Interventional therapy has become increasingly popular in clinical practice due to advancements in medical technology.However,patients often experience psychological and physiological pressure due to its invasive natu...Interventional therapy has become increasingly popular in clinical practice due to advancements in medical technology.However,patients often experience psychological and physiological pressure due to its invasive nature.The management of patient discomfort and tension is crucial to ensure effective treatment.Psychological and pain management are essential components of interventional therapy,as they significantly impact patient recovery and prognosis.This article discussed the importance of interventional psychological and pain care for patients,starting with the development and spread of interventional therapy.The significance of providing high-quality nursing services to patients and improving their quality of life was also discussed.展开更多
Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)is emerging as an invaluable tool for guiding patient care at the bedside,providing real-time diagnostic information to clinicians.Today,POCUS is recognized as the fifth pillar of b...Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)is emerging as an invaluable tool for guiding patient care at the bedside,providing real-time diagnostic information to clinicians.Today,POCUS is recognized as the fifth pillar of bedside clinical examination,alongside inspection,palpation,percussion,and auscultation.In spite of growing interest,the adoption of diagnostic POCUS in nephrology remains limited,and comprehensive training beyond kidney ultrasound is offered in only a few fellowship programs.Moreover,several misconceptions and barriers surround the integration of POCUS into day-to-day nephrology practice.These include myths about its scope,utility,impact on patient outcomes and legal implications.In this minireview,we address some of these issues to encourage wider and proper utilization of POCUS.展开更多
As healthcare professionals continue to combat the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection worldwide,there is an increasing interest in the role of imaging and the relevance of various modalities.Since imaging not...As healthcare professionals continue to combat the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection worldwide,there is an increasing interest in the role of imaging and the relevance of various modalities.Since imaging not only helps assess the disease at the time of diagnosis but also aids evaluation of response to management,it is critical to examine the role of different modalities currently in use,such as baseline X-rays and computed tomography scans carefully.In this article,we will draw attention to the critical findings for the radiologist.Further,we will look at point of care ultrasound,an increasingly a popular tool in diagnostic medicine,as a component of COVID-19 management.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound has gained widespread use in developing countries due to decreased cost and improved telemedicine capabilities. Ultrasound training, specifi cally image acquisition skills, is occu...BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound has gained widespread use in developing countries due to decreased cost and improved telemedicine capabilities. Ultrasound training, specifi cally image acquisition skills, is occurring with more frequency in non-medical personnel with varying educational levels in these underdeveloped areas. This study evaluates if students without a high school education can be trained to acquire useful FAST images, and to determine if an 8^(th) grade student can teach peers these skills.METHODS: The 8^(th) grade students at a small middle school were divided into two groups. One group received training by a certified medical sonographer, while the other group received training by a peer 8^(th) grade student trainer who had previously received training by the sonographer. After training, each student was independently tested by scanning the four FAST locations. A blinded ultrasound expert evaluated these images and deemed each image adequate or inadequate for clinical use.RESULTS: Eighty video image clips were obtained. The overall image adequacy rate was 74%. The splenorenal window had the highest rate at 95%, followed by retrovesical at 90%, hepatorenal at 75%, and subxiphoid cardiac at 35%. The adequacy rate of the sonographer-trained group was 78%, while the adequacy rate of the student-trained group was 70%. The difference in image adequacy rate between the two groups was not signifi cant(P-value 0.459).CONCLUSION: The majority of 8^(th) graders obtained clinically adequate FAST images after minimal training. Additionally, the student-trained group performed as well as the sonographer-trained group.展开更多
Accurate assessment of the hemodynamic status is vital for appropriate management of patients with critical illness.As such,there has been a constant quest for reliable and non-invasive bedside tools to assess and mon...Accurate assessment of the hemodynamic status is vital for appropriate management of patients with critical illness.As such,there has been a constant quest for reliable and non-invasive bedside tools to assess and monitor circulatory status in order to ensure end-organ perfusion.In the recent past,point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)has emerged as a valuable adjunct to physical examination in various specialties,which basically is a clinician-performed bedside ultrasound to answer focused questions.POCUS allows visualization of the internal anatomy and flow dynamics in real time,guiding apt interventions.While both arterial(forward flow)and venous(organ outflow or afterload)limbs of hemodynamic circuit are important for tissue perfusion,the venous side remains relatively under-explored.With recent data underscoring the deleterious consequences of iatrogenic volume overload,objective evaluation of venous congestion is gaining attention.Bedside Doppler ultrasound serves this purpose and aids in diagnosing and monitoring the congestion/venous blood flow pattern.In this article,we summarize the rationale for integrating this technology into routine care of patients with volume-related disorders,discuss the normal and abnormal waveforms,limitations,and future directions.展开更多
