Prognostic value of the early lung ultrasound B-line score for postoperative pulmonary insufficiency in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: an observational study

Postoperative pulmonary insufficiency (PPI) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality after thoracic surgery. Lung ultrasound is a reliable tool for assessing respiratory function. We sought to determine the clinical value of the early lung ultrasound B-line score for predicting changes in pulmonary function after thoracic surgery. Eighty-nine patients undergoing elective lung surgery were included in this study. The B-line score was determined 30 min after removal of the endotracheal tube, and the PaO /FiO ratio was recorded 30 min after extubation and on the third postoperative day. Patients were divided into normal (PaO /FiO ≥ 300) and PPI (PaO /FiO