Assessing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Identifying Causes of Dyspnea

Abstract

Dyspnea is a common clinical symptom with multiple potential causes, including pulmonary, cardiac, and systemic conditions. Rapid and accurate identification of the underlying cause is crucial for effective management. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of dyspnea, providing real-time imaging that can aid in differentiating between various etiologies. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS in identifying the causes of dyspnea compared to standard diagnostic methods such as chest radiography, computed tomography, and clinical assessment. In this prospective observational study, 200 patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the emergency department underwent POCUS examination, with findings compared to final diagnoses established through comprehensive clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for POCUS in detecting conditions such as pulmonary edema, pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. The results demonstrated that POCUS had high sensitivity and specificity for detecting pulmonary edema and pleural effusion, with moderate accuracy in identifying pneumonia and pneumothorax. POCUS also provided rapid bedside evaluation, reducing time to diagnosis and guiding immediate management decisions. The study concludes that point-of-care ultrasound is a highly effective diagnostic tool in evaluating dyspnea, offering rapid, non-invasive, and accurate assessment of underlying causes. Its integration into routine emergency and critical care settings can significantly improve diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes.