Emergency medicine updates: Point-of-care ultrasound in cardiac arrest

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac arrest is a commonly managed condition in the emergency department (ED). Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has demonstrated utility in multiple components of cardiac arrest.

Objective: This paper summarizes evidence-based updates concerning the use of POCUS in cardiac arrest.

Discussion: POCUS can be used for both cardiac and non-cardiac applications. Common cardiac assessments include the evaluation of pericardial effusion and tamponade physiology, right ventricular dilation, occult ventricular fibrillation, and optimizing chest compressions. Non-cardiac applications include the assessment of intraperitoneal free fluid, aortic pathology, hypovolemia, endotracheal tube position, and pneumothorax. In addition, POCUS can evaluate for the presence or absence of a pulse more quickly and accurately than manual palpation. POCUS can also guide prognosis by assessing cardiac activity.

Conclusions: An understanding of literature updates focused on POCUS can improve the ED care of patients in cardiac arrest.

Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Compressions; POCUS; Point-of-care; Resuscitation; Return of spontaneous circulation; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound.