What is the Utility of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Diagnosing Pulmonary Edema?

BACKGROUND

Dyspnea is a common symptom managed in the emergency department, which has a wide differential. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may assist in diagnosing several conditions, including pulmonary edema.

CLINICAL QUESTION: What is the utility of POCUS for diagnosing pulmonary edema?

EVIDENCE REVIEW: Studies retrieved included seven systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the use of POCUS for diagnosing pulmonary edema. These studies provide estimates of the potential utility of POCUS, with sensitivity ranging between 83% and 97%, specificity 84-98%, positive likelihood ratio 4.8-12.4, and negative likelihood ratio 0.06-0.189.

CONCLUSION

Based upon the available literature, POCUS can reliably diagnose pulmonary edema.