Lung and Hemidiaphragm Windows
The right and left thoracic windows allow a rapid assessment of the lower lung and associated structures; the diaphragm and the abdominal contents including the liver or the spleen (depending on which side you're scanning). With training and experience a large amount of clinically useful information can be gained by looking at these windows.
Right and Left Hemidiaphragm Assessment
This window is viewed by placing the low frequency curvilinear probe across the diaphragm and lower lung on the right or left hand side of the patient. This view allows lung consolidation and pleural effusions to be identified and quantified. Further, information about the diaphragm and abdomen including the liver or the spleen below the diaphragm can be obtained. One of the main challenges in this view is that with a normal lung, the anatomy will be difficult to visualise (because ultrasound cannot travel through air). However, with experience, lung pathology can be confidently reported using INSIGHT.
Lung and Hemidiaphragm INSIGHT Questions
The INSIGHT questions for the lungs and hemidiaphragm are listed here. The focus for this window is to assess for the presence of aerated lung vs oedema, pleural sliding, consolidation, pleural effusions and intra-abdominal free fluid.
Lung and Hemidiaphragm Training Video
This INSIGHT training video will talk through how to scan the lungs at the level of the diaphragm, to understand how to recognise artefacts and to differentiate normal from abnormal.
