Abstract
Introduction: Volumetric 3D/4D analysis allows visualization of the pulmonary parenchyma. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the pulmonary structure from a 3D/4D perspective is widely performed to provide reliable reproducible scientific measurements. Over time technology advances, concerns grow and this lung in B mode which provided a large amount ultrasonographic information by indirect signs is history. Why remain in the Era of Pulmonary Artefacts? Why not go on to the Era of Objective Visualization?
Material and Pacients: In the study we included 31 patients admitted to the intensive care unit with pulmonary lesions who underwent B mode pulmonary ultrasonographic followed by volumetric ultrasonographic studies using a high resolution Esaote Mylab Alpha with a convex volumetric transducer. We compared the pathological findings in B mode with those in 3D/4D. Nineteen patients were diagnosed with pulmonary condensation, 10 with respiratory distress and 2 with pleural effusion.
Results: In 12 patients we visualized pulmonary B lines and congestive pulmonary changes; expresssion of an interstitial syndrome when conventional B mode ultrasonography did not provide a pathological diagnosis The type of aerial bronchogram was visualized in 9 patients and in 3 patients a diaphragmatic lesion was ruled out on visualization of cupula integrity.
Conclusions: The predictive and diagnostic value of 3D/4D pulmonary ultrasonography is greater than that provided by indirect signs of conventional B mode ultrasonography. Indeed, 3D/4D pulmonary ultrasonography showed the pulmonary parenchyma even under aerial and normal conditions.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015