltrations detected in the pulmonary ultrasound may suggest pulmonary edema, infarction or lobar pneumonia, which offers high availability and the possibility of evaluating the patient in situ. A search was carried out in the engines: Google Scholar, National Library of Medicine PudMed, SciELO regional since 2019. The search strategy used the terms: pulmonary ultrasound / technique, diagnostic methods, pathological findings. In the bibliographic search carried out, 24 articles were found related to pathological findings in lung ultrasound and the diagnostic value of lung lesions. Objective: To describe the fundamental findings of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of serious lesions caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Development: Studies reported similar precision of lung ultrasound compared to chest tomography in detecting lung abnormalities, their relationship to severity status, and risk stratification in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 . Conclusions: Ultrasound allows a constant and non-invasive evaluation of lung lesions caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, allows a correct identification of the severity and its evolution. It is a diagnostic method that reduces the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation, increasing safety for critically ill patients.

Keywords

• infecciones por coronavirus
• ultrasonografía
• neumonía.