Tamponade, IVC vs. Aorta, and UFO! In this episode, we discuss a rule out test for cardiac tamponade using IVC distensibility, compare the IVC to the aorta, and discuss a strange new finding that we named the Lava Lamp sign! Tune in to listen to the discussion between Dr Robert Arntfield, Dr Marc-André Blier, Dr Bader Alshehry, and Dr Mathilde Gaudreau-Simard. For [...]
Role of POCUS DVT studies in different specialties, humbling moment in POCUS, renal TEE! We have another great episode for you guys! Today we discuss the role of DVT studies in different medical specialties. We then move on to discuss a humbling moment in point-of-care echocardiography which highlights the different roles of POCUS on the one hand and comprehensive cardiac echocardiography on [...]
Role of Point of care TEE for prosthetic valves, pleural effusion or ascites and the pulsatility index in transcranial doppler In this episode, we start by taking you through our take on the role of point of care TEE for prosthetic valves. We then discuss a case where looking beyond the pleura was important in identifying large volume ascites causing restriction of [...]
Surprising finding in the liver, atelectasis vs pneumonia, and introducing left atrial pressure! In this episode, we start by discussing the incidental finding of hyperechoic spots in the liver, which we conclude to represent air in the portal system in this patient in septic shock. Then, we move on to the lung with the age old debate of atelectasis vs pneumonia. Finally, we touch [...]
Welcome to WesternSono's newest project, the Ultrasound Podcast! Join us in our conversations around interesting cases and emerging topics in point of care ultrasound. To all those point of care ultrasound enthusiasts out there, tune in and pick up a few pearls! The diaphragm, lung sliding and that stenotic mitral valve! Our first episode takes you through the importance of the [...]
Our previous Critical Care Ultrasound Fellow, Marko Balan MD FRCPC, who is now an intensivist at Dartmouth General Hospital has put together a comprehensive, point-of-care resource containing a wealth of advanced critical care ultrasound material. You will find in it extensive coverage of quantitative techniques that can be used for the assessment of the critically ill. Topics include: hemodynamic assessment, diastology, valvular assessment, pericardial assessment, [...]
This is a 58yo F with ESRD with a history of known infective endocarditis of her AV for which she had previously completed a prolonged course of IV antibiotics. She was admitted to the ICU for worsening dyspnea. The POCUS team performed cardiac exam with some of the most striking clips shown below. What do you think? What complication of her endocarditis is shown and how would you grade its severity?
This was a case of an 80 yo M, previously healthy, with no known significant previous medical history. He presented to the ED with acute decreased level of consciousness. The leading concern was acute spontaneous ICH. He was intubated and taken for a CT Head which surprisingly was completely normal. He was subsequently transferred to the ICU with the diagnosis of altered LOC NYD. A POCUS study was performed, and several cardiac clips are shown below. What do you think? Does this give a potential clue to what could be going on?
This is 65 yo M who presented with acute hypotension, hypoxia, and worsening AKI in the setting of known severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to a previous PE (CTEPH). He was admitted to the ICU for consideration of CRRT and IV flolan. A few days into his admission, the team asked for a POCUS cardiac assessment to reassess the status of his RV. Have a look the images below. Specifically, what do you think about the tricuspid regurgitation and estimated RVSP?
This is a 74yo F with a past medical history significant for ESRD and severe PVD who was transferred to the ICU overnight with presumed septic shock thought to be related to left foot osteomyelitis. She had presented to the ED with refractory hypotension and altered LOC necessitating intubation and high dose vasopressors. The POCUS team went to do a focused cardiac exam, primarily to see if there was a cardiogenic component to his shock. The following TTE images were taken and the decision was made to perform a point-of-care TEE. What do you think is going on?
