MO824: Utility of Novel Wireless Mobile Ultrasound Technology Via Nephrologists in Egyptian Hemodialyis Patients

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures are being widely applied in the field of clinical and interventional nephrology [1]. Many nephrology training programs still lack structured ultrasound training. Handheld mobile ultrasound provides affordability and ease of usage of the techniques [2]. To test the feasibility of hand-held mobile ultrasound in detecting incidental asymptomatic arterio-venous (AV) access or parathyroid gland as well as assessing volume status and detection of pericardial effusion [3]. METHOD We recruited 344 patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing regular hospital haemodialysis. Informed consents for the procedure were obtained from all patients. All patients have undergone post-session chest ultrasound, bedside cardiac ultrasound to detect pericardial effusion, neck ultrasound to detect parathyroid adenoma and arterio-venous access ultrasound scanning. All ultrasound scanning was done by the same operator using: high frequency head (curvilinear head) to examine parathyroid glands, AV access and lung ultrasound. Low frequency (linear head) to examine the abdomen and pelvis and to detect pericardial effusion. RESULTS Lung ultrasound scanning detected pleural effusion in 3 patients and an increase in the B line in 12 patients. Pericardial effusion was detected in one patient. Parathyroid adenoma in one patient. Native AVF access stenosis in three patients and pseudo-aneurysm of AVG in one patient. CONCLUSION The use of handheld mobile ultrasound via mobile application enabled an easy and fast way to scan a large number of haemodialysis patients and detect asymptomatic pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, AV access malfunction and parathyroid adenomas. The integration of mobile ultrasound techniques into the care of end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis may be of significant added on value.