Exploring the Conditions of Atelectasis in General Anesthesia Patients at Different Time Nodes and Different Chest Areas by Ultrasound Images

Objective: To find a more convenient and effective method for monitoring the conditions and changes of atelectasis, the Lung Ultrasound (LUS) scores of general anesthesia patients at different time nodes and different chest areas were evaluated under ultrasound images to determine the conditions of atelectasis of the patients. Methods: Patients who underwent general anesthesia were included as research objects. After general anesthesia, LUS was performed on 12 different chest areas of patients respectively on 1 day preoperatively (T1), 30 minutes (min) after extubation of general anesthesia (T2), 24 hours (h) postoperatively (T3), and 48 h postoperatively (T4). The LUS scores were recorded and compared. Results: Among the lung ultrasound images of the classic case, at T1, the patient was in normal lung ventilation; at T2, the pleural line of patient was intermittently irregular, indicating a decrease in lung ventilation; at T3, a small consolidation plaque was seen under the pleural line; at T4, the consolidation continued to develop, and the decrease in lung ventilation was aggravated. The total scores of T2 were significantly higher than those of T1 (P < 0.05), while the total scores of T2, T3, and T4 were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The LUS scores of all chest areas at T2, T3, and T4 were significantly higher than those at T1 (P < 0.05), in which the increase in the LUS scores of lower left lateral area, left Posterolateral Alveolar and/or Pleural Syndrome (PLAPS) area, lower left posterior area, lower right lateral area, right PLAPS area, and lower right posterior area were particularly significant. Conclusion: The lung ultrasound images of general anesthesia patients suggested the onset of atelectasis, which could last up to 24 h postoperatively. The most severe areas of atelectasis included the lower lateral areas, the PLAPS areas, and the lower posterior areas.