Documento de consenso de SEMI, semFYC, SEN y SEC sobre ecocardioscopia en España

Positioning for the use of multivessel clinicalultrasound in vascular risk evaluation: VASUS+protocol. 2024 Recommendations of the Vascular Risk WorkingGroup of The Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), Clinical Ultrasound Working Group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight against Arterial Hypertension (SHE-LELHA)

Atherosclerosis is the underlying disease in the entire spectrum of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Point of care ultrasound is a useful tool for its detection. Current guidelines recommend the use of scales such as SCORE 2 and SCORE 2OP in apparently healthy individuals and in those at intermediate-low risk, they recognize the role of the arterial plaque by ultrasound to refine risk stratification and the need for more aggressive preventive strategies. However, the way to evaluate the vascular territories in which there is presence of plaque, the amount or load of plaque is not homogeneous nor is it well protocolized. In this document, 2 protocols are proposed for the evaluation of vascular risk, VASUS and VASUS+, including the presence of ventricular hypertrophy with the objective of homogenizing clinical ultrasound in the assessment of vascular risk in clinical practice.

Positioning for the use of multivessel clinical ultrasound in vascular risk evaluation: VASUS+ protocol. 2024 recommendations of the Vascular Risk Group, clinical ultrasound of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine and Spanish Society of Hypertension and Vascular Risk

Atherosclerosis is the underlying disease in the entire spectrum of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Point of care ultrasound is a useful tool for its detection. Current guidelines recommend the use of scales such as SCORE 2 and SCORE 2OP in apparently healthy individuals and in those at intermediate-low risk, they recognize the role of the arterial plaque by ultrasound to refine risk stratification and the need for more aggressive preventive strategies. However, the way to evaluate the vascular territories in which there is presence of plaque, the amount or load of plaque is not homogeneous nor is it well protocolized. In this document, 2 protocols are proposed for the evaluation of vascular risk, VASUS and VASUS+, including the presence of ventricular hypertrophy with the objective of homogenizing clinical ultrasound in the assessment of vascular risk in clinical practice.

Position statement on the use of point-of-care ultrasound in heart failure: recommendations from the Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation, and Clinical Ultrasound Working Groups of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI)

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of point-of-care ultrasound in heart failure (HF), offering detailed recommendations on echocardiography, lung ultrasound, and venous ultrasound. These advanced imaging techniques allow for an accurate, detailed, and non-invasive evaluation of heart failure, facilitating rapid and effective clinical decision-making. Echocardiography enables a rapid assessment of cardiac function at the point of care, enhancing traditional physical examination and being essential for the management of heart failure (HF). Lung ultrasound provides a detailed view of the pulmonary status, crucial for diagnosing pulmonary congestion without using ionizing radiation, ideal for continuous monitoring. Venous ultrasound evaluates systemic congestion by measuring the inferior vena cava and other parameters, aiding in the estimation of right atrial pressure and monitoring pressure and volume overload, improving patient understanding and prognosis. Together, the use of these ultrasound modalities not only complements but enriches the traditional physical examination, establishing themselves as indispensable tools in the comprehensive and effective management of patients with heart failure. By incorporating these techniques into clinical practice, healthcare professionals can achieve better evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, resulting in more personalized management of these patients.

Suprasternal aortic arch echocardioscopy as a potential tool in detection and follow-up of mobile thrombi in patients with ischemic stroke

Introduction

Severe or complicated atheromatosis of the aortic arch represents an important and often underdiagnosed embolic source in patients with ischemic stroke. The presence of a floating thrombus has significant clinical relevance, as it is associated with a high risk of early recurrence. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of echocardiographic examination through the suprasternal window in both the detection of embolic sources and the monitoring of the response to anticoagulant treatment in patients with mobile thrombi.

