Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
-
Focused cardiac ultrasonography is performed by clinicians at the bedside and is used in time-sensitive scenarios to evaluate a patient's cardiovascular status when comprehensive echocardiography is not immediately available. This simplified cardiac ultrasonography is often performed by noncardiologists using small, portable devices to augment the physical examination, triage patients, and direct management in both critical care and outpatient settings. ⋯ In this review, we examine some of the challenges with rapid uptake of this technique and explore the benefits and potential risk of focused cardiac ultrasonography. We propose possible mechanisms for cross-specialty collaboration, quality improvement, and oversight.
-
Case Reports
Usefulness of Ultrasound in Evaluating the Diaphragm in Neonates and Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias.
This report describes the evaluations of 2 patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernias using ultrasound (US). Identifying the size of the diaphragmatic defect is important when determining the type of surgical repair required. ⋯ In case 2, (Morgagni-Larrey hernia), US revealed the left side of a retrosternal diaphragmatic hernia sac; therefore, thoracoscopic repair from the left thorax was performed. Ultrasound was useful for detecting the location and defect size of the diaphragmatic hernia and determining optimal surgical management.