Pitfalls of inferior vena cava M-mode
Visual assessment of IVC collapse using B-mode (grayscale imaging) is generally favored over M-mode, although in theory, M-mode can provide an accurate measurement of the collapsibility index. There are several […]
An intriguing tale of B-lines in a dialysis patient
Dr. X is rounding on an ESRD patient who initially presented with dyspnea after missing a dialysis (HD) session; underwent dialysis in the hospital. Pt asymptomatic at the time of […]
Sonographic appearance of an ureteral stent
Here is the image of right kidney obtained from a patient with history of obstructive uropathy. Note the hyperechoic double-lined structure in the collecting system area: that’s ureteral stent. Here […]
Execution of the NephroPOCUS curriculum
A POCUS program runs most effectively when there are at least two (to three) core faculty members who can consistently devote meaningful time to its development. Depending on the size […]
IVC collapse: fact or artifact?
In clinical practice, size, and collapsibility of the IVC is used as a surrogate for right atrial pressure (RAP). In spontaneously breathing patients, inspiration causes negative intrathoracic pressure and collapses […]
What is LV foreshortening?
This is a commonly heard term in echocardiography. Foreshortening occurs when the ultrasound beam does not cut through the true apex of the left ventricle but transects above and anterior […]
Retroperitoneal hematoma
While performing POCUS, it is important to pay attention to what’s happening ‘around’ the kidney as well – sometimes it can save lives. Here are sonographic images obtained from a […]
Septal bounce in a lupus patient
Here is a subcostal view of the heart obtained from a young lupus patient presenting with symptoms of new onset heart failure. Nephrologists may encounter this type of presentation in […]
The ‘double line’ sign
These images were obtained from a dialysis patient during routine screening for renal cell carcinoma. In addition to kidneys being small with thin parenchyma, note the hypoechoic, sharply demarcated area […]