Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a versatile, non-invasive bedside diagnostic tool that increases the sensitivity of conventional physical examination to assess congestion in these patients. It also helps to monitor the effectiveness of decongestive therapy and has prognostic significance. POCUS ultrasound for the management of critically ill patients is increasingly performed by intensivists or emergency Doctors. Results from needs surveys among intensivists reveal an emphasis on basic cardiac, pulmonary, and abdominal ultrasound, which are the most common POCUS modalities in the intensive care unit. Therefore, our aim is to describe the main diagnostic features of basic cardiac, pulmonary and abdominal ultrasound as practiced by intensivists or emergency Doctors in terms of accuracy (sensitivity, specificity), clinical utility and limitations. We also intend to explore POCUS protocols that integrate basic cardiac, pulmonary and abdominal ultrasound and highlight areas for future research.