Intensive use of general ultrasound in the intensive care unit

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Abstract
To assess the impact of systematic ultrasound (US) examination in patients admitted to the ICU An observational study of 150 consecutive patients A medical ICU of a University-affiliated hospital All consecutively admitted patients were examined, but patients discharged within <48 h were excluded from the analysis A systematic examination of the abdomen, pleural space, cervical and femoral vein, was performed at the bedside by the same investigator Results of US examinations were compared to findings from CT-scan, surgery, endoscopic procedures, autopsy, or other diagnostic tests. The impact of U.S. findings on immediate patients management was evaluatedm In 33 of 150 patients (22%), U.S. findings influenced the diagnosis, work up of the patients, and had a direct impact on the therapeutic plan. In 30/33 cases, confirmation of diagnosis was obtained by another diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure Routine US examination may alter therapeutic plans in up to 1/4 of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. US examination should be liberally performed on such patients.

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