Stay Still's for POCUS: using bedside ultrasound to screen for cardiac complications

Abstract

Adult Still's disease (ASD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology most commonly characterized by daily spiking fevers, an evanescent, 'salmon-colored' rash, and arthralgia. Cardiac complications such as pericarditis, myocarditis, heart failure, and pericardial effusion progressing to tamponade have been reported. Because of the severe and potentially lethal complications associated with these processes, the clinician's index of suspicion must remain high and the threshold for cardiac imaging low. Here, we present a case of ASD-associated myocarditis identified quickly by point-of-care ultrasound, allowing for prompt workup and treatment.