Lung ultrasound artifacts in a case of P. Jirovecii pneumonia : Coexistence of A and B lines

Abstract

This article presents lung ultrasound findings in a proven case of P. Jirovecii pneumonia. Ultrasound-based diagnoses of lung pathology are largely based on the patterns of artifacts encountered. The expected finding in an interstitial pneumonia is a B profile (multiple B lines). The original description of B lines stated that they should erase A lines, thus A and B lines where tought as being mutually exclusive. This case is a clear example of interstitial syndrome presenting with both A and B lines on lung ultrasound. It suggests that the absence of A lines should not be a formal criterion for the identification of B-lines.