Number Of B-lines Research Articles

Pulmonary Congestion by Lung Ultrasound in Ambulatory Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction and Hypertension

BackgroundAlthough pulmonary congestion can be quantified in heart failure (HF) by means of lung ultrasonography (LUS), little is known about LUS findings (B-lines) in different HF phenotypes. This prospective cohort study investigated the prevalence and clinical and echocardiographic correlates of B-lines in ambulatory HF patients with preserved (HFpEF) or reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction compared with hypertensive patients. We related LUS findings to 12-month HF hospitalizations and all-cause mortality. Methods and ResultsWe used LUS to examine hypertensive (n = 111), HFpEF (n = 46), and HFrEF (n = 73) patients (median age 66 y, 56% male, 79% white, and median EF 55%) undergoing clinically indicated outpatient echocardiography. B-line number was quantified offline, across 8 chest zones, blinded to clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. The proportion of patients with ≥3 B-lines was lower in hypertensive patients (13.5%) compared with both HFrEF (45.2%, P < .001) and HFpEF (34.8%; P = .05). HF patients with ≥3 B-lines had a higher risk of the composite outcome (age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio 2.62, 95% confidence interval 1.15–5.96; P = .022). ConclusionsWhen performed at the time of outpatient echocardiography, LUS findings of pulmonary congestion differ between patients with known HF and those with hypertension, and may be associated with adverse outcomes.

Associations between fluid removal and number of B-lines, peak early mitral inflow wave velocity, and inferior vena cava dimensions in hemodialysis patients

BackgroundThe inferior vena cava (IVC) dimensions represent the right ventricular preload, whereas the peak early mitral inflow wave velocity (peak E-velocity) represents the left ventricular preload. On the other hand, B-lines represent extravascular lung water. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible acute changes in the IVC dimensions, peak E-velocity, and number of B-lines during hemodialysis therapy.MethodsA total of 55 consecutive patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. We performed echo-graphic examinations at three time points (just after the start, during the middle, and just before the end of the hemodialysis therapy). We then investigated the changes in the IVC dimensions, peak E-velocity, and number of B-lines.ResultsThe peak E-velocity decreased from 80 ± 26 cm/s at the start of the therapy to 58 ± 22 cm/s during the middle and 51 ± 21 cm/s at the end of the therapy. The IVC dimensions also decreased from 15 ± 4 mm at the start of the therapy to 12 ± 3 mm during the middle and 11 ± 3 mm at the end of the therapy. The number of B-lines also decreased from 12 ± 5 at the start of the therapy to 9 ± 4 during the middle and 5 ± 3 at the end of the therapy. The changes in the peak E-velocity and IVC dimensions were significantly greater during the first half of the dialysis period than during the second half of the dialysis period (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). On the other hand, the changes in the number of B-lines during these periods were significantly smaller during the first half of the dialysis period than during the second half of the dialysis period (P = 0.0016).ConclusionsWe showed that the peak E-velocity and the IVC dimensions were reduced mainly during the first half of the dialysis period, while the number of B-lines showed a significant decrease mainly during the last half of the dialysis period. Even if the IVC dimensions are reduced sufficiently, caution is needed as lung congestion may still exist.

B-lines with Lung Ultrasound: The Optimal Scan Technique at Rest and During Stress

Various lung ultrasound (LUS) scanning modalities have been proposed for the detection of B-lines, also referred to as ultrasound lung comets, which are an important indication of extravascular lung water at rest and after exercise stress echo (ESE). The aim of our study was to assess the lung water spatial distribution (comet map) at rest and after ESE. We performed LUS at rest and immediately after semi-supine ESE in 135 patients (45 women, 90 men; age 62 ± 12 y, resting left ventricular ejection fraction = 41 ± 13%) with known or suspected heart failure or coronary artery disease. B-lines were measured by scanning 28 intercostal spaces (ISs) on the antero-lateral chest, 2nd–5th IS, along with the midaxillary (MA), anterior axillary (AA), mid-clavicular (MC) and parasternal (PS) lines. Complete 28-region, 16-region (3rd and 4th IS), 8-region (3rd IS), 4-region (3rd IS, only AA and MA) and 1-region (left 3rd IS, MA) scans were analyzed. In each space, the B-lines were counted from 0 = black lung to 10 = white lung. Interpretable images were obtained in all spaces (feasibility = 100 %). B-lines (>0 in at least 1 space) were present at ESE in 93 patients (69%) and absent in 42. More B-lines were found in the 3rd IS and along AA and MA lines. The B-line cumulative distribution was symmetric at rest (right/left = 1.10) and asymmetric with left lung predominance during stress (right/left = 0.67). The correlation of per-patient B-line number between 28-S and 16-S (R2 = 0.9478), 8-S (R2 = 0.9478) and 4-S scan (R2 = 0.9146) was excellent, but only good with 1-S (R2 = 0.8101). The average imaging and online analysis time were 5 s per space. In conclusion, during ESE, the comet map of lung water accumulation follows a predictable spatial pattern with wet spots preferentially aligned with the third IS and along the AA and MA lines. The time-saving 4-region scan is especially convenient during stress, simply dismissing dry regions and focusing on wet regions alone.

