This case-based report highlights the use of lung ultrasound in diagnosing suspected COVID-19 through two real-world examples. The first case involves a 20-year-old male with mild symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and dyspnea. Chest X-ray and lung ultrasound using the Samsung HM70A portable ultrasound system showed normal findings, including visible A-lines with no B-lines or pleural abnormalities. These results indicated no signs of COVID-19 pneumonia, which was later confirmed by a negative PCR test.
In contrast, the second case features a 69-year-old male with significant respiratory insufficiency, low oxygen saturation, and elevated inflammatory markers. CT imaging revealed typical COVID-19 pneumonia patterns including subpleural ground-glass opacities, consolidations, and pneumothorax. Follow-up lung ultrasound matched these findings, showing multiple B-lines, pleural thickening, and the stratosphere sign indicating persistent pneumothorax. The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and required ICU care.
The report demonstrates that lung ultrasound is a practical tool for COVID-19 diagnosis, offering bedside accessibility, real-time imaging, and reliable detection of pneumonia-related abnormalities. The cases show how lung ultrasound complements chest X-ray and CT, particularly in emergency and intensive care settings.
To further explore the role of ultrasound in COVID-19 care, watch the webinar “Utilizing Ultrasound Technology to Maximize Information in the Age of COVID-19” featuring Martin R. Chavez, MD, FACOG.
