In lung ultrasound, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) findings manifest as specific patterns indicative of severe pulmonary inflammation and edema. Key ultrasound signs include widespread B-lines (representing interstitial-alveolar syndrome), pleural line abnormalities such as fragmentation and irregularity, and consolidations that may appear as “hepatization” of the lung. The absence of lung sliding may also be noted in severe cases, though this is less specific.
These ultrasound findings are crucial for rapid diagnosis and monitoring of ARDS, enabling clinicians to assess lung aeration, guide fluid management, and evaluate therapeutic responses at the bedside. Ultrasound offers a radiation-free, dynamic alternative to traditional imaging, making it invaluable for critically ill patients with respiratory failure.
