Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy for evaluating high-altitude pulmonary edema in canines.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Real-time assessment of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) remains a challenge. Probe-based confocal laser microscopy (pCLE) allows a real-time in vivo visualization of the alveoli. This study aimed to develop a new non-invasive method for analyzing microscopic images in a canine model of HAPE using pCLE.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective, controlled animal study in adult male beagle dogs randomized to control and HAPE groups. The HAPE group was exposed to a high altitude of 6000 m for 48 h. The blood gas levels, lung morphological changes, infectious factors, and lung wet-to-dry ratio were analyzed in different groups. The pCLE images were described based on the volume air index (VAI), which applies an integral over specific signal intensities.

Results

The lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and injury scores in the HAPE group were significantly increased compared with those of the control group. The levels of infectious factors interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 were significantly increased in the HAPE group compared with those in the control group. VAI was significantly decreased in the HAPE group.

Conclusion

pCLE is a potential adjudicative bronchoscopic imaging technique for assessing HAPE. VAI may be acquired from quantitative parameters in the analysis of images.

SUBMITTER: Zhang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10709167 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature