Point-of-care ultrasound for critically-ill patients: A mini-review of key diagnostic features and protocols

A scoping review on the integration of artificial intelligence in point-of-care ultrasound: Current clinical applications

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used increasingly in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). However, the true role, utility, advantages, and limitations of AI tools in POCUS have been poorly understood.

AIM

to conduct a scoping review on the current literature of AI in POCUS to identify (1) how AI is being applied in POCUS, and (2) how AI in POCUS could be utilized in clinical settings.

METHODS

The review followed the JBI scoping review methodology. A search strategy was conducted in Medline, Embase, Emcare, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AI POCUS manufacturer websites. Selection criteria, evidence screening, and selection were performed in Covidence. Data extraction and analysis were performed on Microsoft Excel by the primary investigator and confirmed by the secondary investigators.

RESULTS

Thirty-three papers were included. AI POCUS on the cardiopulmonary region was the most prominent in the literature. AI was most frequently used to automatically measure biometry using POCUS images. AI POCUS was most used in acute settings. However, novel applications in non-acute and low-resource settings were also explored. AI had the potential to increase POCUS accessibility and usability, expedited care and management, and had a reasonably high diagnostic accuracy in limited applications such as measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index, Left-Ventricular Outflow Tract Velocity Time Integral and identifying B-lines of the lung. However, AI could not interpret poor images, underperformed compared to standard-of-care diagnostic methods, and was less effective in patients with specific disease states, such as severe illnesses that limit POCUS image acquisition.

CONCLUSION

This review uncovered the applications of AI in POCUS and the advantages and limitations of AI POCUS in different clinical settings. Future research in the field must first establish the diagnostic accuracy of AI POCUS tools and explore their clinical utility through clinical trials.

Low-pressure tamponade due to hemothorax after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve

BACKGROUND

The use of percutaneous transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for mitral regurgitation (MR) has increased, including an increased application to older, frailer, and higher risk patients.

CASE SUMMARY

A 74 year-old woman with severe MR, a left ventricular ejection fraction of 45%, and a small circumferential pericardial effusion underwent TEER of the mitral valve. After the placement of two MitraClips, the MR was assessed as mild to moderate. Within 10-20 minutes after the completion of the case, the patient was dyspneic and hypotensive despite volume resuscitation. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) showed no changes in cardiac contractility, valve function, or the pericardial space. The right heart chambers appeared small with right atrial (RA) diastolic collapse. There was no evidence of venous congestion. Further exam showed a large right pleural fluid collection. Given the clinical scenario of dyspnea, hypotension, and diastolic RA collapse, low-pressure tamponade was suspected. A thoracentesis expelled 1200 mL of blood with immediate hemodynamic improvement. The patient made an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

The application of POCUS is crucial for detecting, diagnosing, and properly managing cardiac dysfunction and procedural complications associated with TEER. While tamponade is classically associated with a pericardial effusion and vena caval plethora, their absence does not dismiss the suspicion or diagnosis of tamponade. This case highlights the value of POCUS in assessing low-pressure tamponade caused by a large, pressurized pleural effusion. Clinical suspicion, supported by POCUS findings, was confirmed by a thoracentesis that resulted in immediate hemodynamic improvement.

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP): advances in management and future directions

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) is a major global health challenge, with high morbidity and mortality, especially among patients requiring intensive care. Despite advancements in antimicrobial therapies and supportive care, sCAP remains a significant threat, particularly for those needing invasive mechanical ventilation or vasopressor support. Recent progress in diagnostics, therapeutics and management strategies offers hope for improved outcomes. Pathogen-specific management is now central to sCAP care, with molecular diagnostics enhancing pathogen detection accuracy and enabling tailored antimicrobial therapy. These tools help combat antimicrobial resistance by reducing unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use.Host immune responses in sCAP vary widely and significantly impact outcomes. Some patients face an overwhelming pathogen burden, while others experience excessive immune responses, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. This distinction is vital for guiding immunomodulatory therapies, as immunosuppression may benefit hyperinflammatory states but harm those overwhelmed by infection. Corticosteroids, though controversial, show potential benefits in select populations but carry risks like secondary infections and hyperglycaemia, requiring a nuanced approach.Non-invasive respiratory support strategies, such as high-flow nasal oxygen, have transformed care by improving oxygenation and reducing the need for invasive ventilation. However, their efficacy depends on timing, patient tolerance and disease severity, necessitating careful monitoring.Global disparities in sCAP management, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, highlight the need for region-specific guidelines and scalable solutions. Limited access to advanced diagnostics and critical care resources exacerbates poor outcomes, underscoring the importance of investments in affordable diagnostics, infection control and multidisciplinary training. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced imaging, promise to revolutionise sCAP management by enabling precision medicine and real-time insights into disease severity. A holistic, multidisciplinary approach integrating these advancements is essential to improving outcomes and advancing personalised care for this life-threatening condition.

