Evaluation of the Diagnostic Role of Bedside Lung Ultrasonography in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Background: Despite the existence of detailedconsensus guidelines, challenges remain regardingefficient, appropriate, and safe imaging methods for thediagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism.Aims: To investigate the role of the wedge sign, B-lines,and pleural effusion seen on bedside lung ultrasound inthe diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.Study Design: Diagnostic accuracy study.Methods: During the first evaluation of patients withsuspected pulmonary embolism, bedside lung ultrasoundwas performed, and the B-lines, wedge sign, and pleuraleffusion were investigated. Computed tomographyangiography was used as a confirmatory test and wascompared with the lung ultrasound findings.Results: Pulmonary embolism was detected in 38 (38%)patients. In the comparison of bedside lung ultrasoundresults, statistically significant differences were foundbetween the groups in terms of the B-lines and wedgesign (p=0.005 and p