Sounds, ultrasounds, and artifacts: which clinical role for lung imaging?

Although the utility of computed tomographic imaging in the early diagnosis of interstitial lung disease is undisputed, thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is useful in emergency situations, where time is of the essence. Because TUS B-lines do not provide sufficient evidence for the differential diagnosis of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema versus primary respiratory disorders, great caution is warranted when this procedure is used, even if current guidelines are strictly adhered to. Practitioners should therefore be aware that TUS signs, in particular B-line artifacts, are not a shortcut to the diagnosis of pulmonary edema, and TUS imaging is not sufficient for differential diagnosis in interstitial syndrome.