Performance of the Cardiovascular Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Exam by Internal Medicine Residents

Background

Few studies have examined internal medicine residents' performance using cardiovascular point of care ultrasound (POCUS).

Methods

From 2019 to 2022, first-year residents from two academic medical centers in Baltimore participated in the Assessment of Examination and Communication Skills (APECS). Interns examined a single patient with aortic insufficiency and were assessed on physical exam and POCUS technique, identifying physical exam and POCUS findings, generating a differential diagnosis, clinical judgment, and maintaining patient welfare. Spearman's correlation test was used to describe associations between clinical domains. Preceptor comments were examined to identify common errors in physical exam and POCUS exam technique and in identifying correct findings.

Results

Fifty-three first-year residents (interns) performed a cardiovascular POCUS exam. Of these, 44 (83%) scored either "unsatisfactory" or "borderline" on their POCUS technique with a mean score of 29.5 (out of 100). Seventeen (32%) interns were able to correctly obtain a parasternal-long axis (PLAX) view with only 26 (52%) attempting an apical four-chamber (AP4) or subcostal (SUBC) view. Of the 11 participants who correctly obtained both PLAX and parasternal-short views (PSAX), 10 were able to properly identify a normal ejection fraction and the absence of a pericardial effusion. POCUS technique was statistically significantly associated with physical exam technique, identifying the correct POCUS findings, and generating a correct differential diagnosis (r=0.46, p<0.01; r=0.41, p=<0.01; r=0.60, p=<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Internal medicine interns showed variable skill in performing and interpreting a cardiovascular POCUS exam. Further emphasis on teaching cardiovascular POCUS skills would likely increase ability to identify relevant cardiovascular findings and improve patient care.

Role of cardiac and lung ultrasonography in predicting weaning failure in patients with acute kidney injury requiring mechanical ventilation: A pilot study

PURPOSE

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) has an incidence of 20-50 % in patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit. As weaning failure is associated with increased morbidity, its prediction and understanding of its physiological basis holds extreme importance in guided management and prognostication of these patients. We conducted this prospective, observational, single - center study to evaluate the efficacy of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and lung ultrasonography (LUS) in predicting weaning failure in patients with AKI requiring mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

We performed LUS and TTE before and 2 h after initiating spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) in 32 mechanically ventilated critically ill patients with AKI. Extubation was decided by an independent physician. LUS included global and anterior LUS scores. TTE included measurement of E/A and E/e' ratios to determine LV filling pressures.

RESULTS

Out of 32 patients included in this study, weaning failure was observed in 17 (n = 17, 53 %) patients (weaning success n = 15, 47%). Demographic and baseline laboratory parameters were comparable between the study groups. Fluid balance [+370 (250-530)] and SOFA score [8 (7-9)] on admission were significantly higher in weaning failure group (p < 0.001, p = 0.049). LUS scores and difference between LUS scores before and at the end of the SBT were significantly higher among the weaning failure group. The model consisting of baseline variables, SOFA score on the day of weaning and SBT induced changes in global lung score showed highest ability to predict weaning failure with AUC of 0.965, R2 = 61 %, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

In mechanically ventilated critically ill patients with AKI, LUS scores can predict weaning failure after SBT.

CTRI NUMBER

CTRI/2020/12/029565.

Affordable Implementation of a Point-of-Care Ultrasound Program in a Large Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Assess Umbilical Venous Catheter Tips and Aid Central Placement

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to implement a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) program into a large neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to enhance care by improving (1) umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip identification and (2) central placement.

STUDY DESIGN

 A POCUS program was established with core providers who received training from external and internal experts. A prospective study (n = 94) compared the accuracy of UVC identification between neonatology-performed ultrasound (NeoUS) and X-ray relative to a referent of radiology-interpreted ultrasound. Finally, an ultrasound-guided UVC insertion protocol was introduced to rescue noncentral traditionally placed catheters (n = 37).

