Table 1 Detailed descriptions of scanning sectors in LUS
From: Lung ultrasound—a primary survey of the acutely dyspneic patient
Chest | Sector | Boundaries | Anatomical/study significance |
|---|---|---|---|
Anterior | R1 or LI (anterior upper) | Upper: clavicle; lower: 4th rib; medial: sternal edge; lateral: defined by LUS image of lung; beyond this border are contents of the axilla and clavipectoral triangle | • Horizontal fissure is in line with the 4th rib; therefore, this zone contains the upper lobe of the lung |
R2 or L2 (anterior lower) | Upper: 4th rib; lower: variable, depending on body habitus and defined by curtain sign in LUS and appearance of abdominal contents;liver on the right side, bowel and spleen on the left; medial: sternal edge; lateral: anterior axillary line | • The 6th rib approximates the inferior most part of the lung and anterior insertion of diaphragm (not seen in normal LUS with curtain sign). Beyond the 6th rib is the potential space: costophrenic recess • This sector contains mainly the middle lobe; on the left lung, lingular lobe; with a small portion of the lower lobe on the lateral side • The sector on the left hemithorax is very small due to the position of the heart; no sector in cardiomegaly states | |
Rs or Ls supraclavicular fossa | Triangle formed by the clavicle, lower parts of sternomastoid and trapezius | • Optional study area for the following: first rib; apical pneumothorax; pulmonary tuberculosis | |
Lateral | R3 or L3 lateral axilla | Upper: axilla; lower: the axis of the 4th rib; anterior: anterior axillary line; posterior: posterior axillary line | • This sector contains primarily the upper lobe of the lung with a small portion of the lower lobe |
R4 or L4 lateral lower | Upper: the axis of the 4th rib; lower: variable, depending on body habitus. Defined by curtain sign in LUS; anterior: anterior axillary line; posterior: posterior axillary line | • This sector contains primarily the lower lobe of the lung | |
Posterior | R5 or L5 posterior upper | Upper: defined by LUS image of the lung; medial: thoracic spine; lateral: medial border of scapula; lower: level of the inferior angle of the scapula | • This sector contains the upper lobe and lower lobe of the lung in almost equal proportion |
R6 or L6 posterior lower | Upper: level of the inferior angle of the scapula; medial: thoracic spine Lateral: posterior axillary line; lower: defined by curtain sign in LUS and appearance of abdominal contents ; liver on the right side; bowel and spleen on the left | • This sector contains primarily the lower lobe of the lung |