Unexpected Causes and Complications of ST-Segment Myocardial Infarction That Highlight the Importance and Limitations of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography is a valuable tool for Emergency Physicians evaluating a patient in shock. We describe a case report of ST-segment myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and acute severe mitral valve regurgitation that was immediately identified by the Emergency Physician. However, subsequent testing revealed an unexpected unifying diagnosis. The diagnostic sequence in this case highlights the benefits and limitations of point-of-care ultrasound in the Emergency Department and reinforces its role to address discrete clinically relevant questions.

Establishing a Novel Diagnostic Framework Using Handheld Point-of-Care Focused-Echocardiography (HoPE) for Acute Left-Sided Cardiac Valve Emergencies: A Bayesian Approach for Emergency Physicians in Resource-Limited Settings

“…Nevertheless, Arntfield et al [41] and Millington et al [44] concluded that PoCE served as an indispensable instrument for the diagnosis and treatment of acute cardiac conditions, including valvular emergencies. Similarly, Johnson et al [45] affirmed the value of PoCE as a vital apparatus for emergency physicians assessing patients in shock.…”