RESULTS

 Program implementation trained six providers for a total cost of approximately $10,500 USD. NeoUS was more accurate than X-ray at identifying UVC location (81.9 vs. 60.6%) with improved sensitivity and specificity (80.0 and 84.6 vs. 52.5 and 66.7%, respectively). POCUS guidance was able to rescue 89.2% of catheters that were originally noncentral.

CONCLUSION

 POCUS implementation in a large NICU is feasible, affordable, and can improve quality of care.

KEY POINTS

· POCUS implementation is feasible and affordable.. · POCUS is more accurate than X-ray at monitoring UVCs.. · Central UVC placement can be increased with POCUS..

Pyogenic Liver Abscess and the Important Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Daily Practice: A Report of Two Cases

A pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is uncommon and a potentially life-threatening condition. Clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations can be non-specific and the detection of PLAs requires imaging, which can often be delayed. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is now becoming more widely adopted and plays an important role in clinical practice. We report two cases of PLA, one of which was a gas-forming PLA that we encountered in a district general hospital where POCUS played an important role in the diagnosis and management. The diagnoses of PLAs were initially unsuspected due to a combination of non-specific symptom manifestations, initial negative imaging, and a subtle radiological clue that was missed due to a lack of awareness. Bedside POCUS examinations were done due to clinical deterioration in one patient and lack of inflammatory marker improvement in both patients. These cases highlight the important role of POCUS in the management of patients with liver abscesses.

Telemedicine ultrasound in intensive care unit: A pilot diagnostic accuracy study

Introduction

Digital health is an opportune way of facilitating the implementation of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in intensive care units (ICUs) of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) through remote tele-mentored ultrasound (RTMUS). Therefore, this pilot diagnostic accuracy study aims to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of RTMUS, using POCUS as the gold standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary oedema. As a secondary objective, these metrics will be assessed for pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, and cardiac tamponade.

Methods

The study was conducted in three adult ICUs, monitored by the TeleUTI project, and included 23 patients who underwent POCUS carried out by an ICU medical professional and RTMUS carried out by a tele-intensivist from the institution that proposed the project.

Results

The accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary oedema was 71.43%, COPD 89.96%, and for pneumonia, the results showed an accuracy of 65.22%. Analyses demonstrated that RTMUS has the same capability as POCUS for detecting true positive cases of pulmonary oedema, the same results of true negative cases for COPD, and a limitation in performance for pneumonia.

Conclusions

For COPD and pulmonary oedema, remote examination can support healthcare teams, suggesting that RTMUS has the potential to be a substitute for POCUS. We emphasise that the results should be interpreted within the context of the study, which is considered small and should be validated on a larger scale to consolidate the conclusions.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Medical Students for Mortality and Readmission Prediction

INTRODUCTION

Point-of-care ultrasound has become a universal practice, employed by physicians across various disciplines, contributing to diagnostic processes and decision-making.

AIM

To assess the association of reduced (<50%) left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) based on prospective point-of-care ultrasound operated by medical students using an artificial intelligence (AI) tool and 1-year primary composite outcome, including mortality and readmission for cardiovascular-related causes.

METHODS

Eight trained medical students used a hand-held ultrasound device (HUD) equipped with an AI-based tool for automatic evaluation of the LVEF of non-selected patients hospitalized in a cardiology department from March 2019 through March 2020.

RESULTS

The study included 82 patients (72 males aged 58.5 ± 16.8 years), of whom 34 (41.5%) were diagnosed with AI-based reduced LVEF. The rates of the composite outcome were higher among patients with reduced systolic function compared to those with preserved LVEF (41.2% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.014). Adjusting for pertinent variables, reduced LVEF independently predicted the composite outcome (HR 2.717, 95% CI 1.083-6.817, p = 0.033). As compared to those with LVEF ≥ 50%, patients with reduced LVEF had a longer length of stay and higher rates of the secondary composite outcome, including in-hospital death, advanced ventilatory support, shock, and acute decompensated heart failure.

CONCLUSION

AI-based assessment of reduced systolic function in the hands of medical students, independently predicted 1-year mortality and cardiovascular-related readmission and was associated with unfavorable in-hospital outcomes. AI utilization by novice users may be an important tool for risk stratification for hospitalized patients.

