Ultrasound Diagnosis of Pneumothorax: Lung Sliding, Lung Point, and Barcode Sign
According to the EFSUMB position paper on POCUS in primary care (Andersen et al., 2026), the ability to identify signs of pneumothorax includes recognizing the absence of lung sliding, absence of lung pulse, identification of the lung point, and barcode sign.
Key Ultrasound Signs
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Absence of lung sliding | Sign of pneumothorax |
| Absence of lung pulse | Sign of pneumothorax |
| Lung point | Sign of pneumothorax |
| Barcode sign | Sign of pneumothorax |
Characteristics of Visceral Pleura and Lung Tissue
As part of lung assessment according to EFSUMB (Andersen et al., 2026), it is necessary to describe the localization and nature of changes in the visceral pleura and lung tissue: focal B-lines/comet tail artifacts, interstitial syndrome, thickened and/or fragmented pleura, consolidations, air and fluid bronchograms.
Place in Trauma Protocols
Ultrasound diagnosis of occult pneumothorax is considered in the context of the extended EFAST protocol (AIUM, 2023), where a study on ultrasound diagnosis of occult pneumothorax is cited (Lichtenstein D. et al., Crit Care Med 2005).
Safety of the Study
When performing lung ultrasound, recommendations for the safe use of the method should be followed (Wolfram et al., ECMUS/EFSUMB, 2023). [clarification needed: specific safety parameters are not provided in the excerpts]
Frequently asked questions
What signs indicate pneumothorax on ultrasound?
According to EFSUMB (Andersen et al., 2026) — absence of lung sliding, absence of lung pulse, lung point, and barcode sign.
What is a lung point?
Lung point is one of the signs of pneumothorax included in the POCUS skill set according to the EFSUMB position paper (Andersen et al., 2026).
What is assessed when describing the pleura and lung tissue?
Localization and nature of changes: focal B-lines/comet tail artifacts, interstitial syndrome, thickened and/or fragmented pleura, consolidations, air and fluid bronchograms (EFSUMB, Andersen et al., 2026).
Is pneumothorax assessment included in the EFAST protocol?
Yes, pneumothorax diagnosis is considered within the extended EFAST protocol (AIUM, 2023); the list of sources includes a study on ultrasound diagnosis of occult pneumothorax (Lichtenstein, Crit Care Med 2005).