Transthoracic ultrasonographic features of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases

ObjectivesThe value of transthoracic ultrasonography (TTUS) in diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) has not been established yet. This prospective study was conducted to assess pleural and parenchymal alterations in patients with DPLD by TTUS and to compare the results with chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The results of TTUS were compared with some arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters and 6-min walk test (6MWT).Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 50 patients. All patients underwent HRCT, resting ABGs, and 6MWT, in addition to TTUS to evaluate (a) the presence and number of B-line and distance between them, (b) pleural effusion, (c) pleural thickening, (d) an irregular, fragmented pleural line, and (e) subpleural alterations.ResultsThe studied group showed female predominance, wide range of age, and most of them were nonsmokers. All patients had diffuse bilateral B-lines. B-line numbers were inversely correlated with severity of pulmonary fibrosis detected by HRCT modified Warrick score; however, distance between B-lines was directly correlated with severity of pulmonary fibrosis. Some ABGs (resting PaO2, resting SpO2%, AaDO2) and 6MWT parameters were correlated with B-line number and distance between them. As detected by TTUS, the majority of patients (82%) had irregular thickened pleural line, whereas 44% of them had absent lung sliding.ConclusionTTUS can play a complementary role in the diagnosis and monitoring of DPLD patients. Multiple B-lines distributed over the entire lung surface in combination with a thickened, irregular, and fragmented pleural line are strongly suggestive of the presence of DPLD. TTUS gives an idea about diffuse or limited, early, or advanced DPLD.

Modified Lung Ultrasonographic Technique for Evaluation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lateral Decubitus Position.

To compare lung ultrasonography (US) in the sitting or supine positions and the lateral decubitus position, with regard to the feasibility, duration, patient convenience, and assessment of B-lines, in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Twenty consecutive patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were prospectively enrolled. Lung US included scanning of 56 intercostal spaces. Each patient was examined twice by 2 protocols. During protocol 1, patients were examined in the supine and sitting positions for the anterior and dorsal chest, respectively. During protocol 2, patients were examined in the left lateral decubitus position for the evaluation of the right hemithorax and the reverse. Total, anterior, and posterior US scores resulted from the sum of B-lines at the whole, anterior, and posterior chest, respectively. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was considered the reference standard. The duration of each protocol was recorded. Patients were questioned about which protocol they preferred. There was no difference regarding feasibility between the protocols. A significant correlation was found between total US scores for both protocols and high-resolution CT findings (P < .0001), with protocol 2 showing a slightly higher correlation. A positive correlation was found between the protocols regarding total, anterior, and posterior US scores (P < .0001). The mean duration of protocol 2 was less than that of protocol 1 (P < .005). Nineteen patients (95%) reported a preference for protocol 2. Lung US in the lateral decubitus position seems to be faster and more convenient. There appears to be no difference regarding feasibility and the number of B-lines, whereas it shows slightly higher correlation with high-resolution CT, compared with the sitting or supine positions in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary congestion evaluated by lung ultrasound predicts decompensation in heart failure outpatients

