Published online Mar 9, 2022. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v11.i2.70
Peer-review started: September 19, 2021
First decision: December 2, 2021
Revised: December 8, 2021
Accepted: February 10, 2022
Article in press: February 10, 2022
Published online: March 9, 2022
Processing time: 164 Days and 14.3 Hours
Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) for managing critically ill patients is increasingly performed by intensivists or emergency physicians. Results of needs surveys among intensivists reveal emphasis on basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound, which are the commonest POCUS modalities in the intensive care unit. We therefore aim to describe the key diagnostic features of basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound as practised by intensivists or emergency physicians in terms of accuracy (sensitivity, specificity), clinical utility and limitations. We also aim to explore POCUS protocols that integrate basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound, and highlight areas for future research.
Core Tip: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly being used by intensivists and emergency physicians for the care of critically-ill patients. This mini-review highlights key findings in basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound, and introduces several POCUS-based protocols, which have practical utility for patient management.