The Society of Clinical Ultrasound Fellowships: An Innovation in the Point of Care Ultrasound Fellowship Application Process Resa E. Lewiss, Srikar Adhikari, Kristin Carmody, J. Matthew Fields, Patrick Hunt, Andrew S. Liteplo, Arun Nagdev, Christopher Raio, and others
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.070
Publication stage: In Press Accepted Manuscript
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: April 8 2016
x To the Editor, (See Figs. 1 and 2.)
Ultrasound measurement of inferior vena cava collapse predicts propofol-induced hypotension Arthur K. Au, Dean Steinberg, Christopher Thom, Maziar Shirazi, Dimitrios Papanagnou, Bon S. Ku, J. Matthew Fields
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.058
Publication stage: In Press Accepted Manuscript
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: March 29 2016
x Study Objectives Hypotension is a common side effect of propofol, but there are no reliable methods to determine which patients are at risk for significant propofol-induced hypotension (PIH). Ultrasound has been used to estimate volume status by visualization of inferior vena cava (IVC) collapse. This study explores whether IVC assessment by ultrasound can assist in predicting which patients may experience significant hypotension.
Resolution of sonographic B-lines as a measure of pulmonary decongestion in acute heart failure Jennifer L. Martindale
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.043
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: March 19 2016
x Objective noninvasive measures of dyspnea in patients with acute heart failure are lacking. In this review, we describe lung ultrasound as a tool to estimate the degree of pulmonary congestion in patients presenting with acute heart failure and to monitor therapeutic efficacy. Serial semiquantitative measures of sonographic B-lines in acute heart failure patients can be converted to pulmonary edema scores obtained at admission and hospital discharge. These scores provide prognostic information for short-term clinical outcomes.
Comment on “novel technique in ED: Supracondylar ultrasound-guided nerve block for reduction of distal radius fractures” Daniele Coraci, Marina A. Bellavia, Valter Santilli, Luca Padua
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.045
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: March 19 2016
x We have read with great attention the work “Novel technique in ED: supracondylar ultrasound-guided nerve block for reduction of distal radius fractures”, by Aydin and colleagues [1]. The authors presented four patients with distal radius fracture and given a radial nerve anesthetic block in order to perform painless bone reduction. The block was performed by the help of ultrasound (US). This paper is informative and it may represent a possible guide for physicians in emergency conditions. The authors, in fact, show the high usefulness of this block technique, which represents a possible approach for the treatment of distal radius fracture.
Bibliometric analysis of top 100 most-cited clinical studies on ultrasound in the Emergency Department Başak Bayram, Önder Limon, Gülsüm Limon, Volkan Hancı
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.033
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: March 16 2016
x We identify and characterize the most highly cited articles related to ultrasonographic evaluations occurring in the emergency department.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices of paramedics regarding optic nerve sheath diameter ultrasonography Łukasz Szarpak, Zenon Truszewski, Andrzej Kurowski, Silvia Samarin, Togay Evrin, Piotr Adamczyk, Łukasz Czyzewski
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.063
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: February 29 2016
x We read with great interest an article published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine by Komut et al titled “Bedside sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter as a predictor of intracranial pressure in Emergency Department” [1]. We congratulate the authors for great work on how important medical problem, which is the prediction of increased intracranial pressure (IIP). Research conducted by Komut et al confirms the results of research carried out by us. In our Emergency Department, ultrasonography is also used to evaluate optic nerve sheath (ONS).
Hand dominance in intravenous drug using patients does not affect peripheral venous access sites identified by ultrasound Nicole L. Kaban, Nicholas C. Avitabile, Sebastian D. Siadecki, Turandot Saul
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.049
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: February 20 2016
x The peripheral veins in the arms and forearms of patients with a history of intravenous (IV) drug use may be sclerosed, calcified, or collapsed due to damage from previous injections. These patients may consequently require alternative, more invasive types of vascular access including central venous or intraosseous catheters. We investigated the relationship between hand dominance and the presence of patent upper extremity (UE) veins specifically in patients with a history of IV drug-use. We predicted that injection into the non-dominant UE would occur with a higher frequency than the dominant UE, leading to fewer damaged veins in the dominant UE.
Needle guides for venous catheter insertion during chest compressions: a crossover simulation trial Takashi Cho, Nobuyasu Komasawa, Masanori Haba, Shunsuke Fujiwara, Ryosuke Mihara, Toshiaki Minami
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.036
Publication stage: In Press Corrected Proof
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published online: February 16 2016
x Recent guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation emphasize that all rescuers should minimize the interruption of chest compressions, even for intravenous access. We assessed the utility of needle guides during ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization (US-CVC) with chest compressions via simulation.
Novel technique in ED: supracondylar ultrasound-guided nerve block for reduction of distal radius fractures Ali Attila Aydin, Sedat Bilge, Murtaza Kaya, Guclu Aydin, Orhan Cinar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.032
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: February 12 2016
x Distal radius fractures (DRFs) of the wrist are the most common upper extremity fracture presented to an emergency department (ED). Distal radius fracture, requiring manipulation and reduction, is frequently encountered in the ED. Several methods have been used for pain management during the procedure. These include peripheral nerve block (PNB), hematoma block (HB), intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA), procedural sedation analgesia (PSA), nitrous oxide and general anesthesia
[1]
. Ultrasound (US)–guided PNBs, performed by emergency physicians, have gradually gained a place in emergency practice.
