Echocardiography is increasingly recommended for the diagnosis and assessment
of patients with severe cardiac disease, including acute heart failure. Although previously
considered to be within the realm of cardiologists, the development of ultrasonography
technology has led to the adoption of echocardiography by acute care clinicians across a range
of specialties. Data from echocardiography and lung ultrasonography can be used to improve
diagnostic accuracy, guide and monitor the response to interventions, and communicate
important prognostic information in patients with acute heart failure. However, without the
appropriate skills and a good understanding of ultrasonography, its wider application to the most
acutely unwell patients can have substantial pitfalls. This Consensus Statement, prepared by the
Acute Heart Failure Study Group of the ESC Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, reviews
the existing and potential roles of echocardiography and lung ultrasonography in the assessment
and management of patients with acute heart failure, highlighting the differences from
established practice where relevant.