• Adrian Wong, Antoine Vieillard-Baron, and Malbrain Manu L N G MLNG Department Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Brussel (UZB), Jette. F.
• Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK.
• Curr Opin Crit Care. 2019 Dec 1; 25 (6): 613-621.

Purpose Of ReviewThe use of bedside or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in medical emergencies is rapidly becoming more established as an effective acute diagnostic tool. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the various techniques currently used that are readily available, as well as several in development. Possible caveats are also addressed.Recent FindingsDespite its widespread use, definitive studies demonstrating improved patient outcomes are limited. The list of indications for POCUS nonetheless is increasing as practitioners acknowledge clinical benefits, and technological advancement improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of use.SummaryWe believe that a core level of POCUS should be achievable by practicing clinicians. Ultimately, the integration of POCUS findings into a patient management strategy must be holistic, and hence requires prudent consideration of the clinical scenario.

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