Methods

This case series study included ten consecutive patients with a mobile floating aortic arch thrombus associated with an atheromatous plaque, detected by focused echocardiography and confirmed by Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and ultrasound characteristics were analyzed. Clinical and ultrasound follow-up was performed after initiation of anticoagulation as secondary prevention to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Results

Ten patients (seven female) with a mean age of 76 years were identified. After anticoagulation, a complete resolution of the mobile thrombus was observed in eight of them during ultrasound follow-up. One patient suffered an ischemic recurrence. Two patients receiving associated antiplatelet therapy presented severe hemorrhagic complications, one of which was fatal. Once the disappearance of the mobile thrombus was detected, anticoagulation was discontinued, and no further ischemic recurrences were observed.

Discussion

Floating thrombus of the aortic arch is an underdiagnosed but clinically relevant condition. The study of the aortic arch with echocardiography through the suprasternal window is a highly available and harmless technique, that may be highly useful for the detection and monitoring of response to treatment of this pathology. Furthermore, early anticoagulation could be an effective and safe treatment in these patients.

Executive summary of the consensus document on point-of-care ultrasound implementation: recommendations from the Clinical Ultrasound Working Groups of SEMI, SEDAR, SEGG, SEMERGEN, SEMES, SEMFYC, and SEMG

Point-of-Care Ultrasound has significantly evolved, establishing itself as an essential tool in daily medical practice, especially in various clinical contexts. This consensus document, supported by several Spanish medical societies, proposes guidelines for the effective integration of ultrasound in healthcare, promoting its standardization and ensuring the quality and systematic application of this technique. The working groups, composed of experts from different specialties, conducted a comprehensive review of the literature in MEDLINE and extensively discussed recommendations to formulate a coherent and practical set of guidelines for different application areas: hospital and out-of-hospital emergencies and critical care, primary care, and outpatient hospital care, hospitalization. The methodology included virtual meetings and confidential voting to reach a consensus on the relevant recommendations. Ultrasound was highlighted as fundamental in the initial approach to various pathologies, such as abdominal, thoracic, and musculoskeletal issues, facilitating quick and accurate diagnoses, and reducing the need for unnecessary referrals. Furthermore, this technique has proven valuable in emergencies and critical care, guiding procedures and enhancing the safety and efficiency of clinical interventions. These guidelines not only serve as a framework for clinical practice, education, and research but also aim to ensure that professionals are adequately trained and that ultrasound evaluations are performed to a standard of excellence. The purpose of these recommendations is to standardize and facilitate the adoption of this clinical tool in the daily practice of healthcare, thus improving the quality of the services provided in its various possible applications.

Results of a focused cardiac ultrasound program conducted by neurologists within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Recently, neurologists have begun to perform focused cardiac ultrasound for the detection of a cardiac source of embolism in stroke patients, requiring them to undergo a prior accredited training process. We designed a prospective study to analyze the incidence of heart disease detected by a focused cardiac ultrasound program within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units and to identify the outcomes of detected structural heart disease at 1 year of follow-up.

METHODS

We included patients admitted to a university hospital for ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack between 2017 and 2021 who were evaluated by focused cardiac ultrasound. We studied the presence of structural heart disease and cardioembolic sources. We analyzed cardiovascular events (CVE) during the first year of follow-up.

RESULTS

Focused cardiac ultrasound was performed in 706 patients. Structural heart disease was detected in 52.1% and a cardioembolic source in 31.9%. Adverse CVE occurred in 5.49% of the patients in the first year of follow-up. The presence of de novo structural heart disease was independently associated with a higher probability of adverse CVE (HR, 1.72; 95%CI, 1.01- 2.91; P=.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Focused cardiac ultrasound within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units is an accessible technique with high diagnostic yield. Its use allows clinical and therapeutic actions in the prevention of stroke recurrences and other CVEs in this group of patients.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) as an Extension of the Physical Examination in Patients with Bacteremia or Candidemia

