Diagnostic value of integrated cardiopulmonary sonography in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

The Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has strengthened the feasibility, reliability and validity of clinical application. It was pointed out clearly that computed tomography (CT) scan can be used instead of chest X-ray radiograph for chest imaging diagnosis in Berlin criteria. However, thoracic CT scan was limited in the field of critical care medicine due to the high risk of transportation, high cost, radiation exposure and other factors. But the diagnostic criteria of chest X-ray for ARDS is still unclear, which resulted in a decline in diagnostic specificity of ARDS. The early diagnosis of ARDS is still remaining extremely challenging, especially in chest imaging diagnosis. Point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) with the characteristics of real time and dynamic evaluation of cardiopulmonary function has gained more and more attention of clinicians in recent years. Combined with the diagnostic criteria and connotation of ARDS in Berlin definition, integrated cardiopulmonary sonography may provide a new reference for early diagnosis, and even create new criteria for the diagnosis of ARDS. Key words: Integrated cardiopulmonary sonography; Lung ultrasonography; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Diagnosis