Goal-directed ultrasound in a limited resource healthcare setting and developing country

Abstract

Background: In developing countries, access to diagnostic technology is limited by economic, social and geographical barriers. Diagnostic tools must be sustainable, effective and low cost. Case: A 30-year-old man was admitted in a rural hospital with fever and chest pain and managed successfully with a goal-directed sonographic approach. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a point of care, rapid, non-invasive and low-cost technology. Primary goal-directed ultrasound can be a high-impact diagnostic tool in scarce resource scenarios. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.