Transducer marker pointing towards the patient’s right shoulder
Note the overall activity of the heart and any gross abnormality
Note any pericardial effusion especially below the posterior wall
Examine the cardiac segments motion and structure
Transducer marker pointing towards the patient’s right shoulder
Note the overall activity of the heart and any gross abnormality
Note any pericardial effusion especially below the posterior wall
Examine the cardiac segments motion and structure
How to differentiate the vein from the artery:
The vein is usually:
• Oval in shape, thin walled
• Compressible with gentle pressure
• Non pulsatile
Color Flow (CF)
When applying Color Flow, the top of the box on the left of the screen will indicate the color of the flow towards the transducer, and the bottom of the box indicates the color of the flow away from the transducer. In this example the Flow towards the transducer is red, and the flow away from the transducer is blue
M-mode through the diaphragm showing its movements with deep inspiration as we discussed in our POCUS workshop
@Everyone
Pneumonia
The lung tissue will resemble the hepatic parenchyma
B Lines may be present
In the case of associated pneumonia, Alveolar Consolidations with air bronchogram and possible Shred sign may be seen
Probe location (zone L3): 4th-10th intercostal spaces, between the anterior & posterior axillary lines.
Transducer Type & Placement
Phased Array or Curvilinear
The footprint is perpendicular to the skin with the marker pointing cephalad
Lung Sliding
Pleural line is found below the chest wall
Movement of pleura with breathing will generate the “lung sliding” sign
• Represents the sliding of the visceral pleura against the parietal pleura
• Using Color Flow (CF) can help identify the pleural line and its movement
Bat Sign: This sign is formed by the shadows of two ribs and the pleural line (looks like a bat flying towards you)
Comet Tail Artifact/B Lines
• Vertical lines, extending from the pleural line to the edge of the screen without fading
• Synchronized with lung sliding
• When present they will usually overshadow the A lines
• Represents thickening interlobular septa and extravascular lung water as in alveolar interstitial disease (pulmonary edema, ARDS...)
A Lines
Can be part of the normal lung signs
Represents normal artifact repetition(s) of the pleural line
Intervals between the A lines are equal to the distance between the skin and the original pleural line
When present without lung sliding, it may indicate the presence of pneumothorax
Tense ascites!