Cross-sectional Study on Point-of-care Lung Ultrasound as a Diagnostic Tool in Patients with Acute Dyspnea Presenting to the Emergency Department

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the proportion of different lung ultrasound findings in patients with acute dyspnea.The secondary objective was to assess the agreement of POCUS findings with clinical diagnosis made within 48 hours. IntroductIonAcute dyspnea is a common and urgent complaint among elderly patients, requiring prompt assessment and intervention. 1 The underlying causes of acute dyspnea can be broadly categorized into obstructive, parenchymal, and cardiac disorders. 2This study aims to evaluate the distribution of various lung ultrasound findings in patients presenting with acute dyspnea, as timely identification of these conditions is critical for appropriate management.Point-of-care lung ultrasound (POCUS) is a bedside imaging modality that allows for rapid evaluation and interpretation of lung pathology, facilitating swift clinical decision-making in patients with severe dyspnea. 2 Unlike traditional imaging methods such as chest radiography or computed tomography, POCUS offers real-time visualization without subjecting patients to ionizing radiation. 3,4This advantage makes POCUS particularly valuable in emergency settings.Point-of-care lung ultrasound enables immediate bedside assessment, leading to the timely diagnosis of multiple lung conditions and allowing for prompt interventions that may significantly influence patient outcomes. 3Its real-time imaging capability allows for dynamic assessment and ongoing monitoring, helping clinicians adapt treatment strategies as needed.Moreover, because POCUS avoids ionizing radiation, it is especially suitable for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and pregnant women. 3,