Point-of-care ultrasound view

POCUS View

Lung Ultrasound (Parenchymal)

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Use a probe perpendicular to the chest wall (curvilinear, phased-array, or linear) and scan multiple intercostal spaces over the anterior, lateral, and posterior chest, keeping the pleural line and the rib shadows in view. Assess the artifacts arising from the pleural line: horizontal A-lines and vertical B-lines (comet-tail artifacts that arise from the pleural line, extend to the bottom of the screen, and move with lung sliding), and look for subpleural consolidation.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Bilateral diffuse B-lines (≥3 B-lines in ≥2 zones bilaterally) on lung ultrasound
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Maw AM, Hassanin A, Ho PM, McInnes MDF, Moss A, Juarez-Colunga E, Soni NJ, Miglioranza MH, Platz E, DeSanto K, Sertich AP, Salame G, Daugherty SL. Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasonography and Chest Radiography in Adults With Symptoms Suggestive of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open. 2019;2(3):e190703. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.0703. PMID 30874784. PMC6484641 (open access).
  • Lichtenstein D, Mezière G, Biderman P, Gepner A, Barré O. The comet-tail artifact. An ultrasound sign of alveolar-interstitial syndrome. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1997;156(5):1640-1646.

Related Systems / Regions

RespiratoryThorax

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lung Auscultation
Rule in:VHPneumothorax, HMainstem Bronchus Intubation, HPleural Effusion +24 more
Rule out:VHPleural Effusion, SHMainstem Bronchus Intubation, SHPneumothorax +23 more
🔒Sign in
Cardiac Auscultation
Rule in:VHAortic Stenosis, VHHeart Failure, VHHypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Obstruction +34 more
Rule out:VHAortic Stenosis, VHHypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Obstruction, SHAortic Regurgitation +33 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Oxygen Saturation
aka Pulse oximetry
Rule in:SHPneumonia, IEChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation, IEHeart Failure +5 more
Rule out:IEChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation, IEHeart Failure, IEPeripheral Artery Disease +4 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Point of Maximal Impulse
aka Apical impulse; apex beat
Rule in:VHLeft Ventricular Dilation, HLeft Ventricular Hypertrophy, SHCardiomegaly +7 more
Rule out:VHLeft Ventricular Dilation, SHLeft Ventricular Hypertrophy, MHCardiomegaly +7 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Respiratory Rate
Rule in:SHPneumonia, IEHeart Failure, IEIncreased Intracranial Pressure +3 more
Rule out:MHPulmonary Embolism, IEHeart Failure, IEIncreased Intracranial Pressure +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdominojugular Reflux
aka Hepatojugular reflux
Rule in:SHHeart Failure, IEConstrictive Pericarditis, IERight Heart Failure
Rule out:SHTricuspid Regurgitation, IEConstrictive Pericarditis, IERight Heart Failure