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the utilization of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) for the assessment of emergency department(ED) patients with musculoskeletal symptoms and the impact of musculoskeletal POCUS on medical decis...BACKGROUND: To evaluate the utilization of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) for the assessment of emergency department(ED) patients with musculoskeletal symptoms and the impact of musculoskeletal POCUS on medical decision-making and patient management in the ED.METHODS: This was a retrospective review of ED patients presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms who received a POCUS over a 3.5-year period. An ED POCUS database was reviewed for musculoskeletal POCUS examinations used for medical decision-making. Electronic medical records were then reviewed for demographic characteristics, history, physical examination findings, ED course, additional imaging studies, and impact of musculoskeletal POCUS on patient management in ED. RESULTS: A total of 264 subjects(92 females, 172 males) and 292 musculoskeletal POCUS examinations were included in the fi nal analysis. Most common symptomatic sites were knee(31.8%) and ankle(16.3%). Joint effusion was the most common fi nding on musculoskeletal POCUS, noted in 33.7% of the patients, and subcutaneous edema/cobblestoning was found in 10.2% of the patients. Muscle or tendon rupture was found in 2.3% of the patients, and 1.9% of the patients had joint dislocation. Bursitis or bursa fluid was found in 3.4% of patients, and tendonitis/tendinopathy was found in 2.3%. Twenty percent of them were ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal procedures, and most of them(73.3%) were arthrocentesis. Of the included studies, all except three either changed or helped guide patient management as documented in the patients' medical records.CONCLUSION: Our study fi ndings illustrate the utility of POCUS in the evaluation of a variety of musculoskeletal pathologies in the ED.展开更多
Dear editor,Radial artery pseudoaneurysm from arterial wall disruption is an extremely rare complication of arterial cannulation.Most prior case reports describe this complication occurring from continuous blood press...Dear editor,Radial artery pseudoaneurysm from arterial wall disruption is an extremely rare complication of arterial cannulation.Most prior case reports describe this complication occurring from continuous blood pressure monitoring or serial blood-gas analysis requiring extended cannulation.The increasing use of radial artery access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)introduces another susceptible patient population.[1–4]We report a case of a 57-year-old female with right radial artery pseudoaneurysm,diagnosed by bedside ultrasound(US)in the emergency department(ED)five days after transradial cardiac catheterization.展开更多
AIM: To study the manifestations of perihepatic lymph nodes during the episode of acute hepatitis flare by point-of-care ultrasonography.METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six patients with an episode of acute hepatitis...AIM: To study the manifestations of perihepatic lymph nodes during the episode of acute hepatitis flare by point-of-care ultrasonography.METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six patients with an episode of acute hepatitis flare(ALT value > 5 × upper normal limit) were enrolled retrospectively. Diagnosis of etiology of the acute hepatitis flare was based on chart records and serological and virological assays. The patients were categorized into two groups(viral origin and non-viral origin) and further defined into ten subgroups according to the etiologies. An ultrasonograpy was performed within 2 h to 72 h(median, 8 h). The maximum size of each noticeable lymph node was measured. Correlation between clinical parameters and nodal manifestations was analyzed RESULTS: Enlarged lymph nodes(width ≥ 5mm)were noticeable in 110(62.5%) patients, mostly in acute on chronic hepatitis B(54.5%). The viral group had a higher prevalence rate(89/110 = 80.9%) and larger nodal size(median, 7 mm) than those of the non-viral group(21/66 = 31.8%; median, 0 mm)(P < 0.001 for both). Meanwhile, there were significant differences in the nodal size between acute and chronic viral groups(P < 0.01), and between acute hepatitis A and non-hepatitis A viral groups(P < 0.001). In logistical regression analysis, the nodal width still showed strong significance in multivariate analysis(P < 0.0001) to stratify the two groups. The area under the curve of ROC was 0.805, with a sensitivity of 80.9%, a specificity of 68.2%, positive predictive value of 80.92%, negative predictive value of 68.18%, and an accuracy of 76.14%. CONCLUSION: Point-of-care ultrasonography to detect perihepatic nodal change is valuable for clarifying the etiologies in an episode of acute hepatitis flare.展开更多
