The value of lung ultrasound monitoring in H1N1 acute respiratory distress syndrome

We present the case of a healthy young male who developed acute respiratory failure as a result of infection with influenza A/H1N1 of swine-origin and in whom ventilatory support was optimised and recovery of lung function was monitored by the use of sequential chest ultrasound examinations. The potential pivotal role of bedside lung ultrasonography in H1N1-induced respiratory failure is discussed.