Lung ultrasonography in the diagnostic work up of pneumonia in stroke patients

Purpose: Pneumonia is a frequent complication in patients with stroke and its early diagnosis is commonly a challenge. Chest X-ray (CXR) has several limitations especially in bedridden patients. Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is a promising technique in the detection of peripheral pneumonic infiltrates and pleural effusions. We performed this study to assess the usefulness of bedside LUS in the diagnostic work up of pneumonia in stroke patients in comparison to CXR. Patients and methods: We collected data on consecutive ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients admitted to Perugia’s Stroke Unit from April 2009 to May…