The indications of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) in the management of multiple trauma patients have been expanding. Although computed tomography(CT) scan of the orbit remains the gold standard for imaging orbital tr...The indications of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) in the management of multiple trauma patients have been expanding. Although computed tomography(CT) scan of the orbit remains the gold standard for imaging orbital trauma, ultrasound is a quick, safe, and portable tool that can be performed bedside. Here we report two patients who had severe eye injuries with major visual impairment where surgeon-performed POCUS was very useful. One had a foreign body injury while the other had blunt trauma. POCUS was done using a linear probe under sterile conditions with minimum pressure on the eyes. Ultrasound showed a foreign body at the back of the left eye globe touching the eye globe in the first patient, and was normal in the second patient. Workup using CT scan, fundsocopy, optical coherence tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits confirmed these findings. The first patient had vitreous and sub retinal haemorrhage and a full thickness macular hole of the left eye, while the second had traumatic optic neuropathy. POCUS gave accurate information concerning severe eye injuries. Trauma surgeons and emergency physicians should be trained in performing ocular ultrasound for eye injuries.展开更多
Onco-Nephrology is an emerging subspecialty of Nephrology that focuses on a broad spectrum of renal disorders that can arise in patients with cancer.It encompasses acute kidney injury(AKI),complex fluid,electrolyte,an...Onco-Nephrology is an emerging subspecialty of Nephrology that focuses on a broad spectrum of renal disorders that can arise in patients with cancer.It encompasses acute kidney injury(AKI),complex fluid,electrolyte,and acid-base disorders,as well as chronic kidney disease caused or exacerbated by cancer and/or its treatment.In many such scenarios including AKI and hyponatremia,objective evaluation of hemodynamics is vital for appropriate management.Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)is a limited ultrasound exam performed at the bedside and interpreted by the treating physician intended to answer focused clinical questions and guide therapy.Compared to conventional physical examination,POCUS offers substantially higher diagnostic accuracy for various structural and hemodynamic derangements.In this narrative review,we provide an overview of the utility of POCUS enhanced physical examination for the Onconephrologist supported by the current evidence and our experience-based opinion.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The current standard for con? rmation of correct supra-diaphragmatic central venous catheter(CVC) placement is with plain ? lm chest radiography(CXR). We hypothesized that a simple point-of-care ultrasound...BACKGROUND: The current standard for con? rmation of correct supra-diaphragmatic central venous catheter(CVC) placement is with plain ? lm chest radiography(CXR). We hypothesized that a simple point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) protocol could effectively con? rm placement and reduce time to con? rmation.METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a convenience sample of patients in the emergency department and intensive care unit who required CVC placement. Correct positioning was considered if turbulent flow was visualized in the right atrium on sub-xiphoid, parasternal or apical cardiac ultrasound after injecting 5 cc of sterile, non-agitated, normal saline through the CVC.RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were enrolled. POCUS had a sensitivity of 86.8%(95%CI 77.1%–93.5%) and speci? city of 100%(95%CI 15.8%–100.0%) for identifying correct central venous catheter placement. Median POCUS and CXR completion were 16 minutes(IQR 10–29) and 32 minutes(IQR 19–45), respectively.CONCLUSION: Ultrasound may be an effective tool to confirm central venous catheter placement in instances where there is a delay in obtaining a con? rmatory CXR.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the time to overall length of stay(LOS) for patients who underwent point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) versus radiology department ultrasound(RDUS).METHODS: This was a prospective st...BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the time to overall length of stay(LOS) for patients who underwent point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) versus radiology department ultrasound(RDUS).METHODS: This was a prospective study on a convenience sample of patients who required pelvic ultrasound imaging as part of their emergency department(ED) assessment.RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 194 patients who were on average 32 years-old. Ninety-eight(51%) patients were pregnant(<20 weeks). Time to completion of RDUS was 66 minutes longer than POCUS(95%CI 60–73, P<0.01). Patients randomized to the RDUS arm experienced a 120 minute longer ED length of stay(LOS)(95%CI 66–173, P<0.01)CONCLUSION: In patients who require pelvic ultrasound as part of their diagnostic evaluation, POCUS resulted in a signifi cant decrease in time to ultrasound and ED LOS.展开更多
One of the most exciting developments to come to the aid of the critically ill patient in recent years is not new at all, but rather has been repackaged and evolved to a level where point-of-care use by critical care ...One of the most exciting developments to come to the aid of the critically ill patient in recent years is not new at all, but rather has been repackaged and evolved to a level where point-of-care use by critical care physicians has been made possible. Critical care or point-of-care ultrasound dates back more than twenty years, but has come to prominence in the last 5 years and is spreading quickly. Multiple critical care societies have taken up ultrasound policy and training and one organization has been formed that concentrates only on point-of-care ultrasound in critical settings and interventions. The amount of literature generated on the topic is increasing rapidly and hardly a major clinical journal exists that has not published ultrasound related topics.展开更多
