Comparison Study between Chest Ultrasonography and High Resolution CT in Diagnosis and Assessment of Interstitial Lung Diseases

Abstract

Background: Chest high-resolution computed tomography [HRCT] is considered the "gold" standard for radiological diagnosis of interstitial lung disease [ILD]. However, it is not available in all health care facilities and its high cost is a limitation for its wide use. Ultrasound could provide a suitable alternative. Aim of the work: To detect the role of transthoracic lung ultrasonography [LUS] in diagnosis and assessment of ILD and to correlate it with HRCT as a gold-standard diagnostic modality. Methods: This included fifty patients who were admitted with clinical features suggestive of ILD. All were clinically evaluated [by full history and physical examination], submitted to pulmonary functions, arterial blood gases, lung ultrasound and HRCT. Results: The total sum of B-lines was 72.64 ± 39.45 and the total positive chest areas [> 3 B-lines] 6.47 ± 2.35. The most common ultrasound finding was thick pleural line. Finally, there was positive [proportional], moderate, significant correlation between Warrick's score [HRCT] and B-lines distance [LUS]. However, Warrick score correlated negatively with each of six-minute walk test, partial arterial oxygen tension and forced vital capacity. Conclusions: Lung ultrasound as a diagnostic modality for ILD reveled that, it is a useful tool, as there was good correlation between LUS and HRCT. LUS is cheap, accessible and radiation-free diagnostic tool. It could play a stand alone or a complementary role in the diagnosis and monitoring of ILD.