Diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia after open heart surgery: a case series

Introduction. To date, diagnostic criteria for nosocomial pneumonia after open heart surgery have not been developed. The sensitivity and specificity of generally accepted criteria have not been studied, the presence of which may be due to a number of other reasons associated with surgical injury. Chest X-ray does not always reveal this complication due to postoperative chest changes. Focused lung ultrasound with color Doppler mapping seems to be a promising method for verifying pneumonia in this category of patients, not inferior to computed tomography.

Brief description. Three cases of ultrasound examination are presented, demonstrating lung parenchyma changes that are characteristic and uncharacteristic for nosocomial pneumonia.

Discussion. Focused lung ultrasound with color Doppler mapping is an informative and safe method for diagnosing pneumonia after open heart surgery.

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