Table 3 POC-US patterns and the corresponding combination of ultrasonography findings
POC-US pattern | Signs |
|---|---|
AHF | Interstitial lung syndrome (the presence of multiple diffuse bilateral B-lines indicates interstitial syndrome) with reduced EF of the left ventricle or preserved EF with diastolic dysfunction |
Pneumonia | Subpleural echo-poor region or one with tissue-like echo texture, with additional signs such as air/fluid bronchograms and adjacent B-lines (focal interstitial syndrome) |
ARDS | Interstitial lung syndrome (the presence of multiple diffuse bilateral B-lines indicates interstitial syndrome), with non-homogeneous distribution of B-lines and spared areas, and normal systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle |
Massive pleural effusion | Anechoic space between parietal and visceral pleural and respiratory movement of the lung within the effusion |
Possible pulmonary embolism | Dilated, hypokinetic RV with systolic septal dyskinesia plus dilated IVC with low collapsibility index (only found in massive or sub-massive pulmonary embolism) and eventually positive CUS of the groin or calf veins |