scholarly journals Lung Ultrasound B-lines as a Surrogate Marker for High Left Ventricular Diastolic Pressures; a bed-side Diagnostic tool

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (18) ◽  
pp. 01-11
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Aboshahba ◽  
Alsayed Ali Abdou Almarghany ◽  
Moaz Atef Elshahat Abdel ati

Background: We studied the diagnostic accuracy of B-lines (comet-tail sign) on bedside lung US, NT-proBNP, E/e` on ECHO in differentiation of the causes of acute dyspnea in the emergency setting. Major advantages include bedside availability, no radiation, high feasibility and reproducibility, and cost efficiency. Methods: Our prospective study was performed at the alazhar university hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between July 2019 and March 2020. All patients underwent lung ultrasound examinations, along with TTE, laboratory testing, including rapid NT-proBNP testing. Results: The median E/e’ levels in patients with B-profile were 18, compared with a median of 7.4 in the subjects with A-profile (P =< 0.0001 CI = -9.649 to -7.044). It was found that the sensitivity and the specificity of detecting B-profile on ultrasound is high when E/e’ > 15.5 (95.0% and 83.0% consecutively), which concluded the high correlation between finding B profile on U/S chest and elevated left ventricle filling pressure in a patient presenting with picture of suggestive of heart failure Conclusion: Chest ultrasound can be used as screening test for the evaluation of patients with suspicion of heart failure with excellent sensitivity and good specificity.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 513-521
Author(s):  
Moritz Lindner ◽  
Richard Thomas ◽  
Brian Claggett ◽  
Eldrin F Lewis ◽  
John Groarke ◽  
...  

