Advances in Thoracic Ultrasound

Dear Colleagues,

Thoracic Ultrasound (TUS) has proven to be an important auxiliary diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of several pleuro-pulmonary disorders, with numerous advantages over traditional radiological imaging techniques (i.e., chest X-ray and chest CT scan). These advantages include being non-invasive and radiation-free, having a lower cost, the possibility of follow-up examinations, the ability to monitor treatment and its easy accessibility in all settings (including poor countries). The newer portable scanners can be used immediately at the bedside to detect pleural effusions, as well as to assess—although not to characterize—pleuro-pulmonary lesions adhering to 70% of the echographically visible pleural surface and other pathologies involving the chest wall, even in critically ill patients. Moreover, TUS guidance can be used during the percutaneous drainage of pleural effusion or the transthoracic biopsy of peripheral lung lesions, thus reducing the incidence of procedure-related pneumothorax to almost zero.

In recent decades, new sonographic technical innovations, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and sonoelastography, are becoming increasingly important in diagnostic imaging and interventional medicine. This Special Issue will focus on the recent advances in TUS, with particular interest on the advantages and limits of the diagnostic and interventional use of the new sonographic technical innovations in the study of chest diseases. 

Prof. Dr. Marco Sperandeo
Dr. Carla Maria Irene Quarato
Prof. Dr. Beatrice Feragalli
Guest Editors

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