Validation of Noninvasive Remote Dielectric Sensing System to Quantify Lung Fluid Levels

Background: The accuracy of the remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) system, which is a noninvasive electromagnetic-based technology to quantify lung fluid levels, particularly among those with small body size, remains uncertain. Methods: Hospitalized patients with and without heart failure underwent assessment of lung fluid levels with ReDS and successive chest computed tomography imaging. We performed a correlation analysis of the ReDS measurement, representing lung fluid levels, and computed tomography-derived high attenuation area percentage, which also provides a spatial quantification of lung fluid level. Results: A total of 46 patients (median 76 years old, 28 men), including 28 patients with heart failure, were included. The median ReDS value was 28% (interquartile: 23%, 33%), and the median percentage of high attenuation area was 21.6% (14.4%, 28.5%). ReDS values and percentage of high attenuation area were moderately correlated (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), irrespective of the existence of heart failure. ReDS value independently predicted the percentage of high attenuation area seen on computed tomography (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ReDS system may be a promising, noninvasive tool to quantify fluid lung levels, as validated by comparison with chest computed tomography imaging. Further studies are warranted to validate the utility and applicability of this technology to a variety of clinical scenarios.

Automated summary

The remote dielectric sensing (ReDS) system may be a promising noninvasive tool to quantify lung fluid levels. ReDS values were moderately correlated with the percentage of high attenuation area on computed tomography, and independently predicted the percentage of high attenuation area.