As a diagnostic aid in emergency services,ultrasound has expanded considerably in recent years.Among its applications,ocular ultrasonography allows for a better evaluation of patients with ophthalmological emergencies...As a diagnostic aid in emergency services,ultrasound has expanded considerably in recent years.Among its applications,ocular ultrasonography allows for a better evaluation of patients with ophthalmological emergencies.In addition,it provides a simple and easy technique to obtain clinical information that may not be easily accessible either through the clinical examination or by using the ophthalmoscope.Ocular ultrasonography can help to diagnose hemorrhage and retinal detachment and/or vitreous,eye infections,foreign bodies,retrobulbar hematomas,papilledema,and eye trauma.By measuring the diameter of the optic nerve sheath,intracranial hypertension could be screened.This article reviewed the approach to eye exam by ultrasound and common ophthalmic pathologies diagnosed with ultrasound in the emergency department.展开更多
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has stretched our healthcare system to the brink,highlighting the importance of efficient resource utilization without compromising healthcare provider safety.While advan...The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has stretched our healthcare system to the brink,highlighting the importance of efficient resource utilization without compromising healthcare provider safety.While advanced imaging is a great resource for diagnostic purposes,the risk of contamination and infection transmission is high and requires extensive logistical planning for intrahospital patient transport,healthcare provider safety,and post-imaging decontamination.This dilemma has necessitated the transition to more bedside imaging.More so than ever,during the current pandemic,the clinical utility and importance of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS)cannot be overstressed.It allows for safe and efficient beside procedural guidance and provides front line providers with valuable diagnostic information that can be acted upon in real-time for immediate clinical decision-making.The authors have been routinely using POCUS for the management of COVID-19 patients both in the emergency department and in intensive care units turned into“COVID-units.”In this article,we review the nuances of using POCUS in a pandemic situation and maximizing diagnostic output from this bedside technology.Additionally,we review various methods and diagnostic uses of POCUS which can replace conventional imaging and bridge current literature and common clinical practices in critically ill patients.We discuss practical guidance and pertinent review of the literature for the most relevant procedural and diagnostic guidance of respiratory illness,hemodynamic decompensation,renal failure,and gastrointestinal disorders experienced by many patients admitted to COVID-units.展开更多
Emergency physicians are often the first providersto encounter patients with complications in earlypregnancy. Point-of-care (POC) pelvic ultrasound isbeing increasingly used in the evaluation of emergencydepartment ...Emergency physicians are often the first providersto encounter patients with complications in earlypregnancy. Point-of-care (POC) pelvic ultrasound isbeing increasingly used in the evaluation of emergencydepartment (ED) patients with first trimester symptoms.[1]While the initial aim of POC ultrasound in this settingis to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, a secondarygoal is to differentiate between a normal and abnormalpregnancy. There exist a number of sonographic featuresto suggest a pregnancy is non-viable.展开更多
The application of bedside ultrasonography in routine clinical practice has dramatically evolved over the last few decades and will likely continue to grow as technological advances lead to enhanced portability and af...The application of bedside ultrasonography in routine clinical practice has dramatically evolved over the last few decades and will likely continue to grow as technological advances lead to enhanced portability and affordability of the equipment. Despite mounting interest, most nephrology fellowship training programs do not offer formal training in renal ultrasonography and there is inertia among practicing nephrologists to adopt this skill as a practice-changing advancement. Lack of familiarity with the topic is considered a key reason for this inertia. Understanding of basic ultrasound physics, instrumentation, principles of optimal image acquisition and interpretation is critical for enhanced efficiency and patient safety while using this tool. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the basic principles of diagnostic renal ultrasonography as well as introduction to common sonographic pathologies encountered in day-to-day nephrology practice with illustrative images.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Timely identifi cation of high blood lactate levels in septic patients may allow faster detection of those patients requiring immediate resuscitation. Point-of-care(POC) testing is being increasingly utili...BACKGROUND: Timely identifi cation of high blood lactate levels in septic patients may allow faster detection of those patients requiring immediate resuscitation. Point-of-care(POC) testing is being increasingly utilized in the emergency department(ED). We examined the accuracy and timesaving effect of a handheld POC lactate device for the measurement of fingertip and whole blood lactate as compared with reference laboratory blood testing in septic ED patients.METHODS: A convenience sample of adult ED patients receiving serum lactate testing were enrolled prospectively in the ED of a multidisciplinary tertiary care hospital serving the population of one of the major cities of Pakistan. Participants underwent fi ngertip POC lactate measurement with a portable device and simultaneous whole blood sampling for analysis by both the POC lactate device and standard laboratory method. Lactate measurements were compared by intraclass correlation(ICC) and Bland and Altman plots.RESULTS: Forty-three septic patients were included in the study. The fingertip POC & whole blood POC lactate measurements each correlated tightly with the reference method(ICC=0.93 & ICC=0.92, respectively). Similarly at 6 hours, the fingertip POC & whole blood POC lactate measurements demonstrated satisfactory correlation with the reference method(ICC=0.95 & ICC=0.97, respectively).CONCLUSION: Fingertip POC lactate measurement is an accurate method to determine lactate levels in septic ED patients.KEY WORDS: Sepsis; Point of care; Lactate; Emergency department;展开更多
Emergency physicians are required to care for unstable patients with life-threatening conditions, and thus must make decisions that are both quick and precise about unclear clinical situations. There is increasing con...Emergency physicians are required to care for unstable patients with life-threatening conditions, and thus must make decisions that are both quick and precise about unclear clinical situations. There is increasing consensus in favor of using ultrasound as a real-time bedside clinical tool for clinicians in emergency settings alongside the irreplaceable use of historical and physical examinations. B-mode sonography is an old technology that was first proposed for medical applications more than 50 years ago. Its application in the diagnosis of thoracic diseases has always been considered limited, due to the presence of air in the lung and the presence of the bones of the thoracic cage, which prevent the progression of the ultrasound beam. However, the close relationship between air and water in the lungs causes a variety of artifacts on ultrasounds. At the bedside, thoracic ultrasound is based primarily on the analysis of these artifacts, with the aim of improving accuracy and safety in the diagnosis and therapy of the various varieties of pulmonary pathologic diseases which are predominantly "water-rich" or "air-rich". The indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, and techniques of thoracic ultrasound and its related procedures are analyzed in the present review.展开更多
文摘Interventional therapy has become increasingly popular in clinical practice due to advancements in medical technology.However,patients often experience psychological and physiological pressure due to its invasive nature.The management of patient discomfort and tension is crucial to ensure effective treatment.Psychological and pain management are essential components of interventional therapy,as they significantly impact patient recovery and prognosis.This article discussed the importance of interventional psychological and pain care for patients,starting with the development and spread of interventional therapy.The significance of providing high-quality nursing services to patients and improving their quality of life was also discussed.
文摘Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)is emerging as an invaluable tool for guiding patient care at the bedside,providing real-time diagnostic information to clinicians.Today,POCUS is recognized as the fifth pillar of bedside clinical examination,alongside inspection,palpation,percussion,and auscultation.In spite of growing interest,the adoption of diagnostic POCUS in nephrology remains limited,and comprehensive training beyond kidney ultrasound is offered in only a few fellowship programs.Moreover,several misconceptions and barriers surround the integration of POCUS into day-to-day nephrology practice.These include myths about its scope,utility,impact on patient outcomes and legal implications.In this minireview,we address some of these issues to encourage wider and proper utilization of POCUS.
文摘As healthcare professionals continue to combat the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection worldwide,there is an increasing interest in the role of imaging and the relevance of various modalities.Since imaging not only helps assess the disease at the time of diagnosis but also aids evaluation of response to management,it is critical to examine the role of different modalities currently in use,such as baseline X-rays and computed tomography scans carefully.In this article,we will draw attention to the critical findings for the radiologist.Further,we will look at point of care ultrasound,an increasingly a popular tool in diagnostic medicine,as a component of COVID-19 management.
文摘BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound has gained widespread use in developing countries due to decreased cost and improved telemedicine capabilities. Ultrasound training, specifi cally image acquisition skills, is occurring with more frequency in non-medical personnel with varying educational levels in these underdeveloped areas. This study evaluates if students without a high school education can be trained to acquire useful FAST images, and to determine if an 8^(th) grade student can teach peers these skills.METHODS: The 8^(th) grade students at a small middle school were divided into two groups. One group received training by a certified medical sonographer, while the other group received training by a peer 8^(th) grade student trainer who had previously received training by the sonographer. After training, each student was independently tested by scanning the four FAST locations. A blinded ultrasound expert evaluated these images and deemed each image adequate or inadequate for clinical use.RESULTS: Eighty video image clips were obtained. The overall image adequacy rate was 74%. The splenorenal window had the highest rate at 95%, followed by retrovesical at 90%, hepatorenal at 75%, and subxiphoid cardiac at 35%. The adequacy rate of the sonographer-trained group was 78%, while the adequacy rate of the student-trained group was 70%. The difference in image adequacy rate between the two groups was not signifi cant(P-value 0.459).CONCLUSION: The majority of 8^(th) graders obtained clinically adequate FAST images after minimal training. Additionally, the student-trained group performed as well as the sonographer-trained group.