Background: In general, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the first diagnostic test used for patients with bacteremia or candidemia and clinical signs of Infective Endocarditis (IE). Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may be used in addition to physical examination for the detection of structural heart disease and valve abnormalities. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS for the detection of signs suggestive of IE, including vegetation, valvular regurgitation, structural heart disease, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and septic embolisms, in patients with bacteremia or candidemia. Design: Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study using convenience sampling. Setting: Six Spanish academic hospitals. Patients: Adult patients with bacteremia or candidemia between 1 February 2018 and 31 December 2020. Measurements: The reference test, to evaluate vegetation, valvular regurgitation and structural heart disease, was transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For patients who did not undergo TEE, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was considered the reference test. POCUS was performed by internists, while conventional echocardiography procedures were performed by cardiologists. Results: In 258 patients, for the detection of valvular vegetation, POCUS had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 77%, 94%, 82% and 92%, respectively. For valvular regurgitation (more than mild), sensitivity was ≥76% and specificity ≥85%. Sensitivity values for the detection of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were 92% and 92%, respectively, while those for specificity were 96% and 98%. Conclusion: POCUS could be a valuable tool, as a complement to physical examination, at the hospital bedside for patients with bacteremia or candidemia, helping to identify signs suggestive of IE.

Screening of Embolic Sources by Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke

Our objective was to evaluate hand-held echocardiography as point of care ultrasound scanning (POCUS) to detect sources of embolism in the acute phase of stroke. Prospective, unicentric observational cohort study of non-lacunar ischemic stroke patients evaluated by V Scan device. The main sources of embolism (MSEs) were classified into embolic valvulopathies and severe ventricular dysfunction. We looked for atrial fibrillation (AF) predictors in strokes of undetermined etiology. MSEs were detected in 19.23% (25/130). Large vessel occlusion (LVO) (odds ratio [OR]: 4.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-17.85) and chronic heart failure (OR: 13.25, 95% CI: 3.54-49.50) were independent predictors of MSEs. LVO (OR: 6.54, 95% CI: 1.62-26.27) and left atrial area >20 cm² (OR: 7.01, 95% CI: 1.75-28.09) independently predicted AF. Patients with LVO and chronic heart disease may benefit from hand-held echocardiography as part of POCUS in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Left atrial area measured was an independent predictor of AF in strokes of undetermined etiology.

A Shifting Paradigm: The Role of Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in Bedside Patient Assessment

Transthoracic echocardiography is the standard of care in anatomic and functional cardiovascular assessment; however, focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) performed with portable ultrasound equipment is increasingly being used as an adjunct to comprehensive history and physical examination. FoCUS assessments, unlike formal echocardiography, are intended to assist physicians in answering explicit clinical questions with a narrow differential diagnosis in real time. Over the past decade, a growing body of literature has repeatedly shown the value that FoCUS adds to clinical evaluation. Specifically, FoCUS improves point-of-care diagnostic accuracy, which in turn modifies treatment plans, decreases time to diagnosis, and reduces resource utilization. Although less robust, there is also evidence showing improvement in clinical outcomes. Based on this evidence, clinicians, training programs, and clinical societies have embraced FoCUS as a tool to complement bedside patient evaluation. Herein, we review the evidence for FoCUS in clinical practice, specifically evaluating the diagnostic accuracy, the impact on clinical decision-making, and the effect on clinical outcomes.

El ultrasonido, de la cabecera del paciente al aula

In recent years, ultrasound at the patient’s bedside has exponentially grown. Its application has been observed in the operating room, intensive care units, emergency rooms, first-level care and even in field work. It is so versatile that it facilitates diagnosis, improves patient monitoring and supports invasive procedures, all in a safe and effective manner. It has been used as a didactic tool in medical education that helps create a link between basic sciences and clinical application. Ultrasound is one of the most versatile instruments in contemporary medicine, hence, more training and research in the subject is a must and a priority. Key words: Point-of-care ultrasonography; insonation; medical education; anatomy; physiology