Subxiphoid is the only window available? No problem!
You are performing physical examination (POCUS) on a mechanically ventilated patient with heart failure. Unfortunately, you are not able to get adequate cardiac views from parasternal and apical windows. Not […]
Particulate matter in the inferior vena cava
It is well-recognized that a dilated IVC in endurance athletes is a physiologic adaptation to repeated, intermittent volume loading and does not reflect an increased right atrial pressure. Interestingly, in […]
Prominent Eustachian valve
Above finding was incidentally noted while performing physical examination (POCUS) in a patient with heart failure and acute kidney injury. Note the thin mobile hyperechoic structure arising from the anterior […]
Left atrial ridge
This apical 4-chamber view obtained from a patient with end-stage kidney disease during physical examination demonstrates some hyperechoic structure in the left atrium resembling a Q-tip. Is it abnormal? It […]
Hiatal hernia on Focused Cardiac Ultrasound
This apical 4-chamber view is obtained from a patient with shortness of breath being managed with escalation of diuretic therapy, which eventually led to hypovolemic hyponatremia. What does it show? […]
One view, multiple effusions
We previously went over examples of pleural effusion and ascites visualized from the subcostal/subxiphoid window. Here is another nice clip demonstrating right and left pleural effusions, pericardial effusion and ascites […]
Internal jugular vein response to Valsalva maneuver
We frequently use inferior vena cava POCUS to estimate right atrial pressure. Internal jugular vein (IJV) ultrasound can also be used for this purpose. In spontaneously breathing patients, IJV size/cross […]
Subxiphoid IVC view: beyond estimation of right atrial pressure
We routinely use inferior vena cava view to get an idea of the right atrial pressure by evaluating the vessel’s maximal diameter and collapsibility. In certain cases, this view can […]
IVC POCUS: one view is no view
We have previously discussed that longitudinal view of the IVC is subject to cylinder effect and it is a good idea to visualize it in short axis as well. However, […]