文摘Accurate assessment of the hemodynamic status is vital for appropriate management of patients with critical illness.As such,there has been a constant quest for reliable and non-invasive bedside tools to assess and monitor circulatory status in order to ensure end-organ perfusion.In the recent past,point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)has emerged as a valuable adjunct to physical examination in various specialties,which basically is a clinician-performed bedside ultrasound to answer focused questions.POCUS allows visualization of the internal anatomy and flow dynamics in real time,guiding apt interventions.While both arterial(forward flow)and venous(organ outflow or afterload)limbs of hemodynamic circuit are important for tissue perfusion,the venous side remains relatively under-explored.With recent data underscoring the deleterious consequences of iatrogenic volume overload,objective evaluation of venous congestion is gaining attention.Bedside Doppler ultrasound serves this purpose and aids in diagnosing and monitoring the congestion/venous blood flow pattern.In this article,we summarize the rationale for integrating this technology into routine care of patients with volume-related disorders,discuss the normal and abnormal waveforms,limitations,and future directions.
文摘BACKGROUND: To evaluate the utilization of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) for the assessment of emergency department(ED) patients with musculoskeletal symptoms and the impact of musculoskeletal POCUS on medical decision-making and patient management in the ED.METHODS: This was a retrospective review of ED patients presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms who received a POCUS over a 3.5-year period. An ED POCUS database was reviewed for musculoskeletal POCUS examinations used for medical decision-making. Electronic medical records were then reviewed for demographic characteristics, history, physical examination findings, ED course, additional imaging studies, and impact of musculoskeletal POCUS on patient management in ED. RESULTS: A total of 264 subjects(92 females, 172 males) and 292 musculoskeletal POCUS examinations were included in the fi nal analysis. Most common symptomatic sites were knee(31.8%) and ankle(16.3%). Joint effusion was the most common fi nding on musculoskeletal POCUS, noted in 33.7% of the patients, and subcutaneous edema/cobblestoning was found in 10.2% of the patients. Muscle or tendon rupture was found in 2.3% of the patients, and 1.9% of the patients had joint dislocation. Bursitis or bursa fluid was found in 3.4% of patients, and tendonitis/tendinopathy was found in 2.3%. Twenty percent of them were ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal procedures, and most of them(73.3%) were arthrocentesis. Of the included studies, all except three either changed or helped guide patient management as documented in the patients' medical records.CONCLUSION: Our study fi ndings illustrate the utility of POCUS in the evaluation of a variety of musculoskeletal pathologies in the ED.
文摘Dear editor,Radial artery pseudoaneurysm from arterial wall disruption is an extremely rare complication of arterial cannulation.Most prior case reports describe this complication occurring from continuous blood pressure monitoring or serial blood-gas analysis requiring extended cannulation.The increasing use of radial artery access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)introduces another susceptible patient population.[1–4]We report a case of a 57-year-old female with right radial artery pseudoaneurysm,diagnosed by bedside ultrasound(US)in the emergency department(ED)five days after transradial cardiac catheterization.
文摘AIM: To study the manifestations of perihepatic lymph nodes during the episode of acute hepatitis flare by point-of-care ultrasonography.METHODS: One hundred and seventy-six patients with an episode of acute hepatitis flare(ALT value > 5 × upper normal limit) were enrolled retrospectively. Diagnosis of etiology of the acute hepatitis flare was based on chart records and serological and virological assays. The patients were categorized into two groups(viral origin and non-viral origin) and further defined into ten subgroups according to the etiologies. An ultrasonograpy was performed within 2 h to 72 h(median, 8 h). The maximum size of each noticeable lymph node was measured. Correlation between clinical parameters and nodal manifestations was analyzed RESULTS: Enlarged lymph nodes(width ≥ 5mm)were noticeable in 110(62.5%) patients, mostly in acute on chronic hepatitis B(54.5%). The viral group had a higher prevalence rate(89/110 = 80.9%) and larger nodal size(median, 7 mm) than those of the non-viral group(21/66 = 31.8%; median, 0 mm)(P < 0.001 for both). Meanwhile, there were significant differences in the nodal size between acute and chronic viral groups(P < 0.01), and between acute hepatitis A and non-hepatitis A viral groups(P < 0.001). In logistical regression analysis, the nodal width still showed strong significance in multivariate analysis(P < 0.0001) to stratify the two groups. The area under the curve of ROC was 0.805, with a sensitivity of 80.9%, a specificity of 68.2%, positive predictive value of 80.92%, negative predictive value of 68.18%, and an accuracy of 76.14%. CONCLUSION: Point-of-care ultrasonography to detect perihepatic nodal change is valuable for clarifying the etiologies in an episode of acute hepatitis flare.
