Ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter pre- and post-lumbar puncture
ConclusionsIn this study of ambulatory patients undergoing rapid decreases in ICP via elective LP, we detected no acute changes in ultrasonographic measurement of the ONSD. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - May 12, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in the intensive care unit: prevalence of mechanical complications
ConclusionsReal-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis performed by intensivists is a safe procedure and leads to a significant improvement in oxygenation rates. Future studies are required to determine the impact of these results on other outcomes, such as mortality, ICU stay, and days of mechanical ventilation. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 25, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Sonographic exploration for fascial exploration (SEFE) in necrotizing fasciitis: a case report
ConclusionWe suggest an US protocol to help identify optimal areas for fascial exploration —sonographic exploration for fascial exploration (SEFE). (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 21, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Ultrasound-guided insertion of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in intensive care: description of the technique
AbstractIntra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IAoBC) is a mechanical circulatory support device that has been used for more than 50 years, mainly for cardiogenic shock. Although its effect on mortality is controversial, IAoBC is still used in a wide variety of pre- and postoperative clinical settings in cardiac surgery centers. IAoBC has a complication rate of approximately 30%, mostly associated with problems during insertion and malpositioning. Thus, an insertion technique based on the use of ultrasound at the patient’s bedside in the intensive care unit (ICU) is proposed. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 20, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
The effectiveness of a longitudinal ultrasound curriculum for general pediatricians working in a Puerto Rican emergency department: a pilot study
ConclusionsIn EDs with limited resources, a longitudinal PoCUS educational curriculum is effective in improving the knowledge and comfort of physicians with limited PoCUS experience. The effectiveness of scheduled, repeated courses to refresh and refocus participants was highlighted following the unexpected challenges encountered during the course, including multiple natural disasters. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 20, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Rationale for using the velocity –time integral and the minute distance for assessing the stroke volume and cardiac output in point-of-care settings
ConclusionThe VTI and minute distance are simple, feasible and reproducible measurements to serially track the SV and CO and thus their high value in the hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients in point-of-care settings. In addition, the LVOT VTI is able to predict outcomes in selected populations. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 20, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Sonographic signs and patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia
AbstractThe pandemic of COVID-19 is seriously challenging the medical organization in many parts of the world. This novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2 has a specific tropism for the low respiratory airways, but causes severe pneumonia in a low percentage of patients. However, the rapid spread of the infection during this pandemic is causing the need to hospitalize a high number of patients. Pneumonia in COVID-19 has peculiar features and can be studied by lung ultrasound in the early approach to suspected patients. The sonographic signs are non-specific when considered alone, but observation of some aspects of vertical artifact...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 20, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Barriers to learning and using point-of-care ultrasound: a survey of practicing internists in six North American institutions
ConclusionsThis survey confirms the perceived importance of POCUS to practicing internists. To assist in closing faculty development gap, interventions should address training, supervision, quality assurance processes, availability of handheld devices, as well as dedicated time to perform POCUS during clinical care. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 18, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Tablet vs. station-based laptop ultrasound devices increases internal medicine resident point-of-care ultrasound performance: a prospective cohort study
ConclusionsA combined program infrastructure of station-based laptop and “in-the-pocket” tablet ultrasound devices lowered common POCUS barriers of inadequate time and workflow disruption for IM residents and resulted in a meaningful increase of exams within a longitudinal residency-based training program where station-based laptop devices already existed. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 15, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Quantifying systemic congestion with Point-Of-Care ultrasound: development of the venous excess ultrasound grading system
ConclusionsThe combination of multiple POCUS markers may identify clinically significant venous congestion. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 8, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
A case of intrathyroid parathyroid tumor that was difficult to diagnose by ultrasonography
ConclusionWe experienced an IPA presenting an US image that was atypical and has previously not been reported. IPA has no established US image to confirm the diagnosis and even with the use of other imaging techniques, a definitive diagnosis often cannot be established. Thus, our recommendation based on the current situation is that operation with intraoperative diagnosis using frozen section should be conducted if hypercalcemia and high I-PTH are observed and when localization sites in MIBI and US coincide. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 2, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Unanticipated critical findings on echocardiography in septic patients
ConclusionsUnanticipated critical findings on echocardiograms in septic ICU patients are uncommon. The potential therapeutic relevance of echocardiography to sepsis is more likely related to hemodynamic management than to traditional cardiac diagnoses. Research studies that employ blinded echocardiograms in septic patients may anticipate unblinding for critical findings approximately 1 in every 20 echocardiograms. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 1, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Point-of-care ultrasound in resource-limited settings: the PURLS fellowship
ConclusionOur curriculum design is one approach to create context-specific POCUS education for use in RLS, thereby improving patient care. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 19, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Mechanical ventilation weaning issues can be counted on the fingers of just one hand: part 1
AbstractAlthough mechanical ventilation may be a patient ’s vital ally during acute illness, it can quickly transform into an enemy during chronic conditions. The weaning process is the fundamental phase that enables the resumption of physiological respiratory function; however, it is also associated with a number of life-threatening complications, and a large percentage of critically ill patients never achieve airway device removal or require the resumption of mechanical ventilation just a few days post-weaning. Indeed, the weaning process is, at present, more of an art than a science. As such, there is urgent need for ...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 12, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Mechanical ventilation weaning issues can be counted on the fingers of just one hand: part 2
AbstractAssessing heart and diaphragm function constitutes only one of the steps to consider along the weaning path. In this second part of the review, we will deal with the more systematic evaluation of the pulmonary parenchyma —often implicated in the genesis of respiratory failure. We will also consider the other possible causes of weaning failure that lie beyond the cardio-pulmonary-diaphragmatic system. Finally, we will take a moment to consider the remaining unsolved problems arising from mechanical ventilation and describe the so-called protective approach to parenchyma and diaphragm ventilation. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 12, 2020 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
