Diagnostic Utility of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the diverse uses of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in critically ill children with congenital and acquired heart disease. Diagnostic utility and practicality of POCUS is reviewed. Importantly, the role of POCUS in the medical management of children in the cardiac intensive care unit is highlighted.Recent FindingsThe use of POCUS in critically ill pediatric patients has emerged as an essential diagnostic tool that enhances the physical examination and influences delivery of care. Assessment of a wide range of body systems and pathologies has been impacted by the use of POCUS. Recent studies have demonstrated the use of POCUS for evaluation of cardiac tamponade, pneumonia, vocal cord function, and loss of muscle mass in critically ill children (Hamilton et al. Pediatr Crit Care Med 22(10):e532-e539, 2021; Hoffmann et al. Pediatr Crit Care Med 22(10):889-897, 2021; Najgrodzka et al. Ultrasound Q 35(2):157 163, 2019; Alerhand et al. Pediatr Ann 50(10):e424-e431, 2021).SummaryPOCUS is a non-invasive, low-risk, imaging modality that can be used to diagnose and help guide management of critically ill children in the cardiac intensive care unit. POCUS can be performed by an intensivist at the patient’s bedside with real-time interpretation, leading to rapid clinical decision-making and the hope of improving patient outcomes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40746-022-00250-1.