Heart failure (HF) remains a major cause of hospitalization and morbidity/mortality globally. This cohort study, observational, descriptive, analytical, and prospective, with a 1-year follow-up, aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of lung ultrasound by quantifying B-lines in HF patients discharged after clinical stabilization. Lung ultrasound is noted for its ability to detect B-lines, a sensitive marker of pulmonary congestion, even when symptoms are absent.

The study included 108 hospitalized HF patients (88% follow-up), aged ≥ 18 years, with a diagnosis of HF (de novo and chronic), and GFR in stage G3B. Significant congestion was defined as having more than 3 B-lines in at least two bilateral zones. Follow-up involved outpatient appointments to assess clinical evolution and adverse events, including rehospitalization, emergency consultation, and mortality. The results, shown in the Kaplan-Meier curves, indicate a statistically significant difference in event-free proportion for rehospitalization (Log-rank p < 0.001), emergency visit (Log-rank p < 0.001), and mortality (Log-rank p = 0.003) between patients with ≥ 3B-lines and those with fewer than 3 B-lines. The data clearly demonstrate that patients with ≥ 3 B-lines at discharge had a significantly lower event-free survival across all three outcomes at 12 months.

The conclusions state that lung ultrasound identifies subclinical congestion with predictive value in HF patients. Its integration into decongestion protocols is suggested to improve risk stratification and potentially reduce adverse events by guiding therapeutic decisions. Multicenter validation is recommended. 

Loreanna Prada is a Cardiology Resident in Venezuela, recognized for her rigorous and solid clinical training. A Medical Surgeon graduate of the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), she completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at the Military University Hospital "Dr. Carlos Arvelo". She is currently specializing in Cardiology at the Hospital Vargas de Caracas. Her professional experience includes critical fieldwork with Doctors Without Borders and service as a volunteer physician for Caritas Venezuela, reflecting a strong commitment to global health. Within research, she secured third place at the Venezuelan National Cardiology Congress and presented free papers at the Critical Cardiovascular Care Congress 2025 in Mexico City. Dr. Prada brings direct expertise in the application of advanced critical cardiovascular care principles to international forums.