The Diagnostic Role of Ultrasound in the Chest

Although the plain radiograph and computed tomography remain undoubtedly the primary imaging modalities in the investigation of chest pathology, ultrasound can play an important complementary role, both in the diagnostic workup of a patient and in their subsequent management. Its lack of ionizing radiation, bedside availability and dynamic imaging capacity afford ultrasound certain advantages over other techniques; particularly in the critical care setting where conventional radiography is often suboptimal. This article reviews the technique and diagnostic application of ultrasound in the assessment of pathologies of the diaphragm, pleura, lung, mediastinum and chest wall.