Diagnostic accuracy and temporal impact of ultrasound in patients with dyspnea admitted to the emergency department.

Objective: Few studies have prospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and temporal impact of ultrasound in the emergency department (ED) in a randomized manner. In this study, we aimed to perform a randomized, standard therapy controlled evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy and temporal impact of a standardized ultrasound strategy, versus standard care, in patients presenting to the ED with acute dyspnea.

Methods: The patients underwent a standardized ultrasound examination that was blinded to the team caring for the patient.