II. Indications
- Undifferentiated Hypotension or shock evaluation
III. Approach
- Rapid Ultrasound in Shock (RUSH protocol) evaluates three components related to Hypotension and shock
- Pump Evaluation (Cardiac Function)
- See Cardiac Ultrasound
- Pericardial Effusion (or Cardiac Tamponade)
- Cardiac systolic function
- Right ventricular dilatation or strain
- Tank Evaluation (Vascular volume status)
- See Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound for Volume Status
- See eFAST Exam
- See Blue Protocol
- Inferior Vena cava size
- Intraabdominal fluid (FAST Exam)
- Chest Ultrasound (Pneumothorax, interstitial fluid, Pleural Effusions)
- Pipes Evaluation (Large vessel integrity)
IV. Protocol: Pump Evaluation (Cardiac Function)
- See Cardiac Ultrasound
- Pericardial Effusion or Cardiac Tamponade
- Left ventricle size and function
- Myocardial Infarction
- Large left ventricle with poor contractility
- Hypovolemia
- Small left ventricle with hyperdynamic activity
- Myocardial Infarction
- Right ventricle size and function
- Massive Pulmonary Embolism
- Large right ventricle with poor contractility
- In contrast, left ventricle is uncharacteristically smaller than right and may appear D-shaped
- Massive Pulmonary Embolism
V. Protocol: Tank Evaluation (Vascular volume status)
- See Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound for Volume Status
- Measurements
- Intravascular volume status: Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound
- Non-Ventilated: Respirophasic IVC Variation or Caval Aorta Index
- Ventilated: Distensibility Index
- Intraabdominal free fluid (e.g. ruptured AAA, ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy, Trauma)
- FAST Exam
- Evaluate with patient flat or in trendeleburg position
- Chest (e.g. Pneumothorax, CHF, Pleural Effusion)
- Intravascular volume status: Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound
- Interpretation
- Hypovolemic (Dehydration, Hemorrhage, Tension Pneumothorax)
- See eFAST Exam
- Evaluate for bleeding sites (Hemothorax, intraabdominal blood on FAST Exam)
- Evaluate for Tension Pneumothorax
- Hypervolemic (volume overload, CHF, Renal Failure, liver failure)
- See Blue Protocol
- Evaluate for third spacing of fluids (Pleural Effusion, Ascites)
- Evaluate for sonographic B-Lines on Ultrasound
- Venous Obstruction (Cardiac Tamponade, Tension Pneumothorax, Pulmonary Embolism)
- Inferior Vena Cava distended
- Hypovolemic (Dehydration, Hemorrhage, Tension Pneumothorax)
VI. Protocol: Pipes Evaluation (Large vessel integrity)
- Thoracic Aortic Dissection evaluation
- Abominal aortic aneurysm evaluation
- DVT Evaluation
VII. References
- Stowell, Kessler and Lotz (2017) Crit Dec Emerg Med 31(8): 13-22
- Hallemat (2013) Crit Dec Emerg Med 27(10): 14-21
- Perera (2010) Emerg Med Clin North Am 28(1): 29-56 [PubMed]