ABC Heart Fail Cardiomyop 2024; 4(1): e20240010

Contribution of Lung Ultrasound and VExUS in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Patients with Heart Failure

Guilherme Heiden Telo , Marina Petersen Saadi , Gustavo Paes Silvano , Anderson Donelli da Silveira , Andreia Biolo

DOI: 10.36660/abchf.20240010i

Abstract

Despite advancements in the treatment of heart failure (HF), accurately assessing and monitoring fluid status and congestion remains a challenge. Traditional methods, including clinical evaluation, biomarker analysis, and imaging techniques, exhibit limitations in their capacity for real-time evaluation and monitoring of venous and pulmonary congestion. Lung ultrasound (LUS) detects B-lines and provides a rapid, sensitive assessment of pulmonary congestion, crucial for both acute and chronic HF management. Venous Excess Ultrasound Score (VExUS) provides a comprehensive assessment of systemic venous congestion by evaluating venous flows in hepatic, portal, and renal veins, alongside the inferior vena cava measurement. This review explores the integration of LUS and VExUS as innovative non-invasive, bedside technologies poised to enhance diagnostic accuracy, predict outcomes, and guide therapeutic decisions, potentially improving patient care. By shedding light on the underlying pathophysiological processes of HF, and offering insights into fluid dynamics, the synergistic application of LUS and VExUS, in conjunction with clinical examination, promises to significantly transform and personalize treatment strategies in both acute and chronic HF scenarios.