Focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE) to diagnose pleural effusions causing haemodynamic compromise

Abstract

The clinical\rassessment of patients with respiratory and circulatory problems can be\rcomplex, time consuming and have a high incidence of error. Bedside\rtransthoracic ultrasound (US) is a useful adjunctive test in the evaluation of\racutely unstable patients. This case series describes the use of the Focus\rAssessed Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE) protocol to diagnose unsuspected\rpleural collections of fluid and how drainage significantly contributes to the\rhaemodynamic improvement seen in these patients.