Ultrasound-Guided Disposition: Submersion Injury.
Joseph Chilbert, Charles Swail, John Siefert et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 25-year-old male sustained an acute submersion injury due to water aspiration during snorkel training for U.S. Navy Search and Rescue Swimmer training. Pulmonary ultrasound was employed as the initial diagnostic tool, allowing for real-time assessment and monitoring of the patient's lung condition. This approach facilitated timely clinical decision-making and management, demonstrating its effectiveness compared to traditional radiography.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Pulmonary ultrasound can be a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing submersion injuries, especially in settings where traditional radiography is unavailable.
Why it matters
Utilizing ultrasound in acute care settings enhances the ability to make timely decisions regarding patient management and resource allocation.