BackgroundPulmonary congestion is the main cause of hospital admission among heart failure (HF) patients. Lung ultrasound (LUS) assessment of B-lines has been recently proposed as a reliable and easy tool for evaluating pulmonary congestion. ObjectiveTo determine the prognostic value of LUS in predicting adverse events in HF outpatients. MethodsSingle-center prospective cohort of 97 moderate-to-severe systolic HF patients (53±13years; 61% males) consecutively enrolled between November 2011 and October 2012. LUS evaluation was performed during the regular outpatient visit to evaluate the presence of pulmonary congestion, determined by B-lines number. Patients were followed up for 4months to assess admission due to acute pulmonary edema. ResultsDuring follow-up period (106±12days), 21 hospitalizations for acute pulmonary edema occurred. At Cox regression analysis, B-lines number≥30 (HR 8.62; 95%CI: 1.8–40.1; p=0.006) identified a group at high risk for acute pulmonary edema admission at 120days, and was the strongest predictor of events compared to other established clinical, laboratory and instrumental findings. No acute pulmonary edema occurred in patients without significant pulmonary congestion at LUS (number of B-lines<15). ConclusionIn a HF outpatient setting, B-line assessment by LUS identifies patients more likely to be admitted for decompensated HF in the following 4months. This simple evaluation could allow prompt therapy optimization in those patients who, although asymptomatic, carry a significant degree of extravascular lung water. Condensed abstractPulmonary congestion is the main cause of hospital admissions among heart failure patients. Lung ultrasound can be used as a reliable and easy way to evaluate pulmonary congestion through assessment of B-lines. In a cohort of heart failure outpatients, a B-lines cutoff≥30 (HR 8.62; 95%CI: 1.8–40.1) identified patients most likely to develop acute pulmonary edema at 120-days.

Dynamic changes and prognostic value of pulmonary congestion by lung ultrasound in acute and chronic heart failure: a systematic review.

Pulmonary congestion is an important finding in patients with heart failure (HF) that can be quantified by lung ultrasound (LUS). We conducted a systematic review to describe dynamic changes in LUS findings of pulmonary congestion (B-lines) in HF and to examine the prognostic utility of B-lines in HF. We searched online databases for studies conducted in patients with chronic or acute HF that used LUS to assess dynamic changes or the prognostic value of pulmonary congestion. We included studies in adult populations, published in English, and conducted in ≥25 patients. Of 1327 identified studies, 13 (25-290 patients) met the inclusion criteria: six reported on dynamic changes in LUS findings (438 patients) and seven on the prognostic value of B-lines in HF (953 patients). In acute HF, B-line number changed within as few as 3 h of HF treatment. In acute HF, ≥15 B-lines on 28-zone LUS at discharge identified patients at a more than five-fold risk for HF readmission or death. Similarly, in ambulatory patients with chronic HF, ≥3 B-lines on five- or eight-zone LUS marked those at a nearly four-fold risk for 6-month HF hospitalization or death. Lung ultrasound findings change rapidly in response to HF therapy. This technique may represent a useful and non-invasive method to track dynamic changes in pulmonary congestion. Furthermore, residual congestion at the time of discharge in acute HF or in ambulatory patients with chronic HF may identify those at high risk for adverse events.

Interstitial Syndrome And Alveolar Consolidation: Sonographic Markers of Hemodynamic Pulmonary Edema In Infants

With the purpose of evaluating the possibility of describing hemodynamic pulmonary edema in infants with congenital heart disease using the previously suggested sonographic phenomena “alveolar consolidation” and “interstitial syndrome” in adults, 131 children of both genders were examined at the age of 1-246 days. Of these infants, 47 had congenital heart anomalies, 51 had chronic somatic pathology and patent foramen ovale, and 33 had a somatic pathology associated with either congenital heart disease or small heart abnormalities. The duration of observation and the number of sessions of ultrasound scanning were determined by the health status dynamics of the infants. All infants were described in terms of 179 characteristics of physical examination and laboratory and instrumental findings obtained through standard procedures. Echocardiography and ultrasound lung scans were performed with LOGIQ E (General Electric) and HD11 (Philips) using linear, convex, and sector transducers (7-12, 3-5, and 1.7-4.0 МHz respectively). In addition to standard protocols of heart and lung description, we also registered the square of consolidated parcels summarized for all lung segments, the number of B-lines summarized for all lung segments, and the swing of diaphragm and lung movement and calculated the diaphragm and lung swing ratio. An attempt to describe the differences between pulmonary circulation in terms of ultrasound sonography for heart defects associated and not associated with blood filling in the lungs was successful. The total area of air-free/consolidated subpleural parcels of lungs and the extent of interstitial lung syndrome were the most informative sonographic characteristics. It was concluded that interstitial edema and alveolar consolidation, described in terms of transthoracic ultrasound sonography, are recommended for use as markers of the disorders of pulmonary circulation associated with congenital heart malformations in infants.

