Use of a hand-carried ultrasound device by critical care physicians for the diagnosis of pericardial effusions, decreased cardiac function, and left ventricular enlargement in pediatric patients

• DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2004.10.016
• Publication Date: 2005-04-06T13:46:02Z
• Authors: Christopher F. Sp...; Craig A. Sable; John T. Berger; Gerard R. Martin
• Keywords: Ventricular Function

Prompt diagnosis of children with suggested cardiac disease in the acute care setting is critical for initiation of life-saving therapy. We hypothesized that pediatric critical care physicians could perform limited portable echocardiography in children. Portable hand-carried cardiac ultrasound units with 2.5-MHz phased-array transducers were used (Optigo, Philips Medical Systems, Andover, Mass). Noncardiologists were trained through a 1-hour introductory course and 2 hours of practical training. Portable echocardiography performed by noncardiologists was compared with a standard echocardiogram for diagnostic accuracy. In all, 23 patients (age 3 months-20 years) were screened during 18 months. The presence or absence of a pericardial effusion was correctly diagnosed in 21 of 23 patients (91%). Left ventricular size was correctly determined in 22 of 23 patients (96%). Left ventricular systolic function was correctly diagnosed in 22 of 23 patients (96%). These results show that, with appropriate instruction, pediatric critical care physicians are effective using limited portable echocardiography.