Use of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary oedema in an infant

Anaesth Intensive Care. 2022 Nov;50(6):476-479. doi: 10.1177/0310057X221082675. Epub 2022 Jun 8.

Abstract

This case demonstrates the value of perioperative point-of-care ultrasound for rapid bedside evaluation and treatment of pulmonary oedema in an infant. A nine-week-old male infant undergoing cleft lip repair received significant intravenous fluid resuscitation for intraoperative hypotension. After uneventful extubation, he developed increased work of breathing and a gradual decline in oxygen saturation despite supplemental oxygen by way of a facemask. Lung point-of-care ultrasound revealed confluent B-lines in multiple lung fields, consistent with pulmonary oedema, likely from fluid overload. He was treated with furosemide resulting in clinical improvement within 30 minutes.

Keywords: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS); lung ultrasound; paediatric POCUS; pulmonary oedema.

MeSH terms

  • Furosemide / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Oxygen
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Pulmonary Edema* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Edema* / therapy
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • Furosemide
  • Oxygen