The role of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of pneumonia in acutely ill patients

Patients and methods 2 groups of patients were considered: Group A: 22 patients with a positive first SCXR (SCXR1) for pneumonia Group B: 18 patients with a negative SCXR1 for pneumonia, but who were subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia during their hospital stay following a second SCXR (SCXR2) or CT. Lung ultrasound examination was performed within 24 hours of admission, searching for direct and indirect echographical signs of pneumonia: focal B lines (FBL), pleural effusion (PE) and images of lung consolidation (LC).