Lung ultrasounds appear to be a reliable alternative to chest x-rays for the bedside diagnosis of lung consolidations in patients with respiratory complaints, according to a study. Lung ultrasound was feasible in all participants in the analysis. Investigators reported that lung ultrasound had a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 95.5%. Among patients who underwent ultrasound and chest x-ray, lung ultrasound had a significantly superior sensitivity than chest x-ray as well as similar specificity.
Source: American Journal of Emergency Medicine, May 2015.