Background: Although pleural effusions are common among patients with acute heart failure, the relevance of pleural effusion size assessed on thoracic ultrasound has not been investigated systematically. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we included patients hospitalised for acute heart failure and performed a thoracic ultrasound early after admission (thoracic ultrasound 1) and at discharge (thoracic ultrasound 2) independently of routine clinical management. A semiquantitative score was applied offline blinded to clinical findings to categorise and monitor pleural effusion size. Results: Among 188 patients (median age 72 years, 62% men, 78% white, median left ventricular ejection fraction 38%), pleural effusions on thoracic ultrasound 1 were present in 66% of patients and decreased in size during the hospitalisation in 75% based on the pleural effusion score ( P<0.0001). Higher values of the pleural effusion score were associated with higher pleural effusion volumes on computed tomography ( P<0.001), higher NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide values ( P=0.001) and a greater number of B-lines on lung ultrasound ( P=0.004). Nevertheless, 47% of patients were discharged with persistent pleural effusions, 19% with large effusions. However, higher values of the pleural effusion score on thoracic ultrasound 2 did not identify patients at increased risk of 90-day heart failure rehospitalisations or death (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–1.19; P=0.46) whereas seven or more B-lines on lung ultrasound at discharge were independently associated with adverse events (adjusted HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.11–5.37; P=0.027). Conclusion: Among patients with acute heart failure, pleural effusions are associated with other clinical, imaging and laboratory markers of congestion and improve with heart failure therapy. The prognostic relevance of persistent pleural effusions at discharge should be investigated in larger studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Barki ◽  
M Losito ◽  
M.M Caracciolo ◽  
F Bandera ◽  
M Rovida ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The right ventricle (RV) is extremely sensitive to hemodynamic changes and increased impedance. In acute heart failure (AHF), the development of pulmonary venous congestion and the increase of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures favors pulmonary vascular adverse remodeling and ultimately RV dysfunction, leading to the onset of symptoms and to a further decay of cardiac dynamics. Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate RV morphology and functional dynamics at admission and discharge in patients hospitalized for AHF, analyzing the role and the response to treatment of the RV and its coupling with pulmonary circulation (PC). Methods Eighty-one AHF patients (mean age 75.75±10.6 years, 59% males) were prospectively enrolled within 24–48 hours from admission to the emergency department (ED). In either the acute phase and at pre-discharge all patients underwent M-Mode, 2-Dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), as well as lung ultrasonography (LUS), to detect an increase of extravascular lung water (EVLW) and development of pleural effusion. Laboratory tests were performed in the acute phase and at pre-discharge including the evaluation of NT-proBNP. Results At baseline we observed a high prevalence of RV dysfunction as documented by a reduced RV systolic longitudinal function [mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) at admission of 16.47±3.86 mm with 50% of the patients exhibiting a TAPSE&lt;16mm], a decreased DTI-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (50% of the subjects showed a tricuspid s' wave&lt;10 cm/s) and a reduced RV fractional area change (mean FAC at admission of 36.4±14.6%). Furthermore, an increased pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and a severe impairment in terms of RV coupling to PC was detected at initial evaluation (mean PASP at admission: 38.8±10.8 mmHg; average TAPSE/PASP at admission: 0.45±0.17 mm/mmHg). At pre-discharge a significant increment of TAPSE (16.47±3.86 mm vs. 17.45±3.88; p=0.05) and a reduction of PASP (38.8±10.8 mmHg vs. 30.5±9.6mmHg, p&lt;0.001) was observed. Furthermore, in the whole population we assisted to a significant improvement in terms of RV function and its coupling with PC as demonstrated by the significant increase of TAPSE/PASP ratio (TAPSE/PASP: 0.45±0.17 mm/mmHg vs 0.62±0.20 mm/mmHg; p&lt;0.001). Patients significantly reduced from admission to discharge the number of B-lines and NT-proBNP (B-lines: 22.2±17.1 vs. 6.5±5 p&lt;0.001; NT-proBNP: 8738±948 ng/l vs 4227±659 ng/l p&lt;0.001) (Figure 1). Nonetheless, no significant changes of left atrial and left ventricular dimensions and function were noted. Conclusions In AHF, development of congestion and EVLW significantly impact on the right heart function. Decongestion therapy is effective for restoring acute reversal of RV dysfunction, but the question remains on how to impact on the biological properties of the RV. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
ES Eystein Skjolsvik ◽  
OL Oyvind Haugen Lie ◽  
MC Monica Chivulescu ◽  
MR Margareth Ribe ◽  
AIC Anna Isotta Castrini ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the Norwegian Research Council [203489/030] onbehalf Department of Cardiology, Research group for genetic cardiac diseases and sudden cardiac death, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norwa Background Lamin A/C disease is an inheritable cardiomyopathy characterized by conduction abnormalities, ventricular arrhythmias and end stage heart failure with complete age-related penetrance. Purpose To assess left ventricular structural and functional progression in patients with lamin A/C cardiomyopathy. Methods We included and followed consecutive lamin A/C genotype positive patients with clinical examination and echocardiography at every visit. We evaluated progression of left- ventricular size and function by mixed model statistics. Results We included 101 consecutive lamin A/C genotype positive patients (age 44 [29-54] years, 39% probands, 51%female) with 576 echocardiographic exams during 4.9 (IQR 2.5-8.1) years of follow-up. LV ejection fraction (LVEF) declined from 50 ± 12% to 47 ± 13%, p &lt; 0.001 (rate -0.5%/year). LV end diastolic volumes (LVEDV) remained stationary with no significant dilatation in the total population (136 ± 45ml to 138 ± 43ml, p = 0.60), (Figure). In the subgroup of patients &gt;58 years, we observed a decline in LV volumes 148, SE 9 ml to 140, SE 9 ml p &lt; 0.001 (rate -2.7 ml/year) towards end stage heart failure. Conclusions LVEF deteriorated, while LV size remained unchanged during 4.9 years of follow-up in patients with lamin A/C cardiomyopathy. In patients &lt;58 years, we observed a reduction in LV volumes. These findings represent loss of LV function without the necessary compensatory dilation to preserve stroke volume indicating high risk of decompensated end stage heart failure in lamin A/C. Abstract Figure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Persona Paolo ◽  
Valeri Ilaria ◽  
Zarantonello Francesco ◽  
Forin Edoardo ◽  
Sella Nicolò ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During COVID-19 pandemic, optimization of the diagnostic resources is essential. Lung Ultrasound (LUS) is a rapid, easy-to-perform, low cost tool which allows bedside investigation of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed to investigate the typical ultrasound patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia and their evolution at different stages of the disease. Methods We performed LUS in twenty-eight consecutive COVID-19 patients at both admission to and discharge from one of the Padua University Hospital Intensive Care Units (ICU). LUS was performed using a low frequency probe on six different areas per each hemithorax. A specific pattern for each area was assigned, depending on the prevalence of A-lines (A), non-coalescent B-lines (B1), coalescent B-lines (B2), consolidations (C). A LUS score (LUSS) was calculated after assigning to each area a defined pattern. Results Out of 28 patients, 18 survived, were stabilized and then referred to other units. The prevalence of C pattern was 58.9% on admission and 61.3% at discharge. Type B2 (19.3%) and B1 (6.5%) patterns were found in 25.8% of the videos recorded on admission and 27.1% (17.3% B2; 9.8% B1) on discharge. The A pattern was prevalent in the anterosuperior regions and was present in 15.2% of videos on admission and 11.6% at discharge. The median LUSS on admission was 27.5 [21–32.25], while on discharge was 31 [17.5–32.75] and 30.5 [27–32.75] in respectively survived and non-survived patients. On admission the median LUSS was equally distributed on the right hemithorax (13; 10.75–16) and the left hemithorax (15; 10.75–17). Conclusions LUS collected in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure at ICU admission and discharge appears to be characterized by predominantly lateral and posterior non-translobar C pattern and B2 pattern. The calculated LUSS remained elevated at discharge without significant difference from admission in both groups of survived and non-survived patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-50
Author(s):  
Seyed Hossein Ojaghi Haghighi ◽  
Neda Hamed ◽  
Shiva Ebrahimi ◽  
Jafar Ghobadi ◽  
Hoorolnesa Ameli

