scholarly journals A common misunderstanding in lung ultrasound: the comet tail artefact

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Chun Yue Lee ◽  
Christian Jenssen ◽  
Christoph F Dietrich
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Generation Mechanism ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Comet Tail ◽  
B Lines ◽  
Common Misunderstanding

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.

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
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Comet Tail ◽  
Chest Ultrasound ◽  
B Lines

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.

scholarly journals Novel automatic detection of pleura and B-lines (comet-tail artifacts) on in vivo lung ultrasound scans

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramin Moshavegh ◽  
Kristoffer Lindskov Hansen ◽  
Hasse Møller Sørensen ◽  
Martin Christian Hemmsen ◽  
Caroline Ewertsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Automatic Detection ◽  
Comet Tail ◽  
B Lines

scholarly journals POS0842 LUNG ULTRASOUND TO ASSESS THE SEVERITY OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 675.1-675
Author(s):  
C. Bruni ◽  
L. Mattolini ◽  
L. Tofani ◽  
L. Gargani ◽  
N. Landini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Interstitial Lung Disease ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Quantitative Score ◽  
Quantitative Scoring ◽  
B Lines

Background:Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most common complications and one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of ILD and it allows its quantification. Among semi-quantitative methods, Goh et al proposed a semi-quantitative scoring system to visually quantify ILD extent, with categorical cut-off of 20% to distinguish limited and extensive parenchymal involvement with prognostic implications. More recently, the use of radiomics has allowed the objective quantification of ILD through the use of dedicated software, which calculate different parameters of lung density.Given the exposure to ionizing radiation that the procedure entails, other methods of ILD evaluation are being studied, among which lung ultrasound (LUS) identifies the B-lines as a main feature of ILD. So far, different evidences have proposed the use of LUS for the screening of ILD, even in the early phases of the disease and in subclinical lung involvement.Objectives:the aim of this study is to test the role of LUS in quantifying the severity of SSc-ILD, evaluated with both semi-quantitative visual radiological and quantitative radiomic scores.Methods:Adult SSc patients classified according to the ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria patients were assessed with pulmonary function test (PFTs), lung ultrasound and HRCT over 60 days. CT images were analysed qualitatively (by presence/absence of ILD), semi-quantitatively (categorical Goh score <20% vs> 20% of extent and the continuous extent Goh score made from 5 levels’ assessment– 0 to 100%) and quantitatively [with the densitometric radiomic data obtained through the Horos software - Mean lung attenuation (MLA), Standard Deviation (SD), Kurtosis, Skewness and Lung volume (LV)]. LUS was used to quantify the B-lines detected in each patient by scanning a total of 13 intercostal spaces, on both anterior and posterior chest wall.Results:Among 59 SSc patients (81% women, mean age 48±14 years, 45% anti-Scl70 positive), 23 (39%) presented ILD on HRCT, of which 14 limited and 9 extensive. The mean visual semi-quantitative score was 6%, ranging from 0 to 66%. Our data showed a significantly different number of B-Lines in ILD vs non-ILD patients (median 38 vs 9, p <.005), a result which was further confirmed among non-ILD vs ILD> 20% (median 47 vs 9, p=.001) and ILD <20% (median 36 vs 9, p=.001) patients. Conversely, the number of B-lines was not statistically different between patients with ILD <20% and >20% (median 47 vs 36, p=.78). We observed a significant negative correlation between the number of B-lines and FVC (r=-.472, p<.05) TLC (r=-.436, p=.003), DLco (r=-.515, p<.001), DLCO/VA (r=.-306, p=.03). Finally, the number of B-lines showed a statistically significant correlation with the Goh score on 5 levels (r=.437, p=.001), MLA (r=.571, p<.001), kurtosis (r=-.285, p=.028), skewness (r=-.370, p = .004) and LV (r=-.277, p=.033). All data were confirmed analysing anterior and posterior B-Lines separately.Conclusion:Our study confirms that LUS represents a useful tool for the identification of SSc-ILD. In addition, we showed that LUS may be useful also for the quantification of the severity of SSc-ILD, by correlating with PFT parameters, radiomics parameters and visual radiological evaluation. Together with the PFTs, LUS could be used to increase the accuracy of the screening and, potentially, of the follow-up of SSc-ILD patients.Disclosure of Interests:Cosimo Bruni: None declared, Lavinia Mattolini: None declared, Lorenzo Tofani: None declared, Luna Gargani Consultant of: GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and Caption Health, Nicholas Landini: None declared, Gemma Lepri: None declared, Martina Orlandi: None declared, Serena Guiducci: None declared, Silvia Bellando Randone: None declared, Marco Matucci-Cerinic: None declared

scholarly journals Patients in intensive care unit for COVID-19 pneumonia: the lung ultrasound patterns at admission and discharge. An observational pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Persona Paolo ◽  
Valeri Ilaria ◽  
Zarantonello Francesco ◽  
Forin Edoardo ◽  
Sella Nicolò ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Left Hemithorax ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
B Lines

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.

scholarly journals 19 Automated Quantification Of B-Lines in Lung Ultrasound On COVID-19 Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. S9-S10
Author(s):  
C. Baloescu ◽  
A. Chen ◽  
B. Raju ◽  
N. Evans ◽  
C.L. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Automated Quantification ◽  
B Lines

scholarly journals Lung Ultrasound Patterns and Clinical-Laboratory Correlates during COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Retrospective Study from North East Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1288
Author(s):  
Riccardo Senter ◽  
Federico Capone ◽  
Stefano Pasqualin ◽  
Lorenzo Cerruti ◽  
Leonardo Molinari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
North East ◽  
High Flow Oxygen ◽  
B Lines

