Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Neurocritical Care: A Case Series

Abstract

Background: Pediatric brain injury is accompanied by hemodynamic perturbations complicating the optimization of cerebral physiology. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) uses dynamic real-time imaging to complement the physical examination and identify hemodynamic abnormalities in preload, contractility, and afterload conditions, but the contribution of cardiac POCUS in the context of pediatric brain injury is unclear. Methods: We reviewed cardiac POCUS images integrated in clinical care to examine those with neurological injury and hemodynamic abnormalities. Results: We discuss three children with acute brain injury and myocardial dysfunction identified using cardiac POCUS by bedside clinicians. Conclusions: Cardiac POCUS may have an important role in caring for children with neurologic injury. These patients received personalized care informed by POCUS data in attempts to stabilize hemodynamics and optimize clinical outcomes.