Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>
Purpose This prospective two-centre study investigated
localisation-dependent lesion patterns in COVID-19 with standard lung ultrasonography (LUS)
and their relationship with thoracic computed tomography (CT) and clinical parameters.</jats:p><jats:p>
Materials and Methods Between April 2020 and April 2021, 52 SARS-CoV-2-positive
patients in two hospitals were examined by means of LUS for “B-lines”, fragmented
pleura, consolidation and air bronchogram in 12 lung regions and for pleural effusions. A
newly developed LUS score based on the number of features present was correlated with clinical
parameters (respiration, laboratory parameters) and the CT and analysed with respect to the
30- and 60-day outcome. All patients were offered an outpatient LUS follow-up.</jats:p><jats:p>
Results The LUS and CT showed a bilateral, partially posteriorly
accentuated lesion distribution pattern. 294/323 (91%) of CT-detected lesions were pleural.
The LUS score showed an association with respiratory status and C-reactive protein; the
correlation with the CT score was weak (Spearman’s rho = 0.339, p < 0.001). High LUS scores
on admission were also observed in patients who were discharged within 30 days. LUS during
follow-up showed predominantly declining LUS scores.</jats:p><jats:p>
Conclusion The LUS score reflected the clinical condition of the
patients. No conclusion could be made on the prognostic value of the LUS, because of the low
event rate. The LUS and CT score showed no sufficient correlation. This is probably due to
different physical principles, which is why LUS could be of complementary value.</jats:p>