Far beyond the X-ray: Point-Of-Care Ultrasound for pneumonia diagnosis

Luján S.B.L. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2025)

Resumen

Lung ultrasound, especially POCUS (Point-Of-Care Ultrasound), has been shown to be more effective than traditional X-rays in diagnosing pneumonia in adults, mainly in emergency and intensive care settings. With a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 94%, POCUS outperforms X-rays, which have a sensitivity and specificity of 75%. In addition, it is safe for pregnant women and speeds up management in critically ill patients. It can also differentiate between bacterial and viral pneumonia, guiding the use of antibiotics. Although it has anatomical limitations, only 8% of cases go undetected. In Peru, pneumonia cases increased in 2023, highlighting the importance of this technique in diagnosis and treatment.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma