Results of the implementation of a double-check protocol with point-of-care ultrasound for acute heart failure in the emergency department
ConclusionsThe implementation of a double-check protocol using POCUS, including cardiac, pulmonary, and inferior vena cava assessment in patients diagnosed with Acute Heart Failure, demonstrates a high utility in ensuring accurate diagnosis and proper classification of these patients. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 17, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Impaired cerebral autoregulation detected in early prevasospasm period is associated with unfavorable outcome after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: an observational prospective pilot study
ConclusionsA relatively small delay of ∆TCBFV<1.6  s between CBFV(t) and ABP(t) waves could be an early warning sign associated with unfavorable outcomes in SAH patients. The BRS during boot deflation can be used as a biomarker for the prediction of DCI.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06028906. Registered 31 August 2023 - Retrospectively registered,https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06028906. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - April 15, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Utility of the Venous Excess Ultrasound (VEXUS) score to track dynamic change in volume status in patients undergoing fluid removal during haemodialysis – the ACUVEX study
ConclusionIn patients with ESRF undergoing haemodialysis, the incidence of venous congestion as measured by the VEXUS is low. In patients with elevated VEXUS scores, removal of fluid through haemodialysis improves the venous congestion score. The pattern of LV and RV systolic dysfunction suggests that VEXUS may be a reflection of cardiac failure rather than venous volume status.Trial registrationEthical approval was provided by South Central-Berkshire Research and Ethics Committee and registered on clinicaltrials.org (IRAS305720). Trial registration: ISRCTN14351189 – Retrospectively registered on 30/11/2023. (Source: Cri...
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 27, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Roberto Copetti, MD (1954 –2024)
(Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 26, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Canadian Internal Medicine Ultrasound (CIMUS) consensus statement: recommendations for mandatory ultrasound competencies for ultrasound-guided thoracentesis, paracentesis, and central venous catheterization
ConclusionsThe CIMUS group recommends 28 competencies be considered mandatory and 3 as optional for internal medicine physicians performing POCUS guided thoracentesis, paracentesis, and CVC placement. National curriculum development and implementation efforts should include training these mandatory competencies. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 22, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Lung ultrasound score predicts outcomes in patients with acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 treated with non-invasive respiratory support: a prospective cohort study
ConclusionIn our study, a  ≥ 25 point cut-off of the Lung Ultrasound Score was identified as a good outcome prediction factor for 90-days mortality, ETI and HFNC failure in a COVID-19 ARF patients cohort treated in a RICU. Considering that LUS score is easy to calculate, a multicenter study to confirm our findings shou ld be performed. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 8, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Integrating a self-directed ultrasound curriculum for the internal medicine clerkship
ConclusionsStudents were able to demonstrate adequate image acquisition, use of ultrasound to aid in clinical decision-making, and interpretation of ultrasound pathology with no in-person faculty instruction. Additionally, students reported improved learning of pathophysiology, clinical reasoning, and rapport with patients. The self-directed curriculum required less faculty time than prior descriptions of ultrasound curricula in the clinical years and could be considered at institutions that have limited faculty support. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 5, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Point-of-care ultrasound to inform antiviral treatment initiation in chronic hepatitis B virus infection in low-resource settings – the PUSH protocol
ConclusionUltrasound can facilitate same-day initiation of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV monoinfection in a resource-limited setting and a streamlined protocol-driven liver ultrasound can be feasibly used by front line clinicians managing HBV. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - March 4, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain during weaning from mechanical ventilation using high-flow or conventional oxygen treatment: a pilot study
(Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 27, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Medico-legal risks of point-of-care ultrasound: a closed-case analysis of Canadian Medical Protective Association medico-legal cases
ConclusionsAlthough the most common reason associated with the medico-legal action in these cases is failure to perform POCUS when indicated, inappropriate use of POCUS may lead to medico-legal action. Due to limitations in granularity of data, the exact number of civil-legal, College cases, and hospital complaints for each contributing factor is unavailable. To enhance patient care and mitigate risk for providers, POCUS should be carefully integrated with other clinical information, performed by providers with adequate skill, and carefully documented. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 23, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Ultrasound contrast agent assisted ultrasonography guidance percutaneous nephrostomy for non-hydronephrotic kidney
ConclusionThe use of UCA-assisted US guidance PCN has been shown to be effective in achieving urinary diversion and alleviating associated clinical symptoms in non-hydronephrotic kidneys. In comparison to traditional methods, this approach demonstrates a high success rate and safety profile, while also offering a simplified operative procedure. Consequently, it presents a novel method and concept for managing non-hydronephrotic kidneys afflicted by urine leakage. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 22, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Test characteristics of point-of-care ultrasonography in patients with acute kidney injury
ConclusionWe describe the test characteristics of PoCUS for the detection of hydronephrosis in a cohort of patients with acute kidney injury. The low uptake of this test presents an opportunity for quality improvement work to increase its use for this indication. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 22, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

The usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound in dehydrated patients in a pediatric emergency department
ConclusionsThe “kiss sign” seems to be related to worse hydration state, whereas IVC/Ao and IVC-CI are not. In an emergency setting, where physicians must take diagnostic-therapeutic decisions quickly, the presence of the “kiss sign” in patients suspected to be dehydrated can be a helpful tool in their man agement. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 21, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Thoracic ultrasound use in hospitalized and ambulatory adult patients: a quantitative picture
ConclusionsThis study showed that TUS can identify the most common respiratory pathologic entities encountered in hospitalized and community ambulatory patients, and is especially useful in guiding the decision making process in a diverse group of patients. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 21, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research

Evaluation of point-of-care ultrasound training among healthcare providers: a pilot study
ConclusionThe study confirmed the effectiveness of short POCUS training in improving the skills, knowledge and confidence of medical providers in practice. Healthcare professionals can master POCUS skills and techniques and gain confidence through brief training courses. (Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal)
Source: Critical Ultrasound Journal - February 21, 2024 Category: Radiology Source Type: research