Exploring the Role of Lung and Thoracic Ultrasound in Anesthesia and Acute Care: A Scoping Review of Diagnostic and Procedural Application

Lung ultrasound (LUS) and thoracic ultrasound (TUS) are commonly used tools in acute care and anesthesia, enabling rapid, bedside assessment of pulmonary pathology and enhancing procedural safety. This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on the diagnostic and procedural applications of LUS and TUS across a wide range of clinical scenarios including pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, pleural effusion, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Emphasis is placed on the diagnostic performance of ultrasound compared to traditional modalities such as chest X-ray and CT. The review also evaluates emerging approaches such as anterior-only lung ultrasound for ARDS phenotyping, quantitative B-line analysis, and COVID-19 risk stratification using LUS scoring. In procedural contexts, we explore real-time guidance for central venous catheter placement, intubation confirmation, and thoracentesis. The review follows PRISMA-ScR guidelines and highlights current gaps in the literature while proposing future directions to expand ultrasound use in high-acuity environments. This comprehensive synthesis reinforces the versatility, safety, and diagnostic value of LUS and TUS in acute care and anesthesiology practice.