Mitral valve velocity time integral and passive leg raise as a measure of volume responsiveness
ConclusionMitral valve velocity time integral in conjunction with passive leg raise seem to correlate with volume responsiveness in hemodialysis patients. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - December 2, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Diagnostic performance of abdominal point of care ultrasound performed by an emergency physician in acute right iliac fossa pain
ConclusionBedsides, ultrasound allows an accurate diagnosis of a surgical pathology in 89% of cases, which is more efficient than the clinical-laboratory examination. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - November 23, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Strain analysis for the identification of hypertensive cardiac end-organ damage in the emergency department
We present a case demonstrating the use of emergency physician performed point-of-care strain echocardiography to identify and quantify LV mechanical dysfunction during a hypertensive crisis and to monitor improvement over 6  h. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - November 19, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Transient systolic anterior motion with junctional rhythm after mitral valve repair in the intensive care unit
We present a case of transient SAM after MVR with abrupt deterioration due to junctional rhythm in the intensive care unit (ICU). TEE revealed that conversion from normal sinus rhythm into junctional rhythm induced the exacerbation of SAM. TEE was useful for identifying the etiology of unstable hemodynamics after cardiac surgery in the ICU, similar to its use in the operating room. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - November 12, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Which ultrasound transducer type is best for diagnosing pneumothorax?
ConclusionsThere was no difference in diagnostic performance of the three transducers. Based on image quality, the linear-array transducer might be preferred for (prehospital) lung ultrasonography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - October 22, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Ultrasound-guided thoracostomy site identification in healthy volunteers
ConclusionsThe ability to accurately locate the correct intercostal space for thoracostomy incision was improved under ultrasound guidance. Further studies are warranted to determine if this ultrasound-guided technique will decrease complications with chest tube insertion and improve patient outcomes. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - October 15, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction in the emergency department: really at reach for minimally trained sonologists? A call for a wise approach to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction diagnosis in the ER
(Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - October 8, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Is point-of-care ultrasound disruptive innovation? Formulating why POCUS is different from conventional comprehensive ultrasound
AbstractBackgroundPoint-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is spreading throughout Emergency Medicine, Critical Care and Pre-hospital Care. However, there is an underlying inherited conflict with the established specialties performing comprehensive examinations. It has been stated that PoCUS is disruptive innovation. If this is true the definition might open up for a new perspective on differentiating comprehensive ultrasound from PoCUS. PoCUS in the light of disruptive innovation is a different perspective on ultrasound that has not before been academically scrutinized.MethodsIn this paper we investigate if PoCUS is in fact disru...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - October 1, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Combined lung and brain ultrasonography for an individualized “brain-protective ventilation strategy” in neurocritical care patients with challenging ventilation needs
AbstractWhen intracranial hypertension and severe lung damage coexist in the same clinical scenario, their management poses a difficult challenge, especially as concerns mechanical ventilation management. The needs of combined lung and brain protection from secondary damage may conflict, as ventilation strategies commonly used in patients with ARDS are potentially associated with an increased risk of intracranial hypertension. In particular, the use of positive end-expiratory pressure, recruitment maneuvers, prone positioning, and protective lung ventilation can have undesirable effects on cerebral physiology: they may pos...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - September 17, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Pre-hospital lung ultrasound for cardiac heart failure and COPD: is it worthwhile?
ConclusionsPre-hospital lung ultrasound is easy and feasible, and learning curve is rapid. Our study suggests that cardiac heart failure and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be considered two indications for pre-hospital ultrasound, and can improve the management of patient with acute respiratory insufficiency. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - September 10, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Lung ultrasound training: a systematic review of published literature in clinical lung ultrasound training
ConclusionAll educational methods proved increased theoretical and practical knowledge obtained at the ultrasound courses, but the included studies were substantial heterogeneous in setup, learning-, and assessment methods, and outcome measures. On behalf of current published studies, it was not possible to construct clear guidelines for the future education and certification in clinical lung ultrasound, but the use of different hands-on training facilities tends to contribute to different aspects of the learning process. This systematic review proves a lack of learning studies within this content, and research with valida...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - September 3, 2018 Category: Radiology Source Type: research