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Ultrasound Int Open 2016; 02(03): E90-E92
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-108343
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Accuracy of Point-of-Care B-Line Lung Ultrasound in Comparison to NT-ProBNP for Screening Acute Heart Failure

E. Glöckner
1   Geriatrics, Klinikum Nuernberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
,
M. Christ
2   Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
,
F. Geier
1   Geriatrics, Klinikum Nuernberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
,
P. Otte
3   Radiology, Klinikum Nuernberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
,
U. Thiem
4   Department of Geriatrics, Marienhospital Herne, University Bochum, Nürnberg, Germany
,
S. Neubauer
1   Geriatrics, Klinikum Nuernberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
,
V. Kohfeldt
1   Geriatrics, Klinikum Nuernberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
,
K. Singler
5   Department of Geriatrics, Klinikum Nuernberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany
6   Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Nürnberg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 21 October 2015
revised 04 March 2016

accepted 21 April 2016

Publication Date:
26 July 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Aim:

The objective of this pilot study was to determine the accuracy of point-of-care B-line lung ultrasound in comparison to NT Pro-BNP for screening acute heart failure.

Materials and Methods:

An 8-zone lung ultrasound was performed by experienced sonographers in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in the ED. AHF was determined as the final diagnosis by 2 independent reviewers.

Results:

Contrary to prior studies, B-line ultrasound in our study was highly specific, but moderately sensitive for identifying patients with AHF. There was a strong association between elevated NT-proBNP levels and an increased number of B-lines.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, point-of-care lung ultrasound is a helpful tool for ruling in or ruling out important differential diagnoses in ED patients with acute dyspnea.

Key words

thorax - chest ultrasound - thoracic ultrasound - emergency care
 

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