Validation of Noninvasive Remote Dielectric Sensing System to Quantify Lung Fluid Levels

Abstract

Background: The accuracy of the remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) system, which is a noninvasive electromagnetic-based technology to quantify lung fluid levels, particularly among those with small body size, remains uncertain. Methods: Hospitalized patients with and without heart failure underwent assessment of lung fluid levels with ReDS and successive chest computed tomography imaging. We performed a correlation analysis of the ReDS measurement, representing lung fluid levels, and computed tomography-derived high attenuation area percentage, which also provides a spatial quantification of lung fluid level. Results: A total of 46 patients (median 76 years old, 28 men), including 28 patients with heart failure, were included. The median ReDS value was 28% (interquartile: 23%, 33%), and the median percentage of high attenuation area was 21.6% (14.4%, 28.5%). ReDS values and percentage of high attenuation area were moderately correlated (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), irrespective of the existence of heart failure. ReDS value independently predicted the percentage of high attenuation area seen on computed tomography (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ReDS system may be a promising, noninvasive tool to quantify fluid lung levels, as validated by comparison with chest computed tomography imaging. Further studies are warranted to validate the utility and applicability of this technology to a variety of clinical scenarios.