Association between B-lines detected during lung ultrasound and various factors in hemodialysis patients

BackgroundIn recent years, the use of chest ultrasonography to detect lung water has received growing attention in clinical research. Estimation of the number of B-lines using lung ultrasound is now a standard method for the evaluation of pulmonary congestion. In the present study, we examined the relation between the number of B-lines and clinical parameters in hemodialysis patients.MethodsA total of 49 consecutive patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. Lung ultrasound was performed using Vscan® (GE Healthcare, Japan). Bilateral scanning of the anterior and lateral chest walls was performed with the patient in a supine position just after the start of the hemodialysis therapy. The total number of B-lines was estimated. We investigated the relationships between the number of B-lines and other clinical parameters.ResultsPatient heart rate and the serum log [NT-proBNP] level were positively correlated (P = 0.009 and 0.003, respectively), and body weight and the serum albumin and creatinine level were negatively correlated with the number of B-lines (P = 0.023, 0.001, and 0.011, respectively).ConclusionsThe number of B-lines was positively correlated with the serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level. Lung ultrasound can quantify lung edema. Body weight and the serum albumin and creatinine level were negatively correlated with the number of B-lines. Careful attention to the presence of pulmonary edema is needed in patients with a low body weight and a low serum albumin and creatinine level.

Exercise-induced B-lines identify worse functional and prognostic stage in heart failure patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction.

Exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the evaluation of heart failure (HF) patients. Recently, lung ultrasound (LUS) has been proposed for the assessment of extravascular lung water through B-lines. The aim of this study was to assess B-lines during ESE in HF. Standard transthoracic and LUS evaluation was performed during semi-supine ESE in 103 NYHA class I-III HF patients (76 male; mean age 64 ± 12 years) with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (35 ± 8%). B-lines were measured by scanning 28 intercostal spaces on antero-lateral chest, both at rest and at peak stress. Resting plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and exercise capacity during cardiopulmonary testing with peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2 ) were assessed in all patients. All patients were followed up for a median of 8 months (first quartile, 6; third quartile, 11). LUS was feasible and interpretable in all subjects. The overall number of B-lines increased from rest (median 5, interquartile range 0-10) to peak stress (median 12, interquartile range 0-45) (P < 0.0001). The number of stress B-lines was closely correlated with resting log-BNP (r = 0.88, P < 0.0001) and peak VO2 (r = -0.90, P < 0.0001). During follow-up, 37 events occurred: 10 deaths, 23 re-hospitalizations for acute HF, and 4 non-fatal myocardial infarctions. Twelve-month event-free survival was 95% in the 36 patients with stress B-lines <30 (best cut-off identified by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) vs. 7% in patients with ≥30 B-lines (P < 0.0001). B-lines are easy to obtain, frequent in HF patients, and often increase during ESE. Adverse events were more frequent in patients with more B-lines during ESE.

Bedside Evaluation of Critical Dyspnea. Proposal of a Diagnostic Score for Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Setting

Aim: Dyspnea is a common cause of hospital admittance. Preliminary investigations an in pre-hospital phase and in the Emergency Department (ED) should detect the underlying cause. Time is crucial and emergency physicians have few diagnostic tools to manage patients presenting shortness of breath. In this study we assess the performance of lung ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of acute heart failure (AHF), in order to formulate an ultrasound-based diagnostic score. Methods and Results: Over a two-year-period, 236 consecutive patients admitted to our ED for non-traumatic dyspnea were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent lung ultrasound (LU) systematic evaluation reporting B-lines, in addition to standardized work-up. ROC curve showed an AUC=82.3% (95% CI=76.3%-87.9%) and AUC=75.5 (95% CI=68.4%-81.3%) for LU and NT pro-BNP respectively. About 18% of the patients enrolled showed a number of B-Lines >18, which were used as an early diagnostic test to detect patients with AHF: A sensitivity and specificity of 39.8% and 97.0% were found respectively. A score model was designed to diagnose the remaining patients including LU, chest X-Ray and NT-proBNP to supply high diagnostic accuracy (AUC=91.7%). Conclusion: As known, LUS can be a useful tool for a prompt and accurate detection of AHF, allowing chest X-ray and biomarker evaluation to be avoided in a remarkable portion of dyspneic patients, which include about 40% of the actual AHF occurrences. In this way it is possible to reach an accurate diagnosis in a short amount of time, making it possible to start therapy precociously. An integrated approach that includes chest X-ray and NT-proBNP can improve diagnostic capabilities. Our proposed operative protocol minimizes the ratio between time of medical intervention and diagnostic accuracy of AHF, in patients presenting shortness of breath, starting from prehospital phase.

