Importance of ultrasound examination in diagnosing acute conditions

Abstract

Availability of an ultrasound device at the critical care setting significantly enhances possible diagnostic ways and makes the management of critically ill patients more effective. Growing amount of papers confirms that qualified intensivists with background in medicine and anaesthesiology may provide accurate, safe and extensive diagnosis of the haemodynamic system with the aid of echocardiography. Examination of lungs, pleural space, quantification of pleural fluid and eventual exclusion of ventral pneumothorax should be an integral part of transtoracic echo-cardiographic examination. Interrogation of abdomen in sepsis of unknown origin, acute abdominal syndrome or in acute renal failure may direct further diagnostic and therapeutic steps in critically ill patient. Time factor is particularly important in shock and during admission of severe trauma where patient´s survival depends on correctly launched diagnostic algorithm. Ultrasound plays a key role here. Interrogation with ultrasound helps also before performing a percutanneous dilatational tracheostomy. The same technique may locate a vessel before cannula-tion in high risk patient and avoid potential complication and also unnecessary transfusion of platelets. Ultrasound has an established role in exploration of vessels in perfusion disorders and suspected deep venous thrombosis. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography is an important aid in diagnostics of cerebral blood flow particularly in sub-arachnoid bleeding and intracranial hypertension. The cost of multimodal ultrasonic device is substantial however, the device may save a life of a patient and save time, complications and costs for the department in the hands of a skilled intensivist.