Cardiac and lung point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric anesthesia and critical care medicine: Uses, pitfalls, and future directions to optimize pediatric care

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has found many relevant applications in pediatric anesthesia and critical care medicine. Specifically, the cardiac and pulmonary POCUS examinations provide a wealth of information from physical examination assistance to diagnostic evaluation and assessment of treatment response. However, as with any adjunct, potentially dangerous pitfalls exist when POCUS is performed, interpreted, and applied by the novice sonographer. Using case illustrations, we highlight the clinical application of POCUS in addition to potential dangers. Additionally, suggestions for learning POCUS, assessing competency and credentialing are reviewed.

Keywords: anesthesiology; cardiac; critical care; perioperative; point-of-care ultrasound; pulmonary; ultrasound.