Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for Rapid Detection of Postoperative Pulmonary Embolism

Nga Nomo SV; Binam Bikoi; A Kuitchet; C Kuetche; L Medeme; W Mvogo; B Eteme; S Abogo; Nazarov M.M.; Alec J. Megibow

doi:10.36349/easjacc.2025.v07i06.015

Abstract

Dyspnoea remains a common cause of emergency admissions in sub-Saharan Africa, where diagnostic delays are compounded by limited access to advanced imaging modalities. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly recognised as an essential tool for the rapid bedside evaluation of cardio-pulmonary disorders. We report the case of a 71-year-old man admitted to the Essos Hospital Centre emergency department with acute dyspnoea, fever, and hypoxaemia. Cardiac POCUS revealed right ventricular dilatation with paradoxical interventricular septal motion, while lung ultrasound demonstrated bilateral pleural effusions and a B-profile, immediately suggesting a dual pathology: acute pulmonary embolism and bilateral pleuro-pneumonia. Thoracic CT angiography confirmed a segmental embolus in the left lower lobe associated with a pleuro-pneumonia. Early initiation of anticoagulation and targeted antibiotic therapy, guided by POCUS findings, resulted in rapid clinical improvement. This case highlights the major diagnostic value of integrating cardiac and lung POCUS into emergency assessment, particularly in resource-limited African settings where imaging delays may compromise outcomes.

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Publication Info

Year: 2025
Type: article
Volume: 7
Issue: 06
Pages: 238-242
Citations: 0
Access: Closed

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APA Style

                            
                                
                                    Nga Nomo SV, 
                                
                                    Binam Bikoi, 
                                
                                    A Kuitchet
                                
                                et al.
                            
                            (2025). 
                            Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for Rapid Detection of Postoperative Pulmonary Embolism. 
                            EAS Journal of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care
                            , 7
                            (06)
                            , 238-242.
                            https://doi.org/10.36349/easjacc.2025.v07i06.015
                        

Identifiers

DOI: 10.36349/easjacc.2025.v07i06.015