Incremental value of thoracic ultrasound in intensive care units: Indications, uses, and applications

Table 3 Thoracic ultrasound advantages

Thoracic ultrasound advantages
Rapid diagnosis
No limitation with setting, patient position, or clinical conditions
Differential diagnosis (e.g., chest pain, pulmonary edema, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, subpulmonary effusion, subphrenic fluid accumulation, and tumors)
Diagnose presence and nature of pleural effusions
Guide invasive procedures (e.g., thoracentesis, chest tube placement, and biopsy)
Diagnose diaphragm paralysis
Diagnose localized pleural tumors or pleural thickening, assess invasion of the pleura and chest wall
Diagnose pneumothorax, drainage, or verify lung expansion
Few limitations in ventilated patients