Chest Ultrasound Helps to Diagnose Pulmonary Consolidations in Pediatric Patients

The diagnosis of pneumonia in pediatric patients relies on physical examination, blood tests, and chest X-rays. Physical examination, blood tests, and chest X-rays have a low accuracy, that is even greater in the critically ill. These limitations along with the risk of ionizing radiations, mandate the search for a safe diagnostic tool for patients with suspected pneumonia. Ultrasound (US) imaging offers several advantages over traditional radiographic techniques: it is non-invasive, painless, and involves minimal contact. In case of pulmonary parenchymal lesions, US is useful for differentiating pulmonary consolidation or atelectasis from lung masses and pleural lesions. Detection of air or fluid bronchograms at US and of pulmonary vessels with color flow imaging, is essential for the differential diagnosis of parenchymal consolidations. Furthermore US has a role in the evaluation of mediastinal masses and characterization of pleural fluid collection. Chest US is an ideal modality for serial examinations in rapidly evolving disease processes.