Introduction: Congestive heart failure is heart muscle failure that causes pulmonary congestion and eventually pulmonary edema, which despite recent medical advances, is still a progressive syndrome with high mortality, the prevalence of which has increased in recent decades. Therefore, in this study we compared lung ultrasound findings in acute heart failure patients with the BNP. Methods: This study was performed in the emergency room of Imam Reza hospital in Tabriz. For patients entering the emergency room after taking a history, both standard gold (BNP) tests and beside ultrasound of the lung were performed. Ultrasound was performed at the same time as obtaining blood sample to ensure that the ultrasound specialist did not know the result of diagnosis. During the ultrasound, if there were multiple B-Lines that were at least 3 mm apart, patient was diagnosed with pulmonary edema due to heart failure. Results: Number of participants in this study was 108 people, 54.6% of whom were men and the rest were women. The correlation coefficient between width and number of kerley lines was 0.79, between NT-pro BNP and width of kerley lines was 0.65 and between NT-pro BNP and number of kerley lines was 0.77, which indicates a significant positive correlation (P value <0.001). Conclusion: The results of present study showed that in patients with acute heart failure, the number and width of kerley lines in pulmonary ultrasound evaluation increase rapidly. There is also a high correlation between number and length of kerley lines with NT-pro BNP serum values.


Author(s):  
Maadarani O ◽  
Bitar Z ◽  
Almeri K

Background: Echocardiography and lung ultrasound are important tests for assessing left ventricular function in patients presented to the emergency department with acute pulmonary edema. Chest ultrasound is becoming an important tool in diagnosing acute pulmonary edema. Aim: To investigate the relationship between the B profile on ultrasound chest and Spectral tissue Doppler echocardiography (E/e’ ratio) in patients presented with the suspicion of acute pulmonary edema. Methods: This paper reports a prospective observational study of 61 consecutive patients, which was presented with symptoms and signs of pulmonary edema and B - profile detected by echocardiography with a 5 MHz curvilinear probe. Critical care physicians trained in ultrasound examination performed echocardiography and chest ultrasounds. Results: Sixty-one participants were included in the study. Forty-seven of the 61 patients had a B-profile and 14 patients had an A profile. The mean E/e’ level in the patients with B-profile was 20.8, compared with the mean level in the patients with an A-profile of 8.2 (CI = 0.33-0.82). The distribution in the two groups differed significantly (p=0.003). Based on the value of E/e’, the sensitivity and specificity were determined; the sensitivity of B profile on ultrasound was 92% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.812-0.968), and the specificity was 91% (CI =0.623-0.98). The positive predictive value of the B-profile was 97% (CI=0.889-0.996), and the negative predictive value was 71% (CI=0.454-0.883). The systolic function in the subjects with a B-profile was below 50% in 74.3% of the subjects and normal in 25.7% of the subjects. All the subjects with B profile and systolic function > 50% had elevated ProBNP and E/e’ > 15. An A-profile subjects had systolic function > 55%. Conclusions: Detecting the B-profile in lung ultrasound is highly sensitive and specific for elevated left ventricular diastolic pressures regardless of the systolic function of the left ventricle which may help in diagnosing pulmonary edema.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Chun Yue Lee ◽  
Christian Jenssen ◽  
Christoph F Dietrich

The comet tail artefact is probably one of the most commonly and imprecisely used to describe vertical artefacts found in lung ultrasound. Two distinct artefacts are commonly observed: the lung comets and the B-lines. Both artefacts differ with regard to generation mechanism and clinical significance. This review explores the current understanding and use of these two artefacts in lung ultrasound and suggests how to avoid the pitfalls related to confusing comet tail artefacts with other vertical artefacts.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao‐Jun Ye ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
Jia‐Hui Li ◽  
Wen‐Jing Wu ◽  
Ai‐Li Li ◽  
...  

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