Diagnostic Value of Lung Ultrasonography in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department

Authors : İbrahim Sarbay, Halil Doğan

Pages : 57-65

Doi:10.55694/jamer.1474004

View : 35 | Download : 36

Publication Date : 2024-08-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasonographic evaluation of the lungs for COVID-19 pneumonia in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with suggestive symptoms. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the ED of Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital over a 2-month period. A total of 204 adult patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 were included. Data from Lung Ultrasonography (LUS) and Thorax Computed Tomography (CT) were collected for analysis. Results: 112 patients had thoracic CT findings consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. 104 (92.86%) were “LUS positive”. The sensitivity of LUS was 93.33%, and specificity was 80%. The positive predictive value was 82.96%, and the negative predictive value was 92%. Patchy B-lines were the most sensitive LUS finding. ROC analysis was performed for two COVID-19 LUS scores: In the patient group, an “LUS score” above 13 had an 80% sensitivity and 52.63% specificity in terms of 14-day mortality. Also, a “Total LUS Score” above 13 had a sensitivity of 79.46% and specificity of 57.89% for 14-day mortality. Conclusion: LUS can assist emergency physicians in triage and clinical decision-making for COVID-19. The total LUS Score offers better specificity and similar sensitivity compared to both, which were associated with poor clinical outcomes. Patchy B-lines (89.3%) and pleural thickening (63.4%) are the most common COVID-19-related findings in LUS. It is recommended to specifically look for these two findings in patients suspected of having COVID-19.
Keywords : COVID 19, Pnömoni, Ultrasonografi