Diagnostic accuracy of pocket-sized ultrasound for aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients without heart failure: A prospective observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of pocket-sized ultrasound (PsUS) for aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients without heart failure.

Methods

This prospective observational study included patients with aspiration pneumonia. PsUS was performed in six areas (bilateral chest, four dorsal areas) by an independent examiner, blinded to the computed tomography (CT) results as a reference standard. Patients with heart failure were excluded.

Results

PsUS findings of 34 patients (median age, 87.5 years) and 204 areas were analyzed. Three or more B-lines (comet tail artifacts) were strongly suggestive (positive likelihood ratio [LR+] 17.302) of consolidation on CT (CT-consolidation, subpleural hypoechoic area with tissue-like echostructure) or pleural change on CT. Co

SUBMITTER: Yamanaka H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9293111 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature