Utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic work-up of suspected pulmonary embolism: an open-label multicentre randomized controlled trial (the PRIME study).

Background: Prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients referred to diagnostic imaging is decreasing, indicating a need for improving patient selection. The aim of this study was to assess reduction in referral to diagnostic imaging by integrating a bespoke ultrasound protocol and describe associated failure rate and adverse events in patients with suspected PE.

Methods: In a randomized open-label multicentre trial spanning June 18, 2021, through Feb 1, 2023, adult patients with suspected PE and 1) a Wells score of 0-6 and elevated age-adjusted D-dimer or 2) Wells score >6 were randomly assigned 1:1 to direct diagnostic imaging (controls) or focused lung, cardiac, and deep venous ultrasound by unblinded investigators.

The CT revolution: the role of PIOPED II in establishing CT pulmonary angiography as the reference standard for pulmonary embolism diagnosis.

https://bit.ly/3HEyVxy.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine: A Scoping Review With an Interactive Database.

Background: This scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the evidence of point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) in emergency medicine. By emphasizing clinical topics, time trends, study designs, and the scope of the primary outcomes, a map is provided for physicians and researchers to guide their future initiatives.

Research Question: Which study designs and primary outcomes are reported in published studies of LUS in emergency medicine?

Study Design And Methods: We performed a systematic search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for LUS studies published prior to May 13, 2023.

Thrombelastography and Conventional Coagulation Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective Paired-Measurements Study Comparing Exacerbation and Stable Phases.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation is known for its substantial impact on morbidity and mortality among affected patients, creating a significant healthcare burden worldwide. Coagulation abnormalities have emerged as potential contributors to exacerbation pathogenesis, raising concerns about increased thrombotic events during exacerbation. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in thrombelastography (TEG) parameters and coagulation markers in COPD patients during admission with exacerbation and at a follow-up after discharge.

Thoracic ultrasound for pneumothorax and infectious effusion: from equine beginnings to clinical cornerstone.

https://bit.ly/3FO6jBg.

Education in Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma Using Immersive Virtual Reality: A Prospective, Interventional Cohort Study and Non-inferiority Analysis With a Historical Control.

Objective: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is a valuable ultrasound procedure in emergency settings, and there is a need for evidence-based education in FAST to ensure competencies. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a progressive training modality gaining traction in the field of ultrasound training. IVR holds several economic and practical advantages to the common instructor-led FAST courses using screen-based simulation (SBS).

Comparison of international guideline recommendations for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of death due to cardiovascular disease. Timely diagnosis is crucial, but challenging, as the clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism is unspecific and easily mistaken for other common medical emergencies. Clinical prediction rules and D-dimer measurement allow stratification of patients into groups of expected prevalence and are key elements in adequate selection of patients for diagnostic imaging; however, the strengths and weaknesses of the multiple proposed prediction rules, when to measure D-dimer, and which cutoff to apply might be elusive to a significant proportion of physicians.

Thoracic ultrasonographic and clinical findings at 12-month follow-up of patients admitted with COVID-19.

Introduction: Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) has proven useful in the diagnosis, risk stratification and monitoring of disease progression in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, utility in follow-up is poorly described. To elucidate this area, we performed TUS as part of a 12-month clinical follow-up in patients previously admitted with COVID-19 and correlated findings with clinical assessment and pulmonary function tests.

Impact of serial cardiopulmonary point-of-care ultrasound exams in patients with acute dyspnoea: a randomised, controlled trial.

Background: Serial point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) can potentially improve acute patient care through treatment adjusted to the dynamic ultrasound findings. The objective was to investigate if treatment guided by monitoring patients with acute dyspnoea with serial cardiopulmonary PoCUS and usual care could reduce the severity of dyspnoea compared with usual care alone.

Methods: This was a randomised, controlled, blinded-outcome trial conducted in three EDs in Denmark between 9 October 2019 and 26 May 2021.

Endobronchial Ultrasound for the Screening of Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Suspected Lung Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Patients with lung cancer exhibit increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). While the contrast phase of computed tomography of the chest in the diagnostic work-up of suspected chest malignancy does not allow reliable detection of PE, it may be feasible to screen for present PE during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) examination.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish if screening during EBUS for PE in patients with suspected lung cancer is feasible and if positive findings are predictive of PE.

Education in Focused Lung Ultrasound Using Gamified Immersive Virtual Reality: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Focused lung ultrasound (FLUS) has high diagnostic accuracy in many common conditions seen in a variety of emergency settings. Competencies are essential for diagnostic success and patient safety but can be challenging to acquire in clinical environments. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) offers an interactive risk-free learning environment and is progressing as an educational tool.

Multiorgan ultrasonographic findings in patients with pulmonary embolism at diagnosis and clinical follow-up: a proof of concept study.

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive feasibility study was to assess the clinical impact and feasibility of conducting a multiorgan ultrasound examination of patients with pulmonary embolism at both time of diagnosis and at clinical follow-up.

Methods: Hemodynamically stable patients with pulmonary embolism verified by CT pulmonary angiography or ventilation perfusion scintigraphy were eligible for inclusion. Enrolled patients underwent multiorgan ultrasound investigation encompassing echocardiography supplemented with focused lung and deep venous ultrasound emphasizing right ventricular strain, subpleural consolidations and presence of deep venous thrombi.

[Diagnostic accuracy of fibrin D-dimer].

Dyspnoea and chest pain are common causes of referral to emergency departments. Both symptoms are non-specific and may be caused by ST elevation myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, or infection. Fibrin D-dimer is often used for ruling out suspicion of acute diseases, but the clinical utility is limited by a modest specificity which lowers with age to approximately ten per cent at the age of 80 years.

Does the Addition of Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound Improve the Diagnostic Yield of Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy? A Systematic Review.

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial to increased survival rates. Radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) have been developed for the diagnosis of small lung lesions.

ERS International Congress 2021: highlights from the Clinical Techniques, Imaging and Endoscopy Assembly.

This article summarises the highlights from the European Respiratory Society's "Clinical techniques, imaging and endoscopy" Assembly 14 presented at the virtual 2021 European Respiratory Society International Congress. Cutting-edge innovative developments in both diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies in patients with lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, obstructive airway disorders and infectious diseases were presented on this year's interactive congress platform. In this article, the Assembly 14 subgroups summarise the key take home messages given new research outcomes and place them in the context of the current knowledge.

Cavitating pulmonary lung lesions with more than one microbiological aetiology.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are one of the predominant microbes observed in immunocompromised patients with structural lung disease. Especially in immunocompromised patients, the treating physician needs to be aware of concurrent lung infections with opportunistic pathogens. In this case report we present a man in his 60s with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bullous emphysema, who was diagnosed with but with persistent clinical deterioration despite relevant treatment for NTM.

Using Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation to Ensure Competence in Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is used in various medical specialties as a diagnostic imaging tool and for procedural guidance. Experience in the procedure is currently attained via supervised clinical practice that is challenged by patient availability and risks. Prior simulation-based training and subsequent assessment could improve and ensure competence before performance on patients, but no simulator currently exists.

Diagnostic accuracy of focused deep venous, lung, cardiac and multiorgan ultrasound in suspected pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound in suspected pulmonary embolism.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane library were searched on 2 July 2020 with no restrictions on the date of publication.

Lung ultrasound assessment for pneumothorax following transbronchial lung cryobiopsy.

Background: Iatrogenic pneumothorax is a common and clinically important transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) complication. A study was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of immediate post-procedure lung ultrasound for diagnosing iatrogenic pneumothorax in patients suspected of interstitial lung disease (ILD) undergoing TBCB.

Study Design And Methods: In patients undergoing TBCB due to suspected ILD, lung ultrasound of the anterior surface of the chest was performed immediately after the TBCB procedure prior to extubation.

Lung ultrasound may be a valuable aid in decision making for patients admitted with COVID-19 disease.

COVID-19 is associated with a risk of severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring treatment at an intensive care unit (ICU). Since clinical deterioration may occur rapidly, a simple, fast, bedside, non-invasive method for assessment of lung changes is warranted. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether lung ultrasound (LUS) findings within 72 hours of admission were predictive of clinical deterioration in hospitalized patients with confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Urine samples produced at patients' own home rarely meet recommendations for analysis.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections are frequently encountered in general practice. For diagnosis, it is recommended to obtain a midstream specimen of urine and immediately inoculate on agar plates, preserve in boric acid or keep cooled until analysis. This study investigated if urine samples produced at home by patients with suspected urinary tract infections are done in accordance with recommendations.