LUNG ULTRASOUND AS A SUPPLEMENT TO ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Abstract
Introduction: Ultrasonography is a technique used in virtually every field of medicine, across a wide range of fields. Echocardiography has dominated cardiology for years. Although it is a difficult technique requiring extensive knowledge and experience, it allows for obtaining a wealth of valuable diagnostic information. Furthermore, it is highly standardized, and its usefulness has been confirmed in numerous scientific studies over the years. A technique that continues to gain popularity and has great potential is lung ultrasound, which, thanks to its specificity, can complement a typical echocardiographic examination with valuable information.
Methods: This study is based on an analysis of the use of lung ultrasound and echocardiography in our clinical practice and a comparison of the results with a literature review.
Results: Among the potential applications of lung ultrasound in cardiology are undoubtedly the assessment of pulmonary edema, free pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and pulmonary embolism. In all of these conditions, it is not only a valuable diagnostic tool but also for non-invasive monitoring. It is also a valuable tool for monitoring patient hydration during intensive fluid therapy.
Conclusions: The advantages of lung ultrasound over echocardiography include a favorable learning curve, the lack of high equipment requirements for basic assessment, and its easier performance. The ability to supplement echocardiography with lung ultrasound will undoubtedly provide significant added value in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients hospitalized in a cardiology department or consulted on an outpatient basis.
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