21st century critical care medicine: An overview

Critical care medicine in the 21st century has witnessed remarkable advancements that have significantly improved patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs). This abstract provides a concise summary of the latest developments in critical care, highlighting key areas of innovation. Recent advancements in critical care include Precision Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on individual patient characteristics, genomics, and biomarkers to enhance the effectiveness of therapies. The objective is to describe the recent advancements in Critical Care Medicine. Telemedicine: The integration of telehealth technologies for remote patient monitoring and consultation, facilitating timely interventions. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI-driven tools for early disease detection, predictive analytics, and treatment optimization, enhancing clinical decision-making. Organ Support: Advanced life support systems, such as Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy provide better organ support. Infection Control: Innovative infection control measures to combat emerging pathogens and reduce healthcare-associated infections. Ventilation Strategies: Precision ventilation modes and lung-protective strategies to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. Sepsis Management: Early recognition and aggressive management of sepsis with tailored interventions. Patient-Centered Care: A shift towards patient-centered care focusing on psychological and emotional well-being in addition to medical needs. We conducted a thorough literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus using our tailored strategy, incorporating keywords such as critical care, telemedicine, and sepsis management. A total of 125 articles meeting our criteria were included for qualitative synthesis. To ensure reliability, we focused only on articles published in the English language within the last two decades, excluding animal studies, in vitro/molecular studies, and non-original data like editorials, letters, protocols, and conference abstracts. These advancements reflect a dynamic landscape in critical care medicine, where technology, research, and patient-centered approaches converge to improve the quality of care and save lives in ICUs. The future of critical care promises even more innovative solutions to meet the evolving challenges of modern medicine.

Guidelines and Recommendations for Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography and Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Update from the American Society of Echocardiography

Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) involves the use of comprehensive echocardiography to appraise cardiovascular physiology and neonatal hemodynamics to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision in the neonatal intensive care unit. Since the last publication of guidelines for TNE in 2011, the field has matured through the development of formalized neonatal hemodynamics fellowships, clinical programs, and the expansion of scientific knowledge to further enhance clinical care. The most common indications for TNE include adjudication of hemodynamic significance of a patent ductus arteriosus, evaluation of acute and chronic pulmonary hypertension, evaluation of right and left ventricular systolic and/or diastolic function, and screening for pericardial effusions and/or malpositioned central catheters. Neonatal cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (cPOCUS) is a limited cardiovascular evaluation which may include line tip evaluation, identification of pericardial effusion and differentiation of hypovolemia from severe impairment in myocardial contractility in the hemodynamically unstable neonate. This document is the product of an American Society of Echocardiography task force composed of representatives from neonatology-hemodynamics, pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac sonography, and neonatology-cPOCUS. This document provides (1) guidance on the purpose and rationale for both TNE and cPOCUS, (2) an overview of the components of a standard TNE and cPOCUS evaluation, (3) disease and/or clinical scenario-based indications for TNE, (4) training and competency-based evaluative requirements for both TNE and cPOCUS, and (5) components of quality assurance. The writing group would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Regan Giesinger who sadly passed during the final revisions phase of these guidelines. Her contributions to the field of neonatal hemodynamics were immense.

Regional anesthesia and POCUS in the intensive care unit

This chapter focuses on resident recruitment and recent US National Resident Matching Program changes and the impact in the evaluation and ranking of applicants within the specialty of anesthesiology. Recruitment challenges are examined as well as program strategies and potential future directions. Also discussed are DEI initiatives within the recruitment process.

Past and Present of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS): A Narrative Review

This article aims to conduct a literature review to gain insight into point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS). PoCUS is a rapid, accurate, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging modality that can be used in stable and unstable patients. PoCUS can be performed parallel to physical examination, resuscitation, and stabilization; repeated exams in critical patients are essential for improving sensitivity. The review highlights how PoCUS, which was initially used to detect free intraperitoneal fluid in trauma patients, has developed into a life-saving diagnostic tool that could be utilized by treating physicians during various stages of diagnosis, resuscitation, operation, and postoperative critical care when managing sick patients. The review also notes the barriers to the widespread uptake of PoCUS in general internal medicine and the recent commercial availability of "pocket" or handheld probes that have made PoCUS more readily available. This review concludes that adopting a focused binary decision-making approach can maximize PoCUS's value in many clinical settings, including emergency departments, intensive care units, and operation theatres. Overall, the review emphasizes the importance of awareness of common indications, limitations, and strengths of this evolving and promising technology to determine its future trajectory: Providing comprehensive PoCUS training within internal medicine curriculums and supporting trainers to do so.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Tertiary Medical Intensive Care Unit

Objective

Critical care echocardiography (CCE) is a useful tool for managing critically ill patients in intensive care. However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy of CCE examinations because of operator dependence. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of CCE examinations compared with cardiology-performed transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE).

