Appropriate use of point-of-care ultrasound for patients with acute dyspnea: ACP guideline

The American College of Physicians (ACP) today released a new Clinical Guideline regarding the appropriate use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for patients with acute dyspnea in emergency departments or in-patient settings. The guidelines will help improve the diagnostic, treatment, and health outcomes of those with suspected congestive heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism,...
The American College of Physicians (ACP) today released a new Clinical Guideline regarding the appropriate use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for patients with acute dyspnea in emergency departments or in-patient settings. The guidelines will help improve the diagnostic, treatment, and health outcomes of those with suspected congestive heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax.
The recommendations apply to portable ultrasound devices that can be used at the bedside but not handheld devices.
Congestive heart failure: POCUS of the lungs alone or with the heart, inferior vena cava, and deep veins correctly identified 79%–100% of patients who had congestive heart failure and 95%–99% who did not.
Pleural effusion: POCUS of the lungs, heart, inferior vena cava, and deep veins correctly identified 89%–100% of patients who had pleural effusion and 98%–100% of those who did not.
Pneumonia: POCUS correctly identified 92% of patients who had pneumonia and 63%-98% who did not.
Pulmonary embolism: POCUS correctly identified 89%–100% of patients who had pulmonary embolism and 95%–100% who did not