Lung Ultrasound Findings

Definition and Diagnostic Criteria

A lung region is considered positive for interstitial syndrome when three or more B lines are detected in a longitudinal plane between two ribs, according to the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 1, 2
B lines are the characteristic ultrasound sign of interstitial lung syndrome, as stated by the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 1
The presence of B lines confirms that the visceral pleura is in contact with the parietal pleura, excluding pneumothorax at that point, as noted by the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 3

The ideal ultrasound technique consists of exploring eight thoracic regions (four per hemithorax), as recommended by the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 1, 4
The areas to be evaluated include: anterior superior, anterior inferior, lateral superior, and lateral inferior zones of each hemithorax, according to the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 4
This protocol is considered the standard for complete evaluation of interstitial syndrome, as stated by the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 4

Quantification of B lines allows for evaluation of the severity of pulmonary congestion in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema, as noted by the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 6, 7
Monitoring of B lines is useful for monitoring response to treatment in heart failure, according to the Intensive Care Medicine guidelines 8