

There are many proposed lung ultrasound scanning sites.

Lung ultrasound should not delay immediate interventions required for recognized life threats.Patients presenting with dyspnea or respiratory distress.He was admitted for continued management and subsequently discharged well after 2 days. The patient improved significantly after the 3rd cycle of nebulization and did not require non-invasive ventilation. The CXR performed demonstrated hyperinflated lungs, cardiomegaly, and no consolidation while the blood tests were unremarkable. IV steroids and slow maintenance fluids were started, and since he fulfilled the Anthonisen criteria for infective exacerbation, broad-spectrum antibiotics were given. This clinched the diagnosis of acute exacerbation of COPD, and he was immediately put on nebulization with salbutamol and ipratropium. Bilateral lung sliding were seen in Stage 1, negative DVT scan in Stage 2 and negative posterior lateral alveolar pleural syndrome (PLAPS) in Stage 3. While cardiac monitors and peripheral IVs were being set up, lung ultrasound was performed using the BLUE protocol. The diagnostic dilemma of acute exacerbation of CCF versus COPD needed to be addressed urgently. There was mild pitting edema in the lower limbs to the knee. Heart sounds were S1S2, breath sounds were diminished with prominent wheezing. Clinically, the JVP was elevated to the earlobes. His vitals were BP 188/92mmHg, PR 119/min, RR 23/min, Temp 37.9C, SpO2 91% on 3L intranasal oxygen. At triage, he dyspneic and immediately brought to the resuscitation bay. He was non-compliant with neither medication nor fluid restriction.

A 68-year-old man with a history of congestive cardiac failure (CCF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented with breathlessness and a newly productive cough for 3 days.
