Ultrasound of the chest and mediastinum in children, interventions and artefacts. WFUMB review paper (part 3)

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) is an ideal diagnostic tool for paediatric patients owning to its high spatial and temporal resolution, realtime imaging, and lack of ionizing radiation and bedside availability. The lack of superficial adipose tissue and favourable acoustic windows in children makes US the first line of investigation for evaluation of pleural and chest wall abnormalities.In the first part of the topic the technical requirements were explained and the use of ultrasound in the lung and pleura in paediatric patients were discussed. In the second part lung parenchymal diseases with their subpleural consolidations are reflected. In the third part, the use of ultrasound for chest wall, mediastinum, diaphragmatic diseases, trachea, interventions and artifacts in paediatric patients are summarized.

The ultrasound use of simulators, current view, and perspectives: Requirements and technical aspects (WFUMB state of the art paper)

“…[ 10 , 35 ] Lung ultrasound simulation has been fundamental to clinical skills development at pace during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ 36 37 38 ] In Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST), standardization is important for all users, including prehospital use by paramedics. [ 39 ]…”

Sonography of the pleura

“…Pleural sonography is of great importance in emergency and intensive care medicine, as well as prehospital, outpatient and inpatient settings, the family practice and the specialty practice of the pulmonologist. Specific pleural sonography pediatric [1][2][3] as well as geriatric features are described. The ability to identify pneumothorax, even in difficult situations, and the evaluation of a pleural effusion are also presented.…”

“…Die Pleurasonografie hat einen hohen Stellenwert – sowohl in der Notfall- und Intensivmedizin, präklinisch, ambulant und stationär, in der Hausarzt- wie auch in der Spezialarzt-Praxis der Pneumologen. Dargestellt werden die Besonderheiten in der Kindheit (Pädiatrie) 1 2 3 , wie auch in der Geriatrie. Das Erkennen eines Pneumothorax, auch in schwierigen Situationen, wie auch die Beurteilung des Pleuraergusses werden erläutert.…”

Ultrasound of the lung

“…The setting for the diagnostic examination (outpatient, pre-admission, inpatient, emergency admission, ICU or pulmonary ward, clinic versus home visit) should also be taken into account. For information on the special features of thoracic ultrasound in children (pediatrics) [1][2][3] and in the elderly (geriatrics) [4], as well as artifacts [5], please refer to these recently published studies and position papers. Berücksichtigt werden auch der Ort der Abklärung (ambulant, prähospital oder stationär, Notaufnahme, Intensivstation oder pneumologische Station, Praxis versus Hausbesuch).…”

“…Berücksichtigt werden auch der Ort der Abklärung (ambulant, prähospital oder stationär, Notaufnahme, Intensivstation oder pneumologische Station, Praxis versus Hausbesuch). Bezüglich der Besonderheiten der Thoraxsonografie in der Kindheit (Pädiatrie) [1][2][3] und im Alter (Geriatrie) [4] sowie zum Thema Artefakte [5] wird auf die kürzlich publizierten Arbeiten und Positionspapiere verwiesen.…”