Focused Sonography in Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a high mortality event where the ability for clinicians to diagnose etiology and assess for intervention has a direct impact on patient outcomes. Bedside ultrasound (US) has emerged in current literature as a clinical tool to aid clinicians in CA resuscitation, though it remains underutilized. Reversible etiologies that can be efficiently diagnosed with US include tension pneumothorax, hypovolemia, pulmonary embolus with acute cor pulmonale, and cardiac tamponade. Other US findings may provide evidence in regard to prognosis. In this review, we present major applications of US in CA, compare existing protocols, and propose future research needs.