文摘The indications of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) in the management of multiple trauma patients have been expanding. Although computed tomography(CT) scan of the orbit remains the gold standard for imaging orbital trauma, ultrasound is a quick, safe, and portable tool that can be performed bedside. Here we report two patients who had severe eye injuries with major visual impairment where surgeon-performed POCUS was very useful. One had a foreign body injury while the other had blunt trauma. POCUS was done using a linear probe under sterile conditions with minimum pressure on the eyes. Ultrasound showed a foreign body at the back of the left eye globe touching the eye globe in the first patient, and was normal in the second patient. Workup using CT scan, fundsocopy, optical coherence tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits confirmed these findings. The first patient had vitreous and sub retinal haemorrhage and a full thickness macular hole of the left eye, while the second had traumatic optic neuropathy. POCUS gave accurate information concerning severe eye injuries. Trauma surgeons and emergency physicians should be trained in performing ocular ultrasound for eye injuries.
文摘Onco-Nephrology is an emerging subspecialty of Nephrology that focuses on a broad spectrum of renal disorders that can arise in patients with cancer.It encompasses acute kidney injury(AKI),complex fluid,electrolyte,and acid-base disorders,as well as chronic kidney disease caused or exacerbated by cancer and/or its treatment.In many such scenarios including AKI and hyponatremia,objective evaluation of hemodynamics is vital for appropriate management.Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)is a limited ultrasound exam performed at the bedside and interpreted by the treating physician intended to answer focused clinical questions and guide therapy.Compared to conventional physical examination,POCUS offers substantially higher diagnostic accuracy for various structural and hemodynamic derangements.In this narrative review,we provide an overview of the utility of POCUS enhanced physical examination for the Onconephrologist supported by the current evidence and our experience-based opinion.
文摘BACKGROUND: The current standard for con? rmation of correct supra-diaphragmatic central venous catheter(CVC) placement is with plain ? lm chest radiography(CXR). We hypothesized that a simple point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) protocol could effectively con? rm placement and reduce time to con? rmation.METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a convenience sample of patients in the emergency department and intensive care unit who required CVC placement. Correct positioning was considered if turbulent flow was visualized in the right atrium on sub-xiphoid, parasternal or apical cardiac ultrasound after injecting 5 cc of sterile, non-agitated, normal saline through the CVC.RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were enrolled. POCUS had a sensitivity of 86.8%(95%CI 77.1%–93.5%) and speci? city of 100%(95%CI 15.8%–100.0%) for identifying correct central venous catheter placement. Median POCUS and CXR completion were 16 minutes(IQR 10–29) and 32 minutes(IQR 19–45), respectively.CONCLUSION: Ultrasound may be an effective tool to confirm central venous catheter placement in instances where there is a delay in obtaining a con? rmatory CXR.
文摘BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the time to overall length of stay(LOS) for patients who underwent point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS) versus radiology department ultrasound(RDUS).METHODS: This was a prospective study on a convenience sample of patients who required pelvic ultrasound imaging as part of their emergency department(ED) assessment.RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 194 patients who were on average 32 years-old. Ninety-eight(51%) patients were pregnant(<20 weeks). Time to completion of RDUS was 66 minutes longer than POCUS(95%CI 60–73, P<0.01). Patients randomized to the RDUS arm experienced a 120 minute longer ED length of stay(LOS)(95%CI 66–173, P<0.01)CONCLUSION: In patients who require pelvic ultrasound as part of their diagnostic evaluation, POCUS resulted in a signifi cant decrease in time to ultrasound and ED LOS.
文摘One of the most exciting developments to come to the aid of the critically ill patient in recent years is not new at all, but rather has been repackaged and evolved to a level where point-of-care use by critical care physicians has been made possible. Critical care or point-of-care ultrasound dates back more than twenty years, but has come to prominence in the last 5 years and is spreading quickly. Multiple critical care societies have taken up ultrasound policy and training and one organization has been formed that concentrates only on point-of-care ultrasound in critical settings and interventions. The amount of literature generated on the topic is increasing rapidly and hardly a major clinical journal exists that has not published ultrasound related topics.
文摘As a diagnostic aid in emergency services,ultrasound has expanded considerably in recent years.Among its applications,ocular ultrasonography allows for a better evaluation of patients with ophthalmological emergencies.In addition,it provides a simple and easy technique to obtain clinical information that may not be easily accessible either through the clinical examination or by using the ophthalmoscope.Ocular ultrasonography can help to diagnose hemorrhage and retinal detachment and/or vitreous,eye infections,foreign bodies,retrobulbar hematomas,papilledema,and eye trauma.By measuring the diameter of the optic nerve sheath,intracranial hypertension could be screened.This article reviewed the approach to eye exam by ultrasound and common ophthalmic pathologies diagnosed with ultrasound in the emergency department.
