Prompt Diagnosis of an Unusual Cause of Obstructive Shock Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Abstract

Background: The patient presenting in an undifferentiated shock state can produce a diagnostic challenge for even the most seasoned clinician.

Case report: We present an unusual case of an elderly woman in obstructive shock from a large atrial mass that was promptly diagnosed with point-of-care ultrasound. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Ultrasound is a non-invasive tool that can help facilitate the early diagnosis of a patient in undifferentiated shock.

Keywords: echocardiography; obstructive shock; point-of-care ultrasound; undifferentiated shock.