LUNG ULTRASOUND: CONTEMPORARY POSSIBILITIES - ORIGINAL PAPER

Abstract

Introduction: For many years, lung ultrasound was considered a controversial, even impossible, technique. Years of research have accumulated compelling evidence for the usefulness of this technique in clinical practice, and its user base has gradually expanded. The greatest boom in this technique occurred with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it proved extremely effective in monitoring its progression.

Methods: Our personal experience confronted with literature research by Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Schoolar.

Results: The lack of standardized definitions and nomenclature has led to a certain dissonance in publications and controversy, which is evident when reviewing the literature. Other controversial issues include the type of examination equipment used, the measurement of artifacts and the accurate assessment of their sonomorphology, as well as the extension of the examination to include additional elements such as the diaphragm. An issue repeatedly raised in publications is the need to develop a system of training and certification in lung ultrasound skills, which would allow for the standardization of the technique, nomenclature, and diagnostic criteria. Another problem is the lack of inclusion of lung ultrasound in the practice guidelines of various scientific societies in many countries, which is the subject of work by national and international ultrasound associations.

Conclusions: Despite some controversy, lung ultrasound is a valuable tool in everyday clinical practice with great potential for development.