Lung ultrasound as a replacement CT scan for coronavirus diagnosis

A lung ultrasound can be of great value during this COVID-19 pandemic, researchers from Radboudumc and Amsterdam UMC have shown. Lung ultrasound can quickly rule out or make it very likely that an infection with the coronavirus is present. This is also possible with a CT scan, but it is less easily available. This is reported by the Radboudumc.

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Doctors from the acute internal medicine department performed a lung ultrasound on nearly 200 patients. In addition to the lung ultrasound, a CT scan was made and the well-known PCR corona test was performed, so that a comparison between the different test options could be made. Professor of internal medicine and research leader Frank Bosch: “The results of the CT scan and lung ultrasound are similar; both indicate equally reliably whether the virus can be excluded or whether it is plausible. But the big advantage of an ultrasound of the lungs is that it is easier to perform than a CT scan. The attending physician can perform it directly at the bedside as part of the physical examination. A doctor does not have to rely on the scarce CT equipment. This is also less stressful for the patient. ”

Lunge ultrasound can also be done outside the hospital

The serious symptoms of COVID-19 are caused by pneumonia, which is mainly on the outside of the lung tissue. This part of the lungs can be clearly visualized with ultrasound. The ultrasound equipment only consists of a so-called handheld ultrasound head that is connected to a mobile phone. This method offers advantages especially with large numbers of patients and when there is limited or no access to a CT scan. Lung ultrasound can also be performed outside the hospital, for example in nursing homes or at the GP post. The researchers, now presenting their results in the European Respiratory Journal, call for more doctors to be trained in lung ultrasound so that this promising technique can be widely applied.

By: Nationale Zorggids

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