Lung Ultrasound as a Triage Tool in an Emergency Setting during the Covid-19 Outbreak: comparison with CT Findings

Abstract

Background

Lung ultrasound (LUS) can detect interstitial alveolar changes confined to the subpleural region, like those described in Covid-19.

Objetive

To evaluate how LUS findings correlate with chest computed tomography (CT) in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with suspicion of Covid-19.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 20 patients (median age 43 years; interquartile range, 37–63 years; 50% male). All patients underwent LUS and chest CT on the day of ED admission. Each hemithorax was divided into 6 segments with similar landmarks, and equivalent scores (sc) of lesion severity were defined for both methods. The number of affected segments on LUS (LUSseg) was divided into tertiles (0-1, 2-5, and ≥6), and compared with number of affected segments on CT (CTseg), LUSsc, CTsc, and percentage of affected lung parenchyma through visual analysis (CTvis). ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test for continuous variables, chi-square test for categorical variables, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to define optimal cutoff points were performed. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Median LUSsc, CTsc, CTseg, and CTvis were significantly different between groups. A clear separation between groups was demonstrated; patients with 7 LUSsc and >3 LUSseg, respectively.

Conclusion

LUS findings correlate with chest CT, and can help identify patients with normal lung or minor pulmonary involvement secondary to Covid-19. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0