Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measured by Point-of-Care Ultrasound and MRI.

Background And Purpose: Ultrasound (US) measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and optic nerve diameter (OND) is a method frequently used to screen for an increased intracranial pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of US measurements of ONSD and OND, when compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements as the criterion standard.

Methods: In this prospective, single-institution study, orbital US was performed for those patients requiring an emergent brain MRI.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Time-Saving Effects of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography in Patients With Small Bowel Obstruction: A Prospective Study.

Study Objective: We evaluate the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasonography compared with computed tomographic (CT) scan and assess the potential time-saving effect of point-of-care ultrasonography in diagnosing small bowel obstruction.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study of a convenience sample of patients with suspected small bowel obstruction in an academic emergency department (ED). Physician sonographers were blinded to clinical data, laboratory results, and CT scan findings.

Assessing the CT findings and clinical course of ED patients with first-time versus recurrent acute pancreatitis.

Study Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to compare Emergency Department patients with first-time versus recurrent acute pancreatitis.

Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis who presented to a single academic urban emergency department from 2012 to 2016. Criteria for inclusion were clinical symptoms of pancreatitis, age greater than or equal to 18 years, ED diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, and an abdominal CT scan within 24 h of triage.

Enhanced Point-of-Care Ultrasound Applications by Integrating Automated Feature-Learning Systems Using Deep Learning.

Recent applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) in health care include enhanced diagnostic imaging modalities to support clinical decisions and improve patients' outcomes. Focused on using automated DL-based systems to improve point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), we look at DL-based automation as a key field in expanding and improving POCUS applications in various clinical settings. A promising additional value would be the ability to automate training model selections for teaching POCUS to medical trainees and novice sonologists.

Exploring the attitudes & practices of shared decision-making for CT scan use in emergency department patients with abdominal pain.

Background: Shared decision-making (SDM) has been studied in the emergency department (ED) in relation to hospital admissions but not for CT scan utilization. CT scans are a common imaging modality with high accuracy that emit considerable ionizing radiation. This study has three aims: to measure provider and patient preference for SDM; to evaluate patient involvement in the decision to order a CT scan; and to determine the association between patient involvement and CT utilization.

Ultrasound-guided intravenous access in adults using SonoStik, a novel encapsulated sterile guidewire: A prospective cohort trial.

Purpose: We evaluated the performance of an encapsulated guidewire designed for single-handed use with ultrasound-guided vascular access (SonoStik) with Seldinger technique, as compared with conventional intravenous catheters placed under ultrasound guidance in healthy subjects.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort trial in healthy subjects in which each subject served as his/her own control by having a SonoStik ultrasound intravenous cannulation placed in one arm and a conventionally placed, standard ultrasound intravenous cannulation placed in the other arm. The basilic vein was used because it is a non-visible and non-palpable vein.