Ultrasound (echocardiography) in cardiac arrest and resuscitation

Bedside echocardiography in cardiac arrest

In the context of cardiac arrest, focused echocardiography entails a swift evaluation of ventricular contractions and the status of the pericardium by an experienced clinician. The examination is typically as brief as the intervals required for rhythm checks. Achieving clear echocardiographic windows during active compressions is challenging; however, subcostal windows might be feasible, particularly during brief pauses.

An enlargement of the right ventricle is suggestive of pulmonary embolism, though its specificity is low. Notably, specificity increases when the septum bulges into the left ventricle (i.e. septal bulging).

Bedside echocardiography allows for immediate recognition of tamponade. Typically, acute tamponade arises from aortic dissection, and survival among such patients is, unfortunately, very rare.