View Abstract

A2381 - Sonographic Assessment of Pulmonary Edema Using B-Line Scores During Incremental Ascent to Altitude
Author Block: R. Lim1, I. Ma1, C. Nysten2, T. Brutseart3, T. Day4; 1Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, 3Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States, 4Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Introduction: High altitude pulmonary edema is the most common cause of altitude related deaths. Lung sonography is a relatively novel concept that is used for detecting pulmonary edema through the identification of B-lines. We sought out to determine the incidence of subclinical edema among healthy trekkers in Nepal Himalaya. Methods: Twenty healthy trekkers were recruited. Sonographic examinations for B-lines and relevant clinical measures were taken at incremental altitudes between 2300m and 5300m over a ten-day period. Statistical analysis was carried out to identify associations between physiologic parameters and B-lines. Results: B-lines were identified in twelve subjects, although only to a mild extent (1- 6 B-lines per exam). One subject developed HAPE which was associated with an increase in the number of B-lines. The presence of B-lines correlated with altitude, oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin concentrations. Conclusion: Portable lung sonography is a feasible tool for identifying subclinical pulmonary edema as well as high-altitude pulmonary edema. The significance of subclinical pulmonary edema at high altitude is not known but may herald impending high-altitude pulmonary edema if preventative measures such as delayed ascent are not taken. Further studies should determine the prognosis of subclinical pulmonary edema as well as the potential application of lung sonography to prevent clinical worsening from altitude illnesses.