ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF DIAPHRAGMATIC FUNCTION AND ITS CLINICAL APPLICATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE

Division of Respiratory Diseases, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, Polo Universitario, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano

The assessment of diaphragm function using ultrasound has gained attention in emergency and critical care settings due to its ability to provide rapid and reliable information regarding diaphragmatic dysfunction. This review discusses various factors contributing to diaphragm dysfunction in acute respiratory failure and emphasizes the importance of ultrasound in guiding clinical management decisions. The authors present evidence supporting the use of diaphragmatic ultrasound as a valuable tool in evaluating patients with respiratory distress, particularly in identifying the need for mechanical ventilation.