Ultrasound For Critical Care Physicians: Where Did the Bubbles Go?

A 35-year-old woman with factor V Leiden deficiency on chronic anticoagulation therapy and a history of multiple deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and transient ischemic attacks presented for an evaluation of dyspnea. An echocardiogram with agitated saline contrast (bubble study) was performed (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Apical 4 chamber video taken from bubble study.

What is the best explanation for the findings in the video?

1. Intra-atrial right to left shunting
2. Normal bubble study
3. Pulmonary arterial-venous malformation
4. Ventricular septal defect

Reference as: Natt B, Snyder L, Lax D. Ultrasound for critical care physicians: where did the bubbles go? Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2014;9(2):91-3. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc100-14 PDF

Ultrasound for Critical Care Physicians: Really, At Her Age?

A 71 year old woman presented with dyspnea since late 2013 and denies a prior history of dyspnea. She had a cardiac pacemaker placed in 2008 for sick sinus syndrome. Her physical exam was unremarkable and her SpO2 was 96% on room air. However,  it decreased to 84% with exercise. Chest x-ray and pulmonary function testing were unremarkable (a DLco was unable to be performed). A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Movie with Doppler flow of transthoracic echocardiogram. 

Which of the following best explains the patient's dyspnea and hypoxia? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the next panel)

1. Cardiac tamponade
2. Decreased cardiac contractility
3. Intracardiac shunt
4. Mitral insufficiency
5. Ventilation perfusion mismatch from COPD

Reference as: Wesselius LJ. Ultrasound for critical care physicians: really, at her age? Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2014;8(5):278-9. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc061-14 PDF

November 2012 Critical Care Case of the Month: I Just Can’t Do It Captain! I Can’t Get the Sats Up!

Bridgett Ronan, MD

Department of Pulmonary Medicine

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ

History of Present Illness

A 61 year old man was seen in consultation after undergoing a laparoscopic repeat Nissen fundoplication with mesh reinforcement.  He developed worsening hypoxia postoperatively. He was initially extubated without difficulty to nasal cannula. However, he had progressive hypoxemia requiring a nonrebreathing mask, followed by BiPAP and eventually reintubation. Discussion with the surgeons revealed he had gastric contents present on intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). There was a small perforation of the fundus, with possible contamination of the peritoneum.

PMH, FH, SH

He has a long history of a paraesophageal hernia and reflux esophagitis and had previously undergone a Nissen fundoplication. There was also a history of atrial flutter and a 4.8 cm thoracic aortic aneurysm. A pre-operative echocardiogram was othewise normal. There was no remarkable family history. He was a non-drinker and non-smoker.

Physical Examination

Vital signs: Heart rate 79 beats/min, BP 95/67 mm Hg, Temperature 99.4°F, SpO2 78% on 100% FiO2.

His lungs were clear interiorly.

No murmurs or gallops were heard on cardiac auscultation.

His abdomen was post-surgical and distended but soft and nontender.

Which of the following is true regarding hypoxemia?

1. Most hypoxia is secondary to alveolar-capillary block
2. A normal pCO2 excludes hypoventilation as a cause of hypoxemia
3. Low inspired FiO2 is a common cause of hypoxia in the ICU because of attaching air to the oxygen line on the ventilator.
4. A normal chest x-ray excludes ventilation-perfusion mismatch as a cause of hypoxemia
5. The patient’s age of 61 excludes a congenital heart lesion

Reference as: Ronan B. November 2012 critical care case of the month: I just can’t do it captain! I can’t get the sats up! Southwest J Pulm Crit Care 2012;5:235-41. PDF