Lung ultrasound reclassification of chest X-ray data after pediatric cardiac surgery

MethodsOne hundred and thirty-eight lung ultrasound examinations were performed in 79 children (median age 9.3months) at different time points after surgery. For each hemithorax, 3 areas (anterior/lateral/posterior) have been evaluated in the upper and lower halves of the chest (for a total of 6 scanning sites per side). Pleural effusion, atelectasis, and the number of B-lines were investigated.

IntroductionLung ultrasound is gaining consensus for the diagnosis of some pulmonary conditions. Pulmonary complications are common in pediatric cardiac surgery. However, its use remains limited in this setting. Our aim was to test the feasibility of lung ultrasound following pediatric cardiac surgery and to compare lung ultrasound and chest X-ray findings, assessing whether lung ultrasound may provide additional information.