文摘The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has stretched our healthcare system to the brink,highlighting the importance of efficient resource utilization without compromising healthcare provider safety.While advanced imaging is a great resource for diagnostic purposes,the risk of contamination and infection transmission is high and requires extensive logistical planning for intrahospital patient transport,healthcare provider safety,and post-imaging decontamination.This dilemma has necessitated the transition to more bedside imaging.More so than ever,during the current pandemic,the clinical utility and importance of point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS)cannot be overstressed.It allows for safe and efficient beside procedural guidance and provides front line providers with valuable diagnostic information that can be acted upon in real-time for immediate clinical decision-making.The authors have been routinely using POCUS for the management of COVID-19 patients both in the emergency department and in intensive care units turned into“COVID-units.”In this article,we review the nuances of using POCUS in a pandemic situation and maximizing diagnostic output from this bedside technology.Additionally,we review various methods and diagnostic uses of POCUS which can replace conventional imaging and bridge current literature and common clinical practices in critically ill patients.We discuss practical guidance and pertinent review of the literature for the most relevant procedural and diagnostic guidance of respiratory illness,hemodynamic decompensation,renal failure,and gastrointestinal disorders experienced by many patients admitted to COVID-units.
文摘Emergency physicians are often the first providersto encounter patients with complications in earlypregnancy. Point-of-care (POC) pelvic ultrasound isbeing increasingly used in the evaluation of emergencydepartment (ED) patients with first trimester symptoms.[1]While the initial aim of POC ultrasound in this settingis to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, a secondarygoal is to differentiate between a normal and abnormalpregnancy. There exist a number of sonographic featuresto suggest a pregnancy is non-viable.
文摘The application of bedside ultrasonography in routine clinical practice has dramatically evolved over the last few decades and will likely continue to grow as technological advances lead to enhanced portability and affordability of the equipment. Despite mounting interest, most nephrology fellowship training programs do not offer formal training in renal ultrasonography and there is inertia among practicing nephrologists to adopt this skill as a practice-changing advancement. Lack of familiarity with the topic is considered a key reason for this inertia. Understanding of basic ultrasound physics, instrumentation, principles of optimal image acquisition and interpretation is critical for enhanced efficiency and patient safety while using this tool. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the basic principles of diagnostic renal ultrasonography as well as introduction to common sonographic pathologies encountered in day-to-day nephrology practice with illustrative images.
文摘BACKGROUND: Timely identifi cation of high blood lactate levels in septic patients may allow faster detection of those patients requiring immediate resuscitation. Point-of-care(POC) testing is being increasingly utilized in the emergency department(ED). We examined the accuracy and timesaving effect of a handheld POC lactate device for the measurement of fingertip and whole blood lactate as compared with reference laboratory blood testing in septic ED patients.METHODS: A convenience sample of adult ED patients receiving serum lactate testing were enrolled prospectively in the ED of a multidisciplinary tertiary care hospital serving the population of one of the major cities of Pakistan. Participants underwent fi ngertip POC lactate measurement with a portable device and simultaneous whole blood sampling for analysis by both the POC lactate device and standard laboratory method. Lactate measurements were compared by intraclass correlation(ICC) and Bland and Altman plots.RESULTS: Forty-three septic patients were included in the study. The fingertip POC & whole blood POC lactate measurements each correlated tightly with the reference method(ICC=0.93 & ICC=0.92, respectively). Similarly at 6 hours, the fingertip POC & whole blood POC lactate measurements demonstrated satisfactory correlation with the reference method(ICC=0.95 & ICC=0.97, respectively).CONCLUSION: Fingertip POC lactate measurement is an accurate method to determine lactate levels in septic ED patients.KEY WORDS: Sepsis; Point of care; Lactate; Emergency department;
文摘Emergency physicians are required to care for unstable patients with life-threatening conditions, and thus must make decisions that are both quick and precise about unclear clinical situations. There is increasing consensus in favor of using ultrasound as a real-time bedside clinical tool for clinicians in emergency settings alongside the irreplaceable use of historical and physical examinations. B-mode sonography is an old technology that was first proposed for medical applications more than 50 years ago. Its application in the diagnosis of thoracic diseases has always been considered limited, due to the presence of air in the lung and the presence of the bones of the thoracic cage, which prevent the progression of the ultrasound beam. However, the close relationship between air and water in the lungs causes a variety of artifacts on ultrasounds. At the bedside, thoracic ultrasound is based primarily on the analysis of these artifacts, with the aim of improving accuracy and safety in the diagnosis and therapy of the various varieties of pulmonary pathologic diseases which are predominantly "water-rich" or "air-rich". The indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, and techniques of thoracic ultrasound and its related procedures are analyzed in the present review.