The Evolution of Cardiovascular Ultrasound: A Review of Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Across Specialties

Carotid Ultrasound-Based Plaque Score for the Allocation of Aspirin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Events: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery calcium testing using noncontrast cardiac computed tomography is a guideline-indicated test to help refine eligibility for aspirin in primary prevention. However, access to cardiac computed tomography remains limited, with carotid ultrasound used much more often internationally. We sought to update the role of aspirin allocation in primary prevention as a function of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study included 11 379 participants from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) and ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) studies. A harmonized carotid plaque score (range, 0-6) was derived using the number of anatomic sites with plaque from the left and right common, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery on ultrasound. The 5-year number needed to treat and number needed to harm as a function of the carotid plaque score were calculated by applying a 12% relative risk reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events and 42% relative increase in major bleeding events related to aspirin use, respectively. The mean age was 57 years, 57% were women, 23% were Black, and the median 10-year ASCVD risk was 12.8%. The 5-year incidence rates (per 1000 person-years) were 5.5 (4.9-6.2) for ASCVD and 1.8 (1.5-2.2) for major bleeding events. The overall 5-year number needed to treat with aspirin was 306 but was 2-fold lower for individuals with carotid plaque versus those without carotid plaque (212 versus 448). The 5-year number needed to treat was less than the 5-year number needed to harm when the carotid plaque score was ≥2 for individuals with ASCVD risk 5% to 20%, whereas the presence of any carotid plaque demarcated a favorable risk-benefit for individuals with ASCVD risk >20%.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantification of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis can help improve the allocation of aspirin therapy.

Evolving the Scope of Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Current Era

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a flexible and multifaceted diagnostic instrument in the realm of cardiac care, transforming the landscape of cardiovascular assessment. This review aims to explore the extensive scope of POCUS applications in cardiac care, highlighting its diverse utility across various medical specialties. POCUS, conducted at the patient's bedside, offers real-time insights into cardiac anatomy and function, providing a valuable adjunct to traditional diagnostic methods. In critically ill patients, POCUS has demonstrated its effectiveness in the rapid evaluation of the left and right ventricular function, identification of pericardial effusion and tamponade, assessment of volume status, and detection of valvular lesions. Its role as an adjunct to the physical examination has been particularly impactful, leading to early diagnoses and significantly influencing medical management decisions. The review also discusses the current limitations of POCUS technology. As the utilization of POCUS continues to expand across diverse medical disciplines, its ability to offer timely and accurate diagnostic information is poised to reshape the standard of care in cardiac medicine. This comprehensive review provides insights into the evolving role of POCUS in cardiac care and underscores its potential to enhance patient outcomes through rapid and informed decision-making at the point of care.

Exploring the Applicability of Pre-Anesthetic Cardiac POCUS in Unexpected Conditions: Could it be Helpful?

Formal preoperative echocardiography has traditionally been recommended when there is substantial cardiovascular disease without recent follow up, unexplained dyspnea, a functional class less than 4 METS or a Duke Activity Status Index less than 34. However, it is important to note that certain patients may present with a variety of cardiac abnormalities due to their preexisting condition or multiple treatments, and these individuals warrant consideration. The objective of pre-anesthetic cardiac POCUS is to provide clinical information in a timely manner. Although it does not aim to replace conventional echocardiography, cardiac POCUS can undoubtedly assist anesthesia practitioners in identifying asymptomatic and potentially hazardous conditions, allowing for more accurate risk allocation and individualized patient care.