Can absence of cardiac activity on point-of-care echocardiography predict death in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? A systematic review and meta-analysis
ConclusionsThe absence of cardiac motion on PCE for MCA predicts higher likelihood of death but does not have sufficient accuracy to be used as a stand-alone tool to terminate resuscitation. In TCA, the absence of cardiac activity is associated with 100% mortality rate, but low number of patients requires further studies to validate this finding. Future work would benefit from a standardized protocol for PCE timing and agreement on cardiac activity definition. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 20, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Point-of-Care Ultrasound training in undergraduate education in the European Union: current situation and perspectives
ConclusionAlthough the lack of teaching hours in curricula suggests that most PoCUS courses are introductory in nature and that medical students are possibly not trained to become autonomous in clinical practice, evaluating the feasibility and impact of PoCUS teaching on clinical practice should be promoted. The medical schools that intend to develop this curriculum should be encouraged to implement validated tools to objectively assess their programs and students ’ performances. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 13, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Lung ultrasound and supine chest X-ray use in modern adult intensive care: mapping 30 years of advancement (1993–2023)
AbstractIn critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure, thoracic images are essential for evaluating the nature, extent and progression of the disease, and for clinical management decisions. For this purpose, computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard. However, transporting patients to the radiology suite and exposure to ionized radiation limit its use. Furthermore, a CT scan is a static diagnostic exam for the thorax, not allowing, for example, appreciation of"lung sliding". Its use is also unsuitable when it is necessary to adapt or decide to modify mechanical ventilation parameters at the bedside...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 12, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Assessment of quadriceps muscle mass by ultrasound in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery
ConclusionsPatients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery evaluated by ultrasound exhibit both quantitative and qualitative changes in quadriceps muscle mass. A significant reduction in muscle mass is observed but this is not associated with unfavorable outcomes. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 12, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Comparing contamination rates of sterile-covered and uncovered transducers for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines
ConclusionContamination rates were similar among the UCT and SCT groups after LLD. 254 inpatient USPIVs are performed monthly, not including failed attempts or covers used in the ED where USPIV placement is an essential part of ED workflow. This study suggests that the use of SCT does not significantly affect transducer contamination rates. These findings question burdensome regulatory hospital policies that are not evidence-based. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 7, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Change in economy of ultrasound probe motion among general medicine trainees
ConclusionsWe detected improved ultrasound probe motion economy among internal medicine trainees during a 5-day training course in cardiac POCUS using an inexpensive probe tracking device. Objectively quantifying probe motion economy may help assess a trainee ’s level of proficiency in this skill and individualize their POCUS training. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - January 30, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
The role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging in clinical outcomes during cardiac arrest: a systematic review
ConclusionPOCUS has the potential to provide valuable information on the management of cardiac arrest patients; however, it should not be used as the sole predictor for the termination of resuscitation efforts. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - January 24, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Advancement in pleura effusion diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of point-of-care ultrasound versus radiographic thoracic imaging
ConclusionPOCUS as an imaging modality has higher diagnostic accuracy than CXR in detecting pleural effusion. Moreover, the accuracy is still high even when performed by physicians with less POCUS training. Therefore, we suggest it is considered a first-line imaging tool for diagnosing pleural effusion at the patients ’ bedside. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - January 23, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Correction: Utility of ultrasound in managing acute medical conditions in space: a scoping review
(Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - January 11, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Replacement of fluoroscopy by ultrasonography in the evaluation of hemidiaphragm function, an exploratory prospective study
ConclusionUltrasonography has an acceptable correlation and bias compared to fluoroscopy and can thus be used as the primary tool to evaluate diaphragm excursion. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - January 8, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Utility of ultrasound in managing acute medical conditions in space: a scoping review
ConclusionsWhile ultrasound has shown promise in addressing various acute conditions, significant knowledge gaps remain, especially in gastrointestinal, cardiac, vascular, and reproductive emergencies. As we venture further into space, expanding our medical expertise becomes vital to ensure astronaut safety and mission success. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - December 12, 2023 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Additional predictive value of optic nerve sheath diameter for neurological prognosis after cardiac arrest: a prospective cohort study
ConclusionsONSD on days 1 –3 after cardiac arrest holds potential to add to neurological outcome prediction.Trialregistration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04084054. Registered 10 September 2019,https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04084054. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - December 8, 2023 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement for the paediatric patient with an acute deterioration in consciousness
AbstractOcular Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) is emerging as a valuable utility within emergency medicine. Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been demonstrated to correlate closely with intracranial pressure (ICP) and an elevated measurement can detect raised ICP readily, where fundoscopy may not, owing to both technical challenges and insufficient clinical skills. A previously fit and well 10-year-old girl presented to the paediatric emergency department with worsening headache, fever and lethargy. On examination, her left pupil was large, and not reactive to light. Initially, her GCS was 15 but suddenly dropped to ...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - December 4, 2023 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Correction: A survey demonstrating that the procedural experience of residents in internal medicine, critical care and emergency medicine is poor: training in ultrasound is required to rectify this
(Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - November 23, 2023 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
Correction: Feasibility of using a handheld ultrasound device to detect and characterize shunt and deep vein thrombosis in patients with COVID-19: an observational study
(Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - November 23, 2023 Category: Radiology Source Type: research
