Lung Ultrasound in Cardiology: A Window to Pulmonary Edema

Abstract

Pulmonary Ultrasound, a technique that has innovated the way of doing ultrasound and cardiology, basing the interpretationof the image on artefacts and modifying the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with heart disease. The cardiologistcan perform pulmonary ultrasound with the transducer and echocardiography screen settings and must recognize the 4ultrasound patterns: Aerated / Dry Lung Pattern, Wet or Interstitial Lung, Pleural Effusion and Consolidation. The InterstitialPattern is the basis of the applications of this technique in the cardiological area, which are summarized in 7 clinical situations:differential diagnosis of dyspnea, heart failure syndrome, identification of acute respiratory distress, extreme situationssuch as high altitude edema, apnea diving and iron man, dialysis nephropaths, Acute coronary syndrome and alveolo-capillarystress ultrasound test. Cardiopulmonary ultrasound is proposed as mandatory and not optional for the cardiologist.