Background and Aim. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a convenient imaging modality in the setting of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) because it is easily available, can be performed bedside and repeated over time. We herein examined LUS patterns in relation to disease severity and disease stage among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods. We performed a retrospective case series analysis of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were admitted to the hospital because of pneumonia. We recorded history, clinical parameters and medications. LUS was performed and scored in a standardized fashion by experienced operators, with evaluation of up to 12 lung fields, reporting especially on B-lines and consolidations. Results. We included 96 patients, 58.3% men, with a mean age of 65.9 years. Patients with a high-risk quick COVID-19 severity index (qCSI) were older and had worse outcomes, especially for the need for high-flow oxygen. B-lines and consolidations were located mainly in the lower posterior lung fields. LUS patterns for B-lines and consolidations were significantly worse in all lung fields among patients with high versus low qCSI. B-lines and consolidations were worse in the intermediate disease stage, from day 7 to 13 after onset of symptoms. While consolidations correlated more with inflammatory biomarkers, B-lines correlated more with end-organ damage, including extrapulmonary involvement. Conclusions. LUS patterns provide a comprehensive evaluation of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia that correlated with severity and dynamically reflect disease stage. LUS patterns may reflect different pathophysiological processes related to inflammation or tissue damage; consolidations may represent a more specific sign of localized disease, whereas B-lines seem to be also dependent upon generalized illness due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Comparison of lung bedside ultrasound and BNP in the diagnosis of acute heart failure in the emergency department

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-50
Author(s):  
Seyed Hossein Ojaghi Haghighi ◽  
Neda Hamed ◽  
Shiva Ebrahimi ◽  
Jafar Ghobadi ◽  
Hoorolnesa Ameli
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Pulmonary Edema ◽  
Acute Heart Failure ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
P Value ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
Ultrasound Findings ◽  
Medical Advances ◽  
B Lines

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.

FC 104CARDIAC GEOMETRY, FUNCTION, AND REMODELING PATTENRS AND LUNG WATER CONTENT IN PATIENTS UNDER MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS AND PERITONEAL DIALYSIS TREATMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charalampos Loutradis ◽  
Maria Eleni Alexandrou ◽  
Vassilios Sachpekidis ◽  
Christodoulos Papadopoulos ◽  
Vasileios Kamperidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Diastolic Function ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Lung Water ◽  
Lung Water Content ◽  
B Lines

Abstract Background and Aims Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Evidence on the possible echocardiographic differences between patients undergoing different dialysis modalities is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate differences in left (LA) and right atrial (RA) and left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) geometry, systolic and diastolic function, as well as lung water content in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Method A total of 38 hemodialysis and 38 PD patients receiving treatment for ≥3 months, matched in a 1:1 ratio for age, sex and dialysis vintage were included in this study. Lung ultrasound, two-dimensional and tissue-Doppler echocardiography were performed during an interdialytic day in hemodialysis and before a programmed follow-up visit in PD patients. To identify factors possible associated with LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy), we performed univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses in the total population studied. Results No significant differences were evidenced in ultrasound B-lines (4.00 [6.00] vs 3.00 [4.25]; p=0.623) between the two groups. Vena cava diameter (11.09±4.53 vs 14.91±4.30 mm; P&lt;0.001) was significantly lower in hemodialysis patients. Indices of LA, RA, LV and RV dimensions were similar between the two groups. LVMi (116.91 [38.56] vs 122.83 [52.33] g/m2; P=0.767) was similar, but relative wall thickness (RWT) was marginally (0.40 [0.14] vs 0.45 [0.15] cm; P=0.055) lower in hemodialysis patients. LV hypertrophy prevalence, defined as LVMi values &gt;95 or &gt;115 g/m2 for female and male patients, was similar between groups (73.7% vs 71.1%; p=0.798), but relative wall thickness (RWT) was numerically lower (0.40 [0.14] vs 0.45 [0.15] cm; P=0.055) and fractional shortening (29.12±7.07% vs 23.37±8.84%; P=0.003) was significantly higher in patients under hemodialysis compared to those under PD. Hemodialysis patients presented mainly eccentric (normal RWT and increased LVMi), while PD patients presented mainly concentric LVH (increased RWT and increased LVMi). Left atrial (LA), right atrial (RA) and ventricular (RV) echocardiographic indices were again similar between the two study groups. Ventricular systolic function was similar between-groups, except for stroke volume (78.97 [24.24] vs 64.66 [27.35] ml; P=0.030) and cardiac output (5.75 [2.29] vs 4.93 [2.10] L/min; P=0.036) which were higher in hemodialysis. With regards to RV systolic function indices, RV systolic pressure (RVSP) was significantly lower in the hemodialysis compared to the PD group (20.37 [22.54] vs 27.68 [14.32] mmHg; P=0.009). All diastolic function indices were similar between the two groups. Prevalence of mitral valve (MV) regurgitation was significantly lower in the hemodialysis group (10.5% vs 39.5%; p=0.004). According to the results of multivariate linear regression analysis, only male gender (β=20.677, 95%CI: 3.479 to 37.874; P=0.019) and number of US-B lines (β=0.892, 95%CI:0.071 to 1.713; P=0.034) were independently associated with LVMi. Conclusion Hemodialysis and PD patients present similar volume overload, evaluated with lung ultrasound, and no significant differences in echocardiographic indices reflecting cardiac geometry, but different patterns of abnormal LV remodeling was evident in each dialysis modality, with hemodialysis presenting eccentric and PD concentric LVH. These results clearly support that PD is no better than HD with regards to cardiovascular stress, despite the fact that they experience a more stable volume status.

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