Radiology Key

Key Points • The inferior vena cava (IVC) is readily visualized using point-of-care ultrasound and can guide fluid management decisions, especially when taken in context of cardiac and lung findings….

Key Points • Point-of-care ultrasound assessment of unstable patients with abdominal pain should begin with an evaluation for hemorrhage, followed by an evaluation for infectious sources. • Point-of-care ultrasound assessment…

Key Points • Use of ultrasound to guide arterial line placement increases success rate of cannulation and reduces periprocedural complications. • Nontraditional arterial cannulation sites with few landmarks can be…

Key Points • When considering ultrasound machine purchasing, the scope of examinations, clinical setting, and skill set of the end users should guide the choice of make and model, transducers,…

Key Points • Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is underdiagnosed, and the incidence of pulmonary embolism due to upper extremity DVT is underestimated. • The major veins of the…

Key Points • Ultrasound guidance for insertion of a peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter is a useful technique in patients with nonpalpable or nonvisualizable veins. • Patient and operator positioning are…

Key Points • Focused abdominal ultrasonography is a sensitive and reliable bedside technique to detect intraperitoneal free fluid, although it cannot differentiate specific types of fluid. • Ultrasound improves the…

Key Points • Causes of acute scrotal pain, such as testicular torsion, epididymitis, or incarcerated hernia, can be rapidly evaluated using point-of-care ultrasound. • A working knowledge of Doppler ultrasound,…

Key Points • The primary indication to perform a point-of-care ultrasound exam of the kidney is to evaluate for hydronephrosis. • Any suspicious mass detected by point-of-care ultrasound warrants further…