Emergency Physician-Performed Bedside Ultrasound of Gastric Volvulus

Abstract

Gastric volvulus (GV) is a seldomly encountered life-threatening condition that necessitates rapid diagnosis in the emergency department (ED). The diagnosis of GV is traditionally established with cross-sectional imaging and/or endoscopy with surgical confirmation. The potential role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) as a bedside tool to support the early identification of GV by emergency physicians (EPs) has not been thoroughly investigated. This case report describes the expeditious diagnosis and ED management of acute GV by implementing EP-performed POCUS into critical decision making.

Gastric volvulus suspected by POCUS finding in the emergency department

“…Therefore, most patients alternatively undergo an abdominal CT scan with intravenous contrast to evaluate anatomical abnormality and ischaemic changes. On the other hand, POCUS has been reported to successfully show gastric distention 3. Furthermore, Matsuzaki et al reported that ultrasonographic examination revealed construction between the dilated upper stomach body and the lower stomach body, which they named the ‘peanut sign’ 4…”