Use of lung ultrasound in neonates during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract In the current pandemic, caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, ultrasound has played a fundamental role in patients who develop the resulting disease, designated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study we present ultrasound images of the lungs of neonates with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, distinguishing between the changes related to COVID-19 and those unrelated to the disease. Ultrasound examinations were performed by a pediatric sonographer. A total of 27 neonates were evaluated. Among those who presented no respiratory symptoms, some tested negative for COVID-19 and others tested positive. All of those who were pulmonary symptomatic, negative for COVID-19 presented transient tachypnea of the newborn and respiratory distress syndrome. Lung ultrasound images obtained in COVID-19-negative neonates showed, in some cases, a normal pattern (with A lines, few B lines, a thin, linear pleural line, and no pleural effusion), whereas in others showed coalescent B lines and areas of opacity. In two of the COVID-19-positive neonates, lung ultrasound examination showed several coalescent B lines, pleural thickening, and areas of opacity. Lung ultrasound in the neonatal period appears to be applicable within the context of the current pandemic, allowing efficient evaluation of COVID-19-related changes in neonates, as well as of pathologies inherent to the neonatal period.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Matsuoka,Marcia Wang, Rocha,Silvia Maria Sucena da, Gibelli,Maria Augusta Bento Cicaroni, Nicolau,Carla Marques, Carvalho,Werther Brunow de, Suzuki,Lisa
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Publicação do Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem 2020
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-39842020000600401
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