Septic shock recognition by bedside chest ultrasonography in the emergency department

The case of a young man who presented in the emergency department complaining of sudden onset of cough, fever and haemoptysis is described. Chest ultrasonography rapidly diagnosed an acute respiratory distress syndrome picture, which was confirmed on computed tomography. This allowed prompt management of the patient. Blood cultures yielded Streptococcus pyogenes and pharyngeal exudates were positive for influenza B virus.