Lung ultrasound for the early diagnosis of acute lung injury: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND The extensive availability of ultrasound (US) technology has increased its use for point-of-care applications in many health care settings. During anaesthesia and surgery, acute respiratory failure or pulmonary oedema are common life-threatening events that, if not recognized and treated appropriately, result in a high mortality rate. CASE SUMMARY We report a patient under anaesthesia whose lung US examination showed multiple vertical artefacts (B-lines) in the lung tissue, indicating pulmonary oedema. The respiratory state improved with the resolution of the pulmonary oedema after our treatment. CONCLUSION We believe that US of the lungs may be a useful tool for dynamic respiratory monitoring at the bedside during anaesthesia.