Emergency ultrasound

Emergency Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound technology to visualize the internal structures of the body in an emergency medical situation. It is a non-invasive, real-time imaging modality that can provide critical information to physicians in diagnosing and managing acute and critical conditions.

History

The use of ultrasound in emergency medicine began in the 1980s, with the development of portable ultrasound machines. The first applications were primarily for trauma patients, with the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam being one of the earliest protocols developed.

Applications

Emergency ultrasound can be used in a variety of clinical scenarios, including trauma, cardiac arrest, shock, and dyspnea. It can also be used to guide procedures such as central venous catheter placement and thoracentesis.

Trauma

In trauma patients, emergency ultrasound can be used to quickly identify life-threatening conditions such as hemothorax, pneumothorax, and pericardial effusion. The FAST exam is a standardized protocol used to evaluate the abdomen and thorax for signs of injury.

Cardiac Arrest

In cardiac arrest, emergency ultrasound can be used to identify reversible causes such as pulmonary embolism and cardiac tamponade. It can also be used to confirm the presence of cardiac activity and to guide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Shock

In patients with shock, emergency ultrasound can be used to assess the volume status and cardiac function, and to identify potential causes such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or pulmonary embolism.

Dyspnea

In patients with dyspnea, emergency ultrasound can be used to differentiate between causes such as congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.

Training

Training in emergency ultrasound is typically part of emergency medicine residency programs, but can also be obtained through fellowships or continuing medical education courses. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has established guidelines for training and credentialing in emergency ultrasound.

See also

• Medical ultrasound
• Emergency medicine
• Point of care ultrasound