The role of pulmonary ultrasound in emergency and cardiovascular resuscitation

Posted by Resident Doctor, Master Tran Duc Tuan - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Currently, lung ultrasound is considered as the "gold standard" bedside exploration in emergency resuscitation to help quickly identify lung abnormalities such as atelectasis or pneumothorax, effusion, hemothorax, ...so what are the other roles of pulmonary ultrasound in emergency and cardiac resuscitation?

Lung ultrasound is an imaging method that uses the position of the transducer placed depending on each case, such as: air in the lung parenchyma, fluid in the lung parenchyma, lung consolidation, pneumothorax and other abnormalities. Often other lungs help doctors diagnose and treat respiratory diseases early.
Lung ultrasound has many outstanding advantages compared to other paraclinical methods such as:
Low cost so it is convenient for all patients Do not use any radiation like other imaging techniques should not affect the patient, can be repeated many times The process is done quickly, with clear images to help identify specific information in the ultrasound area. The patient does not need to prepare before the ultrasound, causing no pain and no complications. Especially, lung ultrasound in the emergency room of patients with respiratory failure is of great value, because it can help doctors make a diagnosis. and timely use of antibiotics helps to reduce mortality in patients.

The survey is based on lung ultrasound similar to conventional ultrasound techniques, however, the technician needs to identify 4 anatomical points on each chest for investigation including:
Point 1: Upper anterior chest wall, approx. Intercostal space 2 intersects midclavicular line Point 2: Anterior axillary line, 5th intercostal space (line connecting 2 nipples) helps to check right middle lobe Point 3: Horizontal level of diaphragm at midaxillary line Point 4: The point immediately after point 3 is also known as the PLAPS (alveolar or pleural syndrome) score.

Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is a key component of critical care ultrasound (CCUS), which may include echocardiography used to evaluate patients with respiratory failure due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema, pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Besides, lung ultrasound can also diagnose abnormalities of the pleura, broken ribs,....

For children, lung ultrasound is also used to replace X-rays in some cases of pneumonia , because chest X-rays many times in a course of treatment can increase the child's X-ray exposure. Lung ultrasonography will help confirm the diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia when it shows solid images of the lungs (lobar pneumonia), or scattered solid masses (bronchial inflammation, diffuse pneumonia) as well as complications of inflammation. lung such as necrotic lung, lung abscess, pleural effusion,...
Lung ultrasound plays a very important role in examination, diagnosis, emergency and cardiovascular resuscitation. Lung ultrasound does not harm health, can be performed many times, gives high accuracy results, low cost, and quick implementation process. However, the results of pulmonary ultrasound are highly dependent on the ultrasound equipment. Modern equipment will give sharper, more detailed and specific images. From there, it is easy to detect abnormal signs even at an early stage with very small manifestations.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the leading prestigious medical examination and treatment facility in the country. Vinmec owns the most modern and advanced medical equipment system in the world. Together with a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, they bring optimal treatment results to patients.