Utilizing Ultrasound for COVID-19

Lung Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the lung is a fairly new exam. With the high acoustic mismatch between soft tissue and air, typically we cannot image the lung due to total reflection of the ultrasound beam. In recent years, clinicians found that different conditions may cause ultrasound artifacts that can help diagnose different lung pathology. Lung ultrasound is strongly recommended for acute respiratory failure and can be a useful alternative during the COVID-19 outbreak if CT is not readily available. (A “strong correlation” has been shown between ultrasound and CT findings with patients who presented with flu-like symptoms and COVID-19 pneumonia.*)

COVID-19 tends to affect the terminal alveoli in the peripheral area of the lung. Lesions tend to be close to the pleura which is exactly where ultrasound works best.

Ultrasound findings:

• Thickened, irregular pleural line (broken glass appearance) Seen with COVID-19
• B-lines (patchy areas seen in viral pneumonia with some normal looking lung)
• Confluence (multiple B-lines that join together)
• Consolidation (solidification of lung tissue; tissue and fluid where air would normally be)
• Pleural Effusion (fluid in the chest cavity)

We recognize that disinfection of equipment and systems is more important than ever. Access the below links for the latest information on our disinfection protocols for our ultrasound systems and their related parts.

All of our ultrasound systems are available with remote service support options to reduce downtime and provide a seamless experience for you and your patients.