The emergency department (ED) plays a key role in the initial diagnosis and management of acute heart failure (AHF). Despite the advent of novel biomarkers and traditional methods of assessment, such as history, examination, and chest X-ray, diagnosis of the dyspnoeic ED patient is, at times, very challenging. Focused cardiac and pulmonary ultrasound has emerged as a valid, facile and efficient method to aid in the initial diagnosis and management of AHF.
Frances M Russell - Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
Matt Rutz - Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
Peter S Pang - Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA; Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, USA
