Ultrasound is a safe and reliable bedside tool to detect atelectasis (partial lung collapse) early in children with neuromuscular diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy, according to a study published in Pediatric Pulmonology and reported in SMA News Today.
This radiation-free method could be used to monitor lung health and identify partial lung collapse in a patient group already highly exposed to radiation in clinical exams, its researchers noted.
They emphasized, however, that lung ultrasound should not replace radiological exams. Rather, it can be used to answer specific questions raised by doctors between regular chest x-ray examinations.
Read more in SMA News Today and find the study in Pediatric Pulmonology.