Design Setting and Subjects

We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients in a medical ICU in a large academic medical center in the United States. We compared CCE examinations performed by a fellow and reviewed by a staff physician between May 5, 2020, and December 31, 2021, to TTE obtained within 24 hours of the CCE examination.

Intervention Measurements and Main Results

We developed a standardized process for documentation of all CCE examinations performed in the medical ICU. We assessed agreement (kappa statistic), sensitivity and specificity of CCE examination compared with TTE. Features included left ventricle (LV) systolic function, right ventricle (RV) size, RV systolic function, pericardial effusion, mitral insufficiency, tricuspid insufficiency, and aortic insufficiency. The study analyzed 504 pairs of CCE and TTE examinations. Kappa statistics for detecting LV and RV systolic dysfunction, pericardial effusion, and RV size ranged from 0.60 to 0.74. CCE showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting LV and RV systolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion, with values ranging from 0.85 to 0.99. The kappa statistic for detecting RV dilation was 0.59, with a sensitivity of 0.71 and a specificity of 0.85. In contrast, CCE examinations were nondiagnostic for mitral, tricuspid, or aortic insufficiency in 60-70% of cases, whereas TTE examinations were nondiagnostic in 20-30% of cases. Kappa statistics for mitral, tricuspid, and aortic insufficiency ranged from 0.32 to 0.42.

Conclusions

CCE is a reliable tool for assessing LV and RV systolic function, pericardial effusion, and RV size. However, CCE may be limited in its ability to detect mitral, tricuspid, or aortic insufficiency.

Large ovarian tumor-caused failure of VA-ECMO in a patient with cardiac arrest related to massive pulmonary embolism

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) plays an important role in patients with massive pulmonary embolism (PE)-related cardiac arrest. A 47-year-old healthy Japanese woman was brought to the emergency department because of shock. The patient suddenly collapsed due to cardiac arrest in an ambulance. The patient was diagnosed with PE on transthoracic echocardiography during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Emergency VA-ECMO cannulation was performed percutaneously. Although VA-ECMO support was initiated, the return cannula flow could not be pumped because of the high resistance. Circulation support with VA-ECMO was discontinued. Subsequently, pulmonary angiography under CPR revealed numerous thrombi in the bilateral pulmonary arteries, and aspiration thrombectomy and catheter fragmentation were performed. The patient achieved spontaneous recovery of circulation after successful catheter fragmentation. After the procedure to investigate the cause of VA-ECMO failure, whole-body computed tomography showed a large ovarian tumor and compression of the femoral artery and abdominal aorta. The patient died of multiple organ failure due to hypoxic encephalopathy. Undiagnosed gynecological tumors often cause fulminant PE and may also cause the failure of VA-ECMO due to vascular compression. Alternative cannulation sites and prior thrombolysis should be immediately considered. The complexity of PE management necessitates a well-trained PE response team.

Learning objective

Large gynecological tumors may cause pulmonary embolism-related cardiac arrest and consequent failure of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using the femoral artery approach due to vascular compression by the tumor. An adequate strategy should be considered to achieve immediate recovery of spontaneous circulation and circulation support as simultaneous systematic thrombolysis and an alternative central cannulation approach to protect against hypoxic organ damage. The complexity of pulmonary embolism (PE) management necessitates a well-trained PE response team.

