Hammadah M, Ponce C, Sorajja P, Cavalcante JL, Garcia S, Gössl M. Point-of-care ultrasound: Closing guideline gaps in screening for valvular heart disease.
Clin Cardiol 2020;
43:1368-1375. [PMID:
33174635 PMCID:
PMC7724242 DOI:
10.1002/clc.23499]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
A linear increase in the number of valvular heart disease is expected due to the aging population, yet most patients with severe valvular heart disease remain undiagnosed.
HYPOTHESIS
POCUS can serve as a screening tool for valvular heart disease.
METHODS
We reviewed the literature to assess the strengths and limitations of POCUS in screening and diagnosing valvular heart disease.
RESULTS
POCUS is an accurate, affordable, accessible, and comprehensive tool. It has a fast learning curve and can prevent unnecessary and more expensive imaging. Challenges include training availability, lack of simplified screening protocols, and reimbursement. Large scale valvular screening data utilizing POCUS is not available.
CONCLUSION
POCUS can serve as a screening tool and guide the management of patients with valvular heart disease. More data is needed about its efficacy and cost-effectiveness in the screening of patients with valvular heart disease.
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