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Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports
Published in: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports 9/2018

01-09-2018 | Echocardiography (S Costa and F Asch, Section Editors)

Integrated Cardiac and Lung Ultrasound (ICLUS) in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Authors: Govind Pandompatam, Daniel A. Sweeney, Jose L. Diaz-Gomez, Brandon M. Wiley

Published in: Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports | Issue 9/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review highlights the use of basic lung ultrasound and introduces the concept of integrated cardiac and lung ultrasound (ICLUS) in the care of patients in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU).

Recent Findings

Cardiac ultrasound is a fundamental imaging modality that is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cardiac pathology at the bedside. However, the demographics of the modern cardiac ICU are evolving to encompass patients with complex multi-organ system dysfunction in addition to acute cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a more comprehensive diagnostic approach is needed to allow the cardiologist to unravel the potential interplay of multiple pathologic processes. Literature on lung ultrasound has expanded dramatically in recent years as it has proven to be a feasible and accurate exam that provides rapid diagnosis of pulmonary pathology including pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema. Furthermore, combined cardiac and lung sonography exposes the interaction of circulatory and pulmonary physiology that is central to the diagnosis and management of acute cardiovascular disease. ICLUS provides valuable information for the diagnosis and management of conditions such as respiratory failure, shock, and heart failure.

Summary

Numerous studies in recent years have illustrated the utility of lung ultrasound in various clinical settings. Integration of lung and cardiac ultrasound provides the cardiologist with a more holistic examination of the medically complex patients that are admitted to the modern cardiac ICU.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Integrated Cardiac and Lung Ultrasound (ICLUS) in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors
Govind Pandompatam
Daniel A. Sweeney
Jose L. Diaz-Gomez
Brandon M. Wiley
Publication date
01-09-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports / Issue 9/2018
Print ISSN: 1941-9066
Electronic ISSN: 1941-9074
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12410-018-9463-3

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