Publication:

The role of lung ultrasonography in evaluation of COVID-19 pneumonia

After a few months it emerged in Wuhan (China), Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Diagnosis of the disease is mainly based on real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test by nasopharyngeal swab. However, due to excess of numbers of false-negative PCR test results, chest computed tomography (CT) is commonly used as a supplementary modality. However, CT has some disadvantages. Firstly, a normal chest CT scan does not exclude the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Additionally, the radiation exposure and a weak diagnostic value are other challenges. When the infection is limited to upper respiratory system or performed in the early stage, false-negative results may be obtained on CT scan.  Recently lung ultrasonography (LUS) has emerged as a easy-to-use, cost-effective and radiation-free tool in diagnosis, management and follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia. In this narrative review, our aim is to clarify the utility of LUS in COVID-19 pneumonia with its advantages and disadvantages. We also aimed to guide clinicians to use LUS as a practical tool.