Comparison of 6 handheld ultrasound devices by point-of-care ultrasound experts: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as an essential bedside tool for clinicians, but lack of access to ultrasound equipment has been a top barrier to POCUS use. Recently, several handheld ultrasound devices ("handhelds") have become available, and clinicians are seeking data to guide purchasing decisions. Few comparative studies of different handhelds have been done.

Gross Hematuria and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Military Burn Pits Exposures in US Veterans Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe rates of hematuria and other lower urinary tract symptoms, including self-reported cancer rates, among veterans postburn pits emissions exposure during deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Methods: US post-9/11 veterans with burn pits emissions exposure confirmed via DD214 forms in the Burn Pits360.org Registry were sent a modified survey.

Agitated Saline Contrast Injection in Patients with Severe Hypoxemia.

The use of agitated saline contrast (ASC) during echocardiographic examinations is a well-established practice, most commonly performed to identify atrial septal abnormalities in the context of stroke. In the intensive care unit, this technique may be employed to identify anatomic right-to-left shunts (either intracardiac or transpulmonary) that may be contributing to hypoxemic respiratory failure. This narrative review will describe the technique of ASC injection, summarize clinical scenarios where it may be useful, and review the strengths and limitations of the tool.