Effectiveness of Thoracic Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of the Severity of Pulmonary Involvement in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of thoracic ultrasonography (USG) in a single session in the evaluation of the severity of pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis. A total of 48 consecutive systemic sclerosis patients (2 males, 46 females; mean age 50.8±11.9 years; range 21 to 76 years) followed-up in our center were included. A thoracic USG using a linear probe was performed for each patient to evaluate the parenchymal involvement by two pulmonary disease specialists. The number of B-lines (B-lines described USG sign of interstitial lung fibrosis) was recorded. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was measured by means of using a phase probe to evaluate pulmonary hypertension in the same sequence. The same day, pulmonary function tests were conducted. Warrick score was calculated according high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images which were evaluated independently from each other by a radiologist and a pulmonary disease specialist. Medsger severity scale was calculated for each patient according to the results of HRCT findings, pulmonary function test, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. The number of B-lines detected on thoracic USG was correlated with the Warrick score (r=0.89; p=0.0001) and Medsger disease scale (r=0.55; p=0.0001) and negatively correlated with diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (r= -0.56; p=0.0001) and forced vital capacity (r= -0.46; p=0.001). When HRCT was accepted as the gold standard; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value, and negative predicted value for thoracic USG were 100%, 84.2%, 90.6%, and 100%, respectively. If thoracic USG was used instead of HRCT for the evaluation of Medsger scale, the results changed in only one of the 48 patients. Thoracic USG showed good correlation with HRCT findings for the evaluation of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in systemic sclerosis. Therefore, USG might be a noninvasive and useful tool for the long-term follow-up of systemic sclerosis patients after initial examination with USG and HRCT.

Efficacy of a remote web-based lung ultrasound training for nephrologists and cardiologists: a LUST trial sub-project.

Within the framework of the LUST trial (LUng water by Ultra-Sound guided Treatment to prevent death and cardiovascular events in high-risk end-stage renal disease patients), the European Renal and Cardiovascular Medicine (EURECA-m) working group of the European Renal Association-European Dialysis Transplant Association established a central core lab aimed at training and certifying nephrologists and cardiologists participating in this trial. All participants were trained by an expert trainer with an entirely web-based programme. Thirty nephrologists and 14 cardiologists successfully completed the training. At the end of training, a set of 47 lung ultrasound (US) videos was provided to trainees who were asked to estimate the number of B-lines in each video. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the whole series of 47 videos between each trainee and the expert trainer was high (average 0.81 ± 0.21) and >0.70 in all but five cases. After further training, the five underperforming trainees achieved satisfactory agreement with the expert trainer (average post-retraining ICC 0.74 ± 0.14). The Bland-Altman plot showed virtually no bias (difference between the mean 0.03) and strict 95% limits of agreement lines (-1.52 and 1.45 US B-lines). Only four cases overlapped but did not exceed the same limits. Likewise, the Spearman correlation coefficient applied to the same data series was very high (r = 0.979, P < 0.0001). Nephrologists and cardiologists can be effectively trained to measure lung congestion by an entirely web-based programme. This web-based training programme ensures high-quality standardization of US B-line measurements and represents a simple, costless and effective preparatory step for clinical trials targeting lung congestion.

ABSTRACTS 7th World Congress of Mountain & Wilderness Medicine A combined meeting of the International Society for Mountain Medicine and the Wilderness Medical Society July 30-August 4, 2016 Telluride, Colorado.

ABSTRACTS 7th World Congress of Mountain & Wilderness Medicine A combined meeting of the International Society for Mountain Medicine and the Wilderness Medical Society July 30-August 4, 2016 Telluride, Colorado.

Accuracy of Point-of-Care B-Line Lung Ultrasound in Comparison to NT-ProBNP for Screening Acute Heart Failure.

