The role of lung ultrasonography in evaluation of COVID-19 pneumonia

After a few months it emerged in Wuhan (China), Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Diagnosis of the disease is mainly based on real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test by nasopharyngeal swab. However, due to excess of numbers of false-negative PCR test results, chest computed tomography (CT) is commonly used as a supplementary modality. However, CT has some disadvantages. Firstly, a normal chest CT scan does not exclude the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Additionally, the radiation exposure and a weak diagnostic value are other challenges. When the infection is limited to upper respiratory system or performed in the early stage, false-negative results may be obtained on CT scan.  Recently lung ultrasonography (LUS) has emerged as a easy-to-use, cost-effective and radiation-free tool in diagnosis, management and follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia. In this narrative review, our aim is to clarify the utility of LUS in COVID-19 pneumonia with its advantages and disadvantages. We also aimed to guide clinicians to use LUS as a practical tool

Ultrasonographically detected hepatosteatosis independently predicts the presence and severity of coronary artery disease

Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the presence and severity of CAD and NAFLD. Methods: The study group consisted of 153 patients who underwent coronary angiographies. Patients were categorized into CAD and non-CAD groups. CAD severity was determined by the number of CAD-involved arteries and the vessel score multiplied by Gensini score, the latter judging CAD severity. Fatty liver was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography (USG), with the patients being categorized by the degree of hepatosteatosis, as Grade 0, Grade 1, and Grade 2-3. Results: Among the whole study population, 47.1% of patients (n=72) were female and 52.9% of patients (n=81) were male. Forty-three patients had normal coronary arteries; 27 patients had non-critical CAD and side branch disease; and 83 patients had clinically significant CAD (stenosis>50%). The rate of CAD and Gensini score were significantly different between Grade 0, 1 and 2-3 hepatosteatosis groups (p<0.05). Patients with CAD had a significantly higher AST level than those without (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonographically detected hepatosteatosis independently predicts the presence and severity of CAD. Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; gensini score; obesity