Did you ever see on POCUS what hyperkalemia does to the heart?
Hyperkalemia is probably the most common reason for an urgent nephrology consult. Most of us are familiar with the EKG changes associated with hyperkalemia, though surprisingly, only ~55% of patients […]
Do not mistake aorta for the IVC
Mistaking aorta for the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a common pitfall and can potentially lead to patient mismanagement. Always trace the IVC superiorly and make sure it is joining […]
Mitral annular calcification
Here is parasternal long axis view obtained from a patient with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease with altered bone mineral metabolism. Note the hyperechoic calcification along the posterior mitral […]
Inferior vena cava in severe tricuspid regurgitation
Here are spectacular images of massively dilated inferior vena cava and hepatic veins in a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation shared by Dr. Robert Jones. Below is a related case […]
Valvular vegetations
Though transesophageal echocardiography is required in most patients suspected to have infective endocarditis because of better sensitivity, valvular vegetations can be seen on a transthoracic echocardiogram, especially when large. It […]
Pericardial versus pleural effusion on PLAX view
We may find both pericardial and pleural effusions in the parasternal long axis (PLAX) view and mistaking one for the other can lead to inappropriate management. The descending thoracic aorta […]
Other views of the heart
Please refer to ‘Focus on POCUN‘ series on the Renal Fellow Network for brief notes on other echocardiographic windows. Parasternal long axis or the PLAX view Parasternal short axis or […]
PLAX view: Orientation
The parasternal long axis view or the PLAX is obtained by placing the transducer to the left of the sternum in 3rd or 4th intercostal space with the orientation marker […]
Focus on FoCUS: The 4 basic views of the heart
FoCUS = Focused Cardiac Ultrasound FoCUS consists of 4 basic views of the heart namely parasternal long- and short-axis views, the apical 4-chamber view, and the subxiphoid view, as described […]