Takashi Ota

AIM

We devised a simple experimental model that generated the vertical hyperechoic artifacts “B-line-like artifacts” and evaluated the influence of machine settings on the configuration.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

There is no consensus concerning the optimum settings of ultrasound machines to visualize B-lines properly in lung ultrasound.

We devised a simple experimental model that generated the vertical hyperechoic artifacts “B-line-like artifacts” and evaluated the influence of machine settings on the configuration.

METHODS

The examination was performed using two different ultrasound machines with linear and convex probes. A glass microscope slide 1 mm in thickness were placed perpendicularly on the footprints with thin layer of ultrasound gel.

The thickness of the slide was made parallel to the scan direction.

At first, a B-line-like artifact was visualized with baseline settings.

Next, the focal zone was moved from the shallowest level to deeper ones.

Spatial compound imaging was turned on. The morphological changes in the B-line-like artifact were observed during these processes.

RESULTS

As the focal zone was moved to deeper levels, the B-line-like artifact became wider.

When the linear probe was used with spatial compound imaging enabled, the single B-line-like artifact changed to three lines radiating from the same point.

When the convex probe was used with spatial compound imaging enabled, these individual lines appeared to overlap each other.

CONCLUSION

The motionless stable B-line-like artifact was easily generated by the simple experimental model with one of glass microscopic plates, which are obtainable in each hospital.

The artifact tells us effects of ultrasound machine settings on the configuration.

The model can easily depict the small morphological changes.

It may help clarify effects of ultrasound machine settings on the morphology of B-lines in lung ultrasound.