The impact of lung ultrasound assessment during a whole lung lavage: A paediatric case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Abstract

Whole lung lavage (WLL) is the first-line treatment for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. We hypothesized that lung ultrasound (LUS) would guide flooding during treatment in a 15-year-old boy.WLL of each lung consisted of instillation of saline followed by kinesiotherapy and fluid drainage.In the first WLL, the lung was repeatedly flooded until the lavage fluid was clear on macroscopic examination. During this process, LUS was used to visualise lung aeration. In the second WLL, we used LUS signs to guide the lavage volume. The appearance of the fluid bronchogram sign showed that saline infusion could be stopped earlier than in the first lavage.In conclusion, LUS helped monitor the different stages of controlled lung de-aeration during WLL and reduce the total amount of saline used. This technique will also reduce the risk of WLL-related complications.