The FAST exam has been used in trauma for decades - so why is there still confusion on how to use it in pediatrics? Because kids are different than adults! This article takes a look at the associations between intraabdominal injury and the FAST, physical exam, and labs. The authors then combine the FAST with physical exam findings to create the exFAST, the FAST-enhanced physical exam! Our GEL Jr hosts deliver great pearls for the FAST exam and how we should be using it based on the evidence to date. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/118 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32159909/

Do you use ultrasound for suspected peritonsillar abscess (PTA)? Some of us probably do, some don't - but what does the evidence say?? Does it help the clinician? and (dare we ask) does it help the patient? This paper is potentially the best data we currently have on the topic. Mike and special guest Kim Fender dive straight into the purulence of this fluctuant topic.   https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/117 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32826122/

GEL Jr coming in hot with the latest in neuro-ocular sonography - optic disc elevation! That's right - not optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), the actual elevation of the disc as seen on ocular ultrasound. Super cool new idea - lets how how it pans out in this pilot study!   https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/116 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34051397/

The podcast discusses the effectiveness of early systolic notching as a marker for pulmonary embolism, exploring a prospective study's findings. They highlight the diagnostic accuracy and significance of this marker in detecting proximal obstruction in the pulmonary arteries, comparing its specificity with other diagnostic methods. The hosts review diverse patient cases and emphasize the need for further research to establish a definitive marker for PE assessment.

One of the gang's favorite topics - ultrasound in cardiac arrest! This article delves into the importance of "pre-pause imaging", getting that picture of the heart ready even before the compressions are stopped! This seems like an important part of minimizing pauses in CPR, but how convincing is this data? https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/114 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34223359/

Discover how ultrasound can be used to confirm proper endotracheal tube placement in pediatric patients, comparing its accuracy to chest x-rays. Explore the safety and potential applications of using ultrasound for endotracheal tube cuff visualization during intubation, and how it can improve reliability in verifying tube depth during patient transfers.

This Special Edition podcast covers not one - but 7 really important POCUS articles! These articles were selected by the Academy of Emergency Ultrasound (an academy of the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine) as the top articles from the past year. Here we briefly discuss the winningest articles from each of the categories! https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/112

We have talked about ocular ultrasound many times before - it certainly can be useful in identifying many acute ophthalmologic pathologies. But what about papilledema? We know that POCUS can be used to measure the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), which dilates with increased intracranial pressure. So theoretically this should work well in patients with suspected increased intracranial pressure, such as those with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The question now is how well does POCUS fare in finding papilledema compared to the good ol' fashioned physical exam? https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/111 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33532756/

We have been ultrasounding hips for a while now. We know this modality is accurate for finding effusions. This can really help in cases of suspected septic arthritis. Unlike patients with this disease, this study takes multiple steps forward. First it asks the question - "Does point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency department lead to a faster diagnosis?". Then it goes further by trying to determine whether or not POCUS can lead to earlier treatment as well. Fascinating results from a really hip study! https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/110 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33000078/

In this Special Edition podcast, Mike is joined by POCUS leaders and educators Nova Panebianco and Cameron Baston to discuss their recent publication on interdepartmental collaboration with ultrasound. They discuss their process for creating a combined fellowship and share additional pointers in achieving mutually beneficial relationships between departments. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/109 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30592332/