Influence of caudal traction of ipsilateral arm on ultrasound image for supraclavicular central venous catheterization Eun-Hee Kim, Ji-Hyun Lee, In-Kyung Song, Hyun-Chang Kim, Hee-Soo Kim, Jin-Tae Kim
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.01.038
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: February 11 2016
x The first step for successful ultrasound (US)–guided subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization using a supraclavicular approach is to obtain a good longitudinal image of SCV for in-plane needle placement. We evaluated the efficacy of caudal traction of ipsilateral arm on the exposure of the SCV.
Forearm ultrasound-guided nerve blocks vs landmark-based wrist blocks for hand anesthesia in healthy volunteers Aparajita Sohoni, Arun Nagdev, Sukhjit Takhar, Michael Stone
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.01.020
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 4 ,
Published online: January 20 2016
x Although ultrasound-guided regional nerve blocks have become more commonplace in the emergency department, there is no evidence to suggest that they are more effective than traditional landmark-based wrist blocks for hand anesthesia. We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided forearm nerve blocks would provide superior analgesia as compared with conventional landmark-based wrist blocks.
Physical examination along with point-of-care echocardiography: an indisputable right path Pablo Blanco
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.01.004
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: January 8 2016
x I recently read an interesting article [1] regarding the value of physical examination in medicine (in particular, cardiac auscultation), highlighting its importance as a teaching tool at the patient's bedside and very importantly to improve patient's information and satisfaction. However, it makes me wonder the authors' generalized misconception that the treating physicians do not carry out the echocardiograms, and consequently, they obtain the imaging information from other practitioners (eg, echocardiographer), who in fact are not engaged in patient care.
Letter to Editor: the effectiveness of bedside point-of-care ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of metacarpal fractures: Contribution for management of metacarpal fractures Harun Yasin Tuzun, Selim Turkkan, Arsen Arsenishvili
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2016.01.008
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: January 8 2016
x We read the published article by Kozacı et al [1]titled “The effectiveness of bedside point-of-care ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of metacarpal fractures” with great interest. The objective of the study is noteworthy, and we would like to add several points about metacarpal fracture management in orthopedic practice. Metacarpal fractures, which require surgery, must be diagnosed with radiography, and follow-up imaging of these fractures must be done with radiography. In our practice, when we perform metacarpal fracture surgery, we use either fluoroscopy or radiography to determine the plate, K-wire, or screw placement and fracture reduction.
Effects of long axis in-plane vs short axis out-of-plane techniques during ultrasound-guided vascular access Yan-Bing Gao, Jun-Hong Yan, Jian-Min Ma, Xiao-Na Liu, Jing-Yun Dong, Fang Sun, Li-Wei Tang, Jie Li
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.092
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: January 5 2016
x Currently, whether long-axis in-plane (LA-IP) is superior to short-axis out-of-plane (SA-OOP) during ultrasound-guided vascular access remains inconclusive. We, therefore, conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the effects of LA-IP vs SA-OOP techniques in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided vascular access (USGVA).
Advanced intravenous access: technique choices, pain scores, and failure rates in a local registry Michael D. Witting, Siamak Moayedi, Zhaoxin Yang, Cheryll B. Mack
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.062
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 23 2015
x When an intravenous (IV) catheter is needed and the common approach of inspection and palpation fails, an advanced access technique becomes necessary. Our objectives were to estimate pain scores, operator times, success rates, and complication rates when advanced techniques are used in a clinical setting.
Point-of-care ultrasonography at the ED maximizes patient confidence in emergency physicians Pierre-Géraud Claret, Xavier Bobbia, Sébastien Le Roux, Yann Bodin, Claire Roger, Rémi Perrin-Bayard, Laurent Muller, Jean Emmanuel de La Coussaye
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.042
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 21 2015
x Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) performed by emergency physicians (EPs) has become routine practice in emergency departments (EDs) [1] and is a required component of residency training in emergency medicine [2,3]. Previous studies about POCUS have largely focused on its accuracy, safety, efficiency, effect on outcomes, and optimal clinical use [4–10]. What has been less investigated in the literature is patient confidence in the clinician who performs the POCUS and patient feelings, or satisfaction, regarding POCUS.
Lung ultrasound: a diagnostic and prognostic tool at every step in the pathway of care for acute heart failure Tahar Chouihed, Stefano Coiro, Faiez Zannad, Nicolas Girerd
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.030
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 17 2015
x We read with great interest the article by Liu et al [1] assessing the use of bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) in the emergency department (ED) to identify decompensated heart failure (HF) in patients with concomitant pulmonary infection.
Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks for intracapsular and extracapsular hip fractures Eitan Dickman, Illya Pushkar, Antonios Likourezos, Knox Todd, Ula Hwang, Saadia Akhter, Sean Morrison
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.016
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 14 2015
x To compare pain relief between patients with intracapsular and extracapsular hip fractures who received an ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (USFNB).
Emergency physician focused cardiac ultrasound improves diagnosis of ascending aortic dissection Joseph R. Pare, Rachel Liu, Christopher L. Moore, Tyler Sherban, Michael S. Kelleher Jr., Sheeja Thomas, R. Andrew Taylor
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.12.005
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 12 2015
x Ascending aortic dissection (AAD) is an uncommon, time-sensitive, and deadly diagnosis with a nonspecific presentation. Ascending aortic dissection is associated with aortic dilation, which can be determined by emergency physician focused cardiac ultrasound (EP FOCUS). We seek to determine if patients who receive EP FOCUS have reduced time to diagnosis for AAD.
Prospective evaluation of ultrasound-guided short catheter placement in internal jugular veins of difficult venous access patients David Kiefer, S. Michael Keller, Anthony Weekes
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.11.069
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 3 ,
Published online: December 4 2015
x Difficult vascular access (DVA) is a common problem. Placement of ultrasound-guided standard length catheters (ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous [USPIV]) in the internal jugular (IJ) vein is a potential solution.
