Ultrasound GEL

We haven't discussed COVID-19 for a long time, despite the explosion of POCUS articles on how ultrasound can be used during this pandemic. Many of the articles have focused on the accuracy of POCUS for making the diagnosis, or comparing the ultrasound findings to those on CT. These are helpful, but now what we really want are studies that help establish that POCUS is helping with delivering patient care - either diagnostically or prognostically. This article seems to take the first step in this direction by examining the prognostic utility of lung ultrasound in this disease. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/98 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32728966/

We are making some headway in the evidence behind using point-of-care ultrasound in aortic emergencies. This study takes a look at sensitivity and specificity for acute aortic dissection (which has been a few times before) and also compares POCUS to a control group to see if it causes delays or improves times to diagnosis or treatment (has not been done prospectively before). They even look at mortality! https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/97 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31971274/

People have been using POCUS to diagnosis shoulder dislocation for a while now, although it is far from standard of care in most places. We have seen that it is really accurate compared to xray, but this well-done study adds some important information to the existing literature. They measure the glenohumeral distance in an attempt to make a quantifiable cut-off point for dislocation. They also take a look at potential time savings of ultrasound compared to xray! https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/96 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32111508

Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that holds a lot of promise for point-of-care ultrasound, but we don't have much data on how it performs. The fearless investigators in this fascinating study train a deep learning algorithm to recognize sonographic anatomy of the upper extremity and then pit it against expert POCUS users to see who can interpret the images most accurately! https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/95 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32181922/

Exploring the use of ultrasound for safer chest tube insertion, comparing accuracy to anatomic landmarks. Discussion on diaphragm movement, challenges in identifying insertion points, and benefits of ultrasound guidance. Study on fifth intercostal space location and call for listener ideas for research studies.

Renowned expert and researcher, Michael Gottlieb, shares valuable tips on POCUS research. Topics include assessing research papers, importance of collaboration, effective strategies for research planning and implementation, and navigating POCUS research with feedback and resources.

Guest Michael Gottlieb, a world-class POCUS expert and researcher, discusses the process of ultrasound research study, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, efficient study running, and navigating the path of research and publication in the field of POCUS.

For peritonsillar abscesses, sometimes you need imaging to make the diagnosis clear. Many turn to CT, but ultrasound offers an appealing alternative. A transcervical approach can be used which is likely less uncomfortable than the intra-oral method. This study looks at the implementation of a transcervical ultrasound protocol in a pediatric emergency department to see if it helps this population. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/91 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31713253

The FASH exam is not just a typo when trying to write about the FAST exam. FASH stands for Focused Assessment with Sonography for HIV-associated Tuberculosis (TB). This exam combines various body areas to look for evidence of TB. You can look for extra fluid (pericardial, pleural, ascites), enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, and solid organ lesions (spleen, liver). This has been described for a while, but there have not been many studies on how accurate it might be...until now. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/90 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31904699

It's not what you think - POCUS is not going to be used to diagnose a GI bleed. However, perhaps it can be used to risk stratify this diverse group of patients. These authors had the idea to check IVC, echo, and LVOT VTI to see if it could help predict which patients are going to have adverse events from their bleed. https://www.ultrasoundgel.org/89 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31379015