Pulmonary congestion on lung ultrasound in ambulatory patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

Background: Early detection of pulmonary congestion among ambulatory patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is critical to optimize decongestive therapy prior to overt decompensation, yet traditional tools are insensitive.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of B-lines, an ultrasound measure of pulmonary congestion, and their clinical and imaging correlates in patients with HFpEF.

Methods: In a prospective, multi-site observational study, using a pocket ultrasound device, 8-zone lung ultrasound was performed in outpatients with HFpEF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥45% and NYHA class II-IV.