The objective of this pilot study was to determine the accuracy of point-of-care B-line lung ultrasound in comparison to NT Pro-BNP for screening acute heart failure. An 8-zone lung ultrasound was performed by experienced sonographers in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the ED. AHF was determined as the final diagnosis by 2 independent reviewers. Contrary to prior studies, B-line ultrasound in our study was highly specific, but moderately sensitive for identifying patients with AHF. There was a strong association between elevated NT-proBNP levels and an increased number of B-lines. In conclusion, point-of-care lung ultrasound is a helpful tool for ruling in or ruling out important differential diagnoses in ED patients with acute dyspnea.

Lung ultrasound and transthoracic impedance for noninvasive evaluation of pulmonary congestion in heart failure

In patients with heart failure, many indexes are available for noninvasive identification of pulmonary congestion: E/E' at echocardiography; plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (pg/ml); number of B-lines at lung ultrasound; and transthoracic conductance [thoracic fluid content (TFC)TT = 1/Ω] at impedance cardiography (ICG). We obtained 75 measures from 50 patients (72 ± 10 years, NYHA 2.4 ± 0.7, ejection fraction 31 ± 7%), 25 of them studied before and after intravenous diuretics, in whom we assessed the following: E/e' from Doppler echocardiogram; BNP plasma levels; presence and number of B-lines at lung ultrasound; and TFCTT from ICG. We determined the relationship among these indexes and their change with treatment, and compared B-lines and TFC for the diagnosis of pulmonary congestion. Finally, we considered the timing and the personnel required for performing and interpreting each test. A mutual relationship was observed between all the variables. After clinical improvement, changes in each variable were of similar direction and magnitude. Congestion (estimated by chest radiograph) was present in 59% of the patients: TFC value and B-line number had the best sensitivity and specificity for its detection. BNP determination and ICG assessment were performed by a nurse (15 min), and echocardiography and lung ultrasound were performed by a cardiologist (15 min). The correlation between all indexes and their consensual change after improvement of the clinical status suggests that they all detect pulmonary congestion, and that using at least two indexes improves sensitivity and specificity. The choice among the methods may be determined by the patient characteristics or by the clinical setting.

Finding covert fluid: methods for detecting volume overload in children on dialysis.

BackgroundLung ultrasound is a novel technique for detecting generalized fluid overload in children and adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Echocardiography and bioimpedance spectroscopy are established methods, albeit variably adopted in clinical practice. We compared the practicality and accuracy of lung ultrasound with current objective techniques for detecting fluid overload in children with ESRD.MethodsA prospective observational study was performed to compare lung ultrasound B-lines, echocardiographic measurement of inferior vena cava parameters and bioimpedance spectroscopy in the assessment of fluid overload in children with ESRD on dialysis. The utility of each technique in predicting fluid overload, based on short-term weight gain, was assessed. Multiple linear regression models to predict fluid overload by weight were explored.ResultsA total of 22 fluid assessments were performed in 13 children (8 on peritoneal dialysis, 5 on haemodialysis) with a median age of 4.0 (range 0.8–14.0) years. A significant linear correlation was observed between the number of B-lines detected by lung ultrasound and fluid overload by weight (r = 0.57, p = 0.005). A non-significant positive linear correlation was observed between fluid overload by weight and bioimpedance spectroscopy (r = 0.43, p = 0.2), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.19, p = 0.4) and physical examination measurements (r = 0.19, p = 0.4), while a non-significant negative linear relationship was found between the inferior vena cava collapsibility index and fluid overload by weight (r = −0.24, p = 0.3). In multiple linear regression models, a combination of three fluid parameters, namely lung ultrasound B-lines, clinical examination and systolic blood pressure, best predicted fluid overload (R 2 = 0.46, p = 0.05).ConclusionsLung ultrasound may be superior to echocardiographic methods and bioimpedance spectroscopy in detecting volume overload in children with ESRD. Given the practicality and sensitivity of this new technique, it can be adopted alongside clinical examination and blood pressure in the routine assessment of fluid status in children with ESRD.

Ultrasound of extravascular lung water: a new standard for pulmonary congestion.