Agreement on Interpretation of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography for Cardiac Tamponade Among Emergency Physicians

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Cardiac tamponade is an impending calamitous disorder that emergency physicians need to consider and diagnose rapidly. A pericardial effusion with right atrial systolic collapse (earliest sign) or right ventricular diastolic collapse (most specific sign) and a plethoric inferior vena cava are indicators of cardiac tamponade physiology and may be identified with point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). The goal of this study is to assess the agreement among emergency physicians with varying levels of sonographic training and expertise in interpreting echocardiographic signs of cardiac tamponade in adult patients.  Methods: Emergency physicians at different levels of training as sonographers were surveyed at didactic conferences at three major academic medical centers in northern New Jersey. Two cardiologists were also included in the study for comparison. Survey respondents were shown 15, 20-second video clips of patients who had presented to the emergency department (ED) with or without significant pericardial effusions and were asked to rate whether tamponade physiology was present or not. Data were collected anonymously on Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA) and included self-reported levels of POCUS expertise and level of training. Data were analyzed using Fleiss' kappa (k). All patients had an echocardiogram performed by the department of cardiology within 24 hours of the POCUS, and the results are presented in the paper.  Results: There were 97 participant raters, including attendings, fellows, and resident physicians specializing in adult emergency medicine and two cardiologists. There was a fair degree of inter-rater agreement among all participants in interpreting whether tamponade physiology was present or not. This low level of agreement persisted across self-reported training levels and self-reported POCUS expertise, even at the expert level in both emergency medicine and cardiology specialties.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of our study, there appears to be a low level of agreement in the interpretation of cardiac tamponade in adult patients. The lack of agreement persisted across specialties, self-reported training levels, and self-reported ultrasonographic expertise. This low level of agreement seen among both specialists indicates that emergency physicians are not limited in their ability to determine cardiac tamponade on POCUS. This highlights the technical nature of POCUS clips and strengthens the importance of physical exam findings when diagnosing cardiac tamponade in emergency department patients. Further research utilizing POCUS for the diagnosis of tamponade is warranted.

Personalizing Care for Critically Ill Adults Using Omics: A Concise Review of Potential Clinical Applications

Current guidelines for critically ill patients use broad recommendations to promote uniform protocols for the management of conditions such as acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis. Although these guidelines have enabled the substantial improvement of care, mortality for critical illness remains high. Further outcome improvement may require personalizing care for critically ill patients, which involves tailoring management strategies for different patients. However, the current understanding of disease heterogeneity is limited. For critically ill patients, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have illuminated such heterogeneity and unveiled novel biomarkers, giving clinicians new means of diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. With further engineering and economic development, omics would then be more accessible and affordable for frontline clinicians. As the knowledge of pathophysiological pathways mature, targeted treatments can then be developed, validated, replicated, and translated into clinical practice.

Prehospital Ultrasound Diagnosis of Massive Pulmonary Embolism by Non-Physicians: A Case Series

Massive pulmonary embolism (hemodynamically unstable, defined as systolic BP <90 mmHg) has significant morbidity and mortality. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has allowed clinicians to detect evidence of massive pulmonary embolism much earlier in the patient's clinical course, especially when patient instability precludes computerized tomography confirmation. POCUS detection of massive pulmonary embolism has traditionally been performed by physicians. This case series demonstrates four cases of massive pulmonary embolism diagnosed with POCUS performed by non-physician prehospital personnel.

An unusual presentation of acute diaphragmatic hernia complicated by tension gastrothorax an under-recognized cause of cardiac arrest due to a fall from a height: A case report and literature review

A diaphragmatic hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents into the negative pressure thoracic cavity through a congenital or acquired diaphragmatic defect. Generally, acquired diaphragmatic hernia is a rare, life-threatening condition that usually follows blunt/penetrating trauma or an iatrogenic cause, resulting in the diaphragmatic rupture, accompanied by the herniation of abdominal visceral organs. We report a 47-year-old male construction worker who sustained a fall from a height of about 30 feet height. He presented with hypoxia initially and, after a primary survey, was found to have a traumatic rupture of the diaphragm with herniation of the stomach and abdominal contents, causing signs of obstructive shock. After adequate resuscitation in the Emergency Department, he was rushed to operating room. There, he suffered two very short pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrests. Therefore, an emergency anterolateral thoracotomy was done, and it was extended into laparotomy to reduce the abdominal contents through the diaphragmatic tear of 12 cm, which restored the spontaneous circulation. He recovered eventually, despite chest infections and pulmonary atelectasis, and was discharged on the 28th day and remained in good condition during the outpatient visit. Tension gastrothorax or viscerothorax is rare, but an under-recognized cause of cardiac arrest in the trauma setting necessitates a vigilant evaluation and early suspicion to prevent a catastrophic outcome. This case report emphasizes the inclusion of tension viscero or abdominal thorax as one of the recognizable causes of a pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest.