Work

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Exam Performed by an Anesthesiologist Changes Obstetric Management

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) exams have been shown to impact perioperative patient care. Involvement in antepartum obstetric patients has not been previously described. We report a case of a parturient with chronic hypertension in new-onset respiratory distress. The anesthesiologist performed cardiac and lung POCUS exams that identified new-onset systolic heart failure and contributed to her diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features. These findings guided the initiation of inotropic therapy and diuresis. The patient ultimately required transfer to a center able to perform more advanced obstetric and cardiac care, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient delivered via cesarean section under general anesthesia and was weaned off inotropes. This demonstrates how POCUS can guide the management of complex antepartum patients to change obstetric management.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78940

Authors: Caitlin A Bradley, Gang Chen, Joanna Schindler, Tina S Shah, Max Schubert

Institutions: Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University

Language: English

Topic: Ultrasound in Clinical Applications

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4407531971