POCUS Provides an Immediate Diagnosis of Pneumothorax
A 68-year-old woman presented with pleuritic chest pain and acute shortness of breath. Bedside lung POCUS demonstrated absent lung sliding and a clear lung point, strongly indicating a right-sided pneumothorax. A subsequent chest X-ray confirmed the diagnosis. A chest drain was inserted, resulting in marked improvement in her symptoms. Follow-up imaging demonstrated successful re-expansion of […]
POCUS Identifies a Complex Right-Sided Pleural Effusion
An 88-year-old woman presented with sepsis, worsening shortness of breath and a productive cough. Bedside lung POCUS demonstrated a complex, loculated Right sided pleural effusion containing internal septations,features concerning for a complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. Pleural fluid sampling showed marked acidosis, supporting pleural infection. A chest drain was inserted under image guidance, allowing the […]
Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration
Presentation: POCUS Identifies an Empyema in a 43-Year-Old SmokerAuthor: Dr Munzir Malik POCUS WalesPoint-of-care ultrasound continues to demonstrate its value in the rapid assessment of patients presenting with acute respiratory symptoms. This recent case highlights how thoracic POCUS can provide immediate diagnostic clarity and guide early management. Clinical PresentationA 43-year-old gentleman with a significant smoking […]