A B-lines ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate lung parenchyma and assess for interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary edema.
This non-invasive procedure involves using an ultrasound machine and a high-frequency transducer to generate real-time images of the lungs. B-lines appear as vertical hyperechoic artifacts originating from the pleural line and extending into the lung parenchyma. They represent thickened or fluid-filled interlobular septa and are typically seen in conditions such as pulmonary edema and interstitial lung diseases.
By counting and assessing the distribution of B-lines, ultrasound can provide valuable information about lung congestion and the severity of interstitial lung involvement. B-lines ultrasound is a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with respiratory symptoms, aiding in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of various lung disorders. It offers a non-radiating, bedside imaging modality that can assist healthcare professionals in making timely clinical decisions and optimizing patient care.