Value of portable real-time ultrasound in the ICU

A 2-yr retrospective analysis was undertaken of the value of portable real-time sonography on 107 patients in the ICU. A total of 88 abnormal findings were detected in 69 of 107 patients. Of these, 36 were clinically significant as the patients' therapy and clinical courses were modified by the ultrasound findings. In many instances, where the ultrasound findings were negative, this information had, nevertheless, important ramifications to the clinician and was frequently as helpful to him as a positive finding. A 20% yield of unsuspected abnormalities was also found, some of which were clinically significant and warranted specific action. We believe that the portable real-time ultrasound examination is, indeed, a valuable diagnostic tool to the ICU clinician and is most likely underutilized.