Extravascular lung water (EVLW) is a key variable in heart failure management and prognosis, but its objective assessment remains elusive. Lung imaging has been traditionally considered off-limits for ultrasound techniques due to the acoustic barrier of high-impedance air wall. In pulmonary congestion however, the presence of both air and water creates a peculiar echo fingerprint. Lung ultrasound shows B-lines, comet-like signals arising from a hyper-echoic pleural line with a to-and-fro movement synchronized with respiration. Increasing EVLW accumulation changes the normal, no-echo signal (black lung, no EVLW) into a black-and-white pattern (interstitial sub-pleural oedema with multiple B-lines) or a white lung pattern (alveolar pulmonary oedema) with coalescing B-lines. The number and spatial extent of B-lines on the antero-lateral chest allows a semi-quantitative estimation of EVLW (from absent, ≤5, to severe pulmonary oedema, >30 B-lines). Wet B-lines are made by water and decreased by diuretics, which cannot modify dry B-lines made by connective tissue. B-lines can be evaluated anywhere (including extreme environmental conditions with pocket size instruments to detect high-altitude pulmonary oedema), anytime (during dialysis to titrate intervention), by anyone (even a novice sonographer after 1 h training), and on anybody (since the chest acoustic window usually remains patent when echocardiography is not feasible). Cardiologists can achieve much diagnostic gain with little investment of technology, training, and time. B-lines represent ‘the shape of lung water’. They allow non-invasive detection, in real time, of even sub-clinical forms of pulmonary oedema with a low cost, radiation-free approach.

Effect of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation on Parameters Monitored by Transpulmonary Thermodilution Method

To investigate the effect of atrial fibrillation on the accuracy of parameters monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution method. Totally 12 patients from emergency intensive care unit with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were enrolled. The hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index, intrathoracic blood volume index, and extravascular lung water index were monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution method before paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and during atrial fibrillation, the number of B-lines was detected by lung ultrasonography before and during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The changes of all the parameters were analyzed. When the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation happened, the heart rate increased significantly [(123.3±20.0) beat/min vs. (98.9±12.3) beat/min, P=0.006]; the mean arterial pressure [(86.9±10.2) mmHg vs. (93.0±12.5) mmHg, P=0.058], cardiac index [(2.82±0.62) L/(min·m(2)) vs. (3.31±1.02) L/(min·m(2)), P=0.058] and systemic vascular resistance index [(2254±947) dyn·s·cm(-5)·m(2) vs. (2302±828) dyn·s·cm(-5)·m(2), P=0.351] had no obvious change; however, the intrathoracic blood volume index significantly increased [(1333±90) ml/m(2) vs. (937±111) ml/m(2), P<0.001]; extravascular lung water index also increased significantly [(16.1±1.1) ml/kg vs. (6.5±1.9) ml/kg, P<0.001]. No significant difference was found in the number of B-lines detected by lung ultrasonography before and during atrial fibrillation (10.0±4.2 vs. 9.4±4.4, P=0.180). Both intrathoracic blood volume and extravascular lung water monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution method were overvalued during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which may mislead the clinical judgment and decision-making.

Bedside lung ultrasound for monitoring the effectiveness of prehospital treatment with continuous positive airway pressure in acute decompensated heart failure.

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the usefulness of prehospital lung ultrasound in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus standard therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Twenty patients with ADHF were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. They were allocated randomly to a CPAP group (CPAP and standard therapy) or a control group (standard therapy only). Lung ultrasound was performed in each group and B-lines were counted and compared before and after treatment. There were statistically significant differences before and after treatment in partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (29.9±5.2 vs. 32.9±5.5 mmHg, P=0.011), respiratory rate (33.3±9.3 vs. 26.6±7.5 min, P=0.013), arterial oxygen saturation (82.0±9.4 vs. 97.3±1.3%, P<0.001), and total number of B-lines (46.9±14.8 vs. 29.0±16.2, P<0.001) in the CPAP group. There was a significant difference in required O2 added to either therapy to obtain adequate saturation - 40% in the CPAP group versus 100% in the control group (P<0.001). Percentage of positive ultrasound lung scans reduced in the middle axillary line and reached a statistically significant difference in the CPAP group [67 vs. 25% in medium right, P=0.017; 91 vs. 55% in basal right (fourth intercostal space), P=0.038; 83 vs. 33% in medium left, P=0.007; and 92 vs. 58% in basal left (fourth intercostal space), P=0.039]. Bedside lung ultrasound is a reliable monitoring tool in a prehospital emergency setting and findings from lung ultrasound scans correspond with improved hemodynamic parameters in patients with ADHF treated with CPAP compared with standard therapy only.