Lung ultrasonography: A prognostic tool in non-ICU hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

Prediction Accuracy of Serial Lung Ultrasound in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients (Pred-Echovid Study)

“…In the vast majority of patients, there was a bilateral involvement, with an evident predominance of interstitial lesions (B lines) and the most affected regions were the posteroinferior ones. In contrast to previous studies, we found a higher incidence of subpleural consolidations [ 23 ]. Pleural effusion was detected only in a minority of patients, thus confirming previous reports [ 16 ].…”

Lung ultrasound in COVID-19: Insights from the frontline and research experiences

“…When performing ROC analysis, a total LUS score of 9 at admission was a reliable cut-off value to rule out death and ICU transfer (sensitivity 100%; specificity 45%), while at 72 hours a cut-off value of 17 accurately predicted the primary outcome (sensitivity 89%; specificity 85%). These data support a possible role of LUS in the choice of the best intensity care setting for the patient [24] .…”

“… LUS score < 10 predicts secondary outcome (discharge from the ED) with OR 20.9 Ji et al [22] 280 Non-ICU wards In-hospital mortality 12/0-36 LUS + age + lymphocyte count + comorbidities better predict primary or secondary (ARDS) outcomes than clinical variables only. LUS score > 12 predicts primary or secondary outcomes with 91.9% sensitivity and 90.5% specificity Rubio-Gracia J et al [23] 130 Non-ICU wards Composite of in-hospital death and ICU admission 12/0-48 LUS score > 22 independently predicts primary outcome Casella et al [24] 190 Non-ICU wards Composite of in-hospital death and ICU admission 11/0-33 LUS score at admission predicts primary outcome in the univariate model but in the multivariate model P/F is the only predictive variable. At 72 hours a LUS score predicts the primary outcome with OR 1.36.…”

Monitoring COVID-19 patients in an internal medical ward: chest radiography, chest CT or POCUS?

“…The protocol consisted of the evaluation of six regions in each hemithorax (two anterior, two lateral, two posterior); a scoring system (0-3) was used to evaluate and grade the presence of interstitial pattern (score 1 or 2) or consolidation (score 3) in each region. Data regarding the value of LUS in predicting the evolution toward ARDS and/or death have been recently published by our [3] and other groups [4]. The examination was repeated again if clinically indicated, mainly in the presence of worsening respiratory condition.…”