Thoracic Ultrasound and Integrated Imaging

Book excerpt: This book focuses on thoracic ultrasound, a versatile, diagnostically accurate, low-cost, noninvasive and non-ionizing imaging technique. Thanks to portable devices, the method can be used to provide quick and accurate diagnoses in emergency settings, during transport, or at the patient’s bedside in intensive care units. In addition, as a dynamic examination that allows “real-time” assessment, it can be used to optimize diagnoses, the use of respiratory support equipment, surgical interventions and physiopathological assessments, both in critical patients and those with chronic conditions. Lastly, since it avoids ionizing radiation, thoracic ultrasound offers a first-line diagnostic tool for thoracic disease assessment in connection with pregnancy, neonatology and pediatrics. Pursuing a practical approach, this book also addresses the technological components that are needed in order to adequately set up the equipment. This integrated approach provides non-radiologists with essential know-how on using thoracic ultrasound as an extension of their physical examinations. Specific chapters are dedicated to thoracic ultrasound applications in neonatology, pediatrics and emergency medicine, as well as guided procedures and diaphragm function studies. Thoracic ultrasound has been a central element in the editors’ clinical and experimental work for several years, and the book also includes contributions by prominent international experts on specific applications. Given its content and scope, the book will be of interest to all medical practitioners seeking a practical approach to thoracic ultrasound.