LAUSR

In this interesting prospective study, the authors correlate ultrasound and CT findings in 39 pregnant patients with COVID-19 using dedicated scores. 1 In their study, lung ultrasound examinations were performed by three examiners experienced in the ultrasonographic technique after undergoing specific training for lung assessment. Six regions of each hemithorax (2 anterior, 2 lateral, and 2 posterior) were examined, with the transducer placed lengthwise and parallel to the ribs. Lung score evaluation was based on the presence of ultrasound artifacts termed A-lines, B-lines, and consolidation. The ultrasound findings were scored as follows: A-lines (0 point), B-lines 84 over 2 (1 point), coalescent B-lines (2 points), and presence of subpleural consolidation (3 points). Each quadrant was analyzed and scored according to its worst finding. The US score was obtained by adding up the scores of the 12 quadrants of each patient. Chest CT scans were performed in a 64-multislice detector CT scanner with volumetric acquisition at maximum inspiration without intravenous contrast media. CT images were reconstructed with 1 mm of thickness with lung and mediastinal filter and assessed by a thoracic radiologist with 8 years of experience. The presence or absence of the following abnormalities were recorded: septal thickening, ground glass opacities, consolidation, and pleural effusion.