Thoracic Ultrasound Utilization in Adult Inpatient and Outpatient Care
Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) has proven its value in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) as a bedside diagnostic and monitoring tool for critical care patients. However, its role outside the ICU, such as in hospitalized non-critical patients or ambulatory community settings, remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the utility of TUS in these broader contexts, focusing on its diagnostic, monitoring, and decision-making potential in various respiratory conditions.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Heraklion University Hospital’s TUS clinic from 2016 to 2020. Using a high-frequency microconvex probe, 762 TUS examinations were performed on 526 patients referred for various conditions, including malignancies, respiratory symptoms, abnormal X-ray findings, trauma, and infections. A standardized 12-region protocol guided the TUS examinations, which were supervised by experienced operators. The study revealed that TUS effectively identified and characterized respiratory pathologies, such as pleural effusion, consolidation, diaphragmatic dysfunction, and interstitial syndrome. Its findings often directly influenced therapeutic decisions, highlighting its clinical value beyond critical care.
