Work

Importance of point of care ultrasound in the diagnosis of severe mitral regurgitation

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: A 70-year-old gentleman previously fit and well referred by his general practitioner (GP) was admitted to our acute medical unit (AMU) with new shortness of breath, rapidly progressing paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea and orthopnoea over a 3-week period. While being assessed by the GP, an audible murmur was detected, hence the referral for further assessment. Upon initial assessment in the AMU, the patient was haemodynamically stable and comfortable at rest. Auscultation revealed a harsh holosystolic murmur radiating to the left axilla. A bedside point of care ultrasound (POCUS) demonstrated severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with a flail posterior mitral valve leaflet and a broad colour flow doppler jet extending to the back of the left atrium (Fig. 1). Visually, his left ventricle and atrium appeared dilated with preserved left ventricular systolic function. Lung POCUS showed a bilateral B-line profile, consistent with pulmonary oedema.

Source: Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.clinme.2024.100089

Authors: Robert Ambrogetti, Ravi Chotalia, Kevin Mohee

Institution: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

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: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500