Atelectasis, when identified by ultrasound, signifies collapsed lung tissue, a common finding in medical imaging. This condition occurs when alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, deflate or fill with fluid, leading to reduced lung volume. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for rapidly diagnosing atelectasis, especially in critically ill patients, as it can differentiate it from other lung pathologies like consolidation or pleural effusions.
Ultrasound findings for atelectasis typically include a “tissue-like” pattern, characterized by a hepatized (liver-like) appearance of the lung, with absent or reduced lung sliding. This quick and non-invasive diagnostic method aids in prompt clinical management, crucial for patients undergoing mechanical ventilation or those with post-operative respiratory complications.
