Lung rockets, also known as B-lines, are a critical ultrasound finding in critical care, indicative of interstitial edema or fluid in the lungs. These vertical, hyperechoic artifacts originate from the pleural line and extend to the bottom of the screen, moving synchronously with lung sliding. Their presence suggests conditions like pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or interstitial lung disease, guiding rapid diagnosis and management in emergency and intensive care settings.
Identifying lung rockets through bedside ultrasound is invaluable for real-time assessment of patient respiratory status, aiding in fluid management and differentiating causes of dyspnea. This non-invasive technique optimizes critical care interventions, minimizing the need for more invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes in various medical and surgical scenarios.