The temptation when seeing hyperdynamic LV function is to provide IV fluid which may be a precarious one

The differential for hyperdynamic LV function is broad, including deranged metabolic states, infectious states, inflammatory states, and hypovolemia. Liberally providing IV fluids for hyperdynamic hearts may not correct some of these states and may drive iatrogenic volume overload which can carry a range of complications including lung injury, impaired mobility, and organ dysfunction. Combining the clinical picture, IVC status and lung profile should be combined with determination of hyperdynamic LV function to facilitate decision-making with regards to IV fluids and beyond.

Bilateral B-line lung pattern has a large differential

Other than cardiogenic pulmonary edema, bilateral B-line pattern can be compatible with pneumonia, ARDS, interstitial lung disease and other conditions. Assessments of the pleural line, pulmonary parenchyma (including presence or absence of C-pattern), distribution of B-lines, cardiac status, and – of course – clinical status can help narrow down the etiology.

Cardiac output calculations provide more accurate assessments of systemic perfusion

While more challenging to acquire accurately, cardiac output calculations incorporating LVOT diameter, HR, and LVOT VTI assessments take out complicating factors such as mitral regurgitation which can skew LVEF.

Dynamic air bronchograms are not terribly sensitive

Other lung ultrasound findings, such as absence of A-lines, hepatization, and ill-defined margins are some of the other of findings that can help support a diagnosis of pneumonia over atelectasis.

Typically loculations and septations are searched for to help diagnose complicated pleural effusions

Other signs are supportive as well, such as plankton sign (swirling debris in the pleural fluid that appear with respiratory motion). As well, complicated fluid may not always be anechoic but can be hyperechoic as well. Another useful finding is the hematocrit sign (demonstrating settling of fluid with increased echogenicity at the dependent area of the effusion where coagulated cells and other debris gather as a result of gravity)

Increased heart rates can make the inexperienced ultrasonographer overestimate LV function

Slowing down the video clip during image interpretation can reveal underlying sluggish hearts. When slowing down the video clip, subjective assessments in addition to endocardial wall excursion, endocardial thickening and EPSS should be applied.

Quality of parasternal views in any given patient is inversely proportional to quality of subcostal views

Based on the natural axis of how the heart sits in the thoracic cavity, often if easy parasternal views are obtainable, the heart is sitting in a more superior and transverse orientation. This may mean that subcostal views will be more challenging in the same patient. The same goes for more inferior, longitudinally positioned hearts. Some patients of course have a panel of beautiful views but this “law” does help the junior ultrasonographer with trusting the skill development process.

Rather than adjusting the gain, dropping the dynamic range often provides better contrast of anechoic cavities with hyperechoic cardiac tissue

As well, rather than just adjusting the depth, modulating the sector width to encompass the heart but not entrap it can also help appraise relevant pathology at hand. Also sometimes hearts can be cut off axis which can over- or under-estimate cavitary size – rotating, tilting, and rocking movements as appropriate can help obtain a more comprehensive set of views after which the most accurate picture can be selected.

The literature for IVC assessment and its relationship to volume responsiveness and overall volume status is scarce and limited

It is especially fraught with peril to use IVC assessments in the spontaneously breathing patients to help make these decisions. Perhaps one applicable area of IVC assessment is in passively ventilated patients – distensibility >18% can support a strategy of volume resuscitation, combined with other parameters of course. Otherwise, IVC diameters at the extremes can be helpful – skinny IVCs with large respiratory variation can support plans for fluid resuscitation and plethoric IVCs with little-no respiratory variation should raise caution.

Seriously!