Methodology and semiotics of lung ultrasound in ICU children

Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic capabilities and effectiveness of lung ultrasound in ICU children. Material and methods. Two researchers screened the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the keywords “lung ultrasound”, “children” and “pediatric”, as well as E-library database using the keywords “lung ultrasound”, ‘lung ultrasound’ and ‘children’. The articles proposed as “similar” or “similar” were also analyzed. Searching of particular ultrasound syndromes was based on relevant keywords: pneumothorax, pleural effusion, transient tachypnea of the newborns, respiratory distress syndrome, interstitial syndrome, alveolar consolidation, diaphragm. To demonstrate ultrasound pictures of pathological processes, the authors used the images from own database (Philips CX50 scanner, Singapore). The authors expressed their own position on some controversial issues considering long-term experience of appropriate method in pediatric cardiac surgery. Results. Technique of lung ultrasound in children is described. Ultrasound semiotics of normal lung, interstitial syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborns, respiratory distress syndrome of the newborns, alveolar consolidation syndrome, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, normal and pathological diaphragmatic movement is determined and supported by images with indications of the most important features. Conclusion. Lung ultrasound is a highly effective bedside method for visualization of acute respiratory failure in children such as alveolar consolidation syndrome, interstitial syndrome, respiratory distress syndrome of the newborns, transient tachypnea of the newborns, pleural effusion, pneumothorax and abnormal diaphragmatic movement. This technique improves differential diagnosis, reduces radiation exposure in children and has a potential impact on the quality of ultrasound-guided treatment.