Theoretical Concepts of Lung Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Congestion

Abstract

Accurate detection of pulmonary congestion remains a challenge in cardiology, despite advances in diagnostic methods. Traditional approaches, such as physical examination and chest radiography, have limitations in real-time assessment and dynamic monitoring of volume status. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a promising tool, offering a non-invasive, bedside approach to detect pulmonary congestion with greater diagnostic accuracy, providing valuable information about volume status. In patients with heart failure, LUS has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting pulmonary congestion, contributing to more accurate differential diagnosis and streamlining clinical decision-making. In the context of stress echocardiography, LUS improves risk stratification, identifying patients with a greater likelihood of adverse cardiovascular events. Beyond the context of heart failure, LUS has also been applied in other clinical scenarios, such as acute coronary syndrome and assessment of volume status in patients on dialysis. This expanded use reflects the potential of LUS as a versatile and valuable tool in different clinical settings, offering an earlier, more accurate, and more effective approach to cardiology care.