Objectives: Sonographic artifacts known as B-lines can been used to estimate alterations of lung parenchyma. Multiple B-lines on sonography are seen in congestive heart disease, interstitial lung disease, respiratory infections, and neonates. The aim of this study was to compare the amount of B-lines on sonography to the extent of parenchymal changes on computed tomography (CT) in children.
Methods: Lung sonography was performed on 60 patients aged 18 years and younger referred for chest CT at our institution. B-lines were counted from 5 anterolateral intercostal spaces bilaterally. The CT findings were documented and graded as absent, minimal, partial, or complete.
Results: The number of B-lines on sonography increased consistently with the growing extent of parenchymal changes on CT. The differences in the B-line counts between the patients grouped according to the extent of parenchymal changes on CT were statistically significant except between patients with minimal and no changes (P < .01 Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey tests).
Conclusions: The number of B-lines on sonography correlates with the extent of parenchymal changes on CT. Various parenchymal changes were seen in patients with B-lines on sonography. B-lines were more frequently seen in patients with no changes on CT when imaged during general anesthesia.
Keywords: B-lines; computed tomography; lung sonography; pediatric ultrasound; pediatrics.