Point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography: An essential management tool for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism

The pulmonary thromboembolism may be a life-threatening condition. A hip fracture surgery patient aged > 90 years old had a sudden post-operative episode of shock, de-saturation, and reverted cardiac arrest. A point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) undertaken by an anesthesiologist revealed inferior vena cava dilation/flattening, right cardiac chamber dilation, and McConnell signs (right ventricular apex hyperkinesia and lateral wall hypokinesia); the ventricular septal wall was shifting to the left side, and the left ventricular chamber collapsed at the end-systole, indicating a high ejection fraction in the context of obstructive shock. As such, it revealed signs of pulmonary thromboembolism. Despite the absolute contraindication for thrombolysis and therapeutic hypocoagulation, the treatment was started immediately along with vasopressor support, which was life-saving in this patient. A summary TTE played a pivotal role in our patient's case, helping with the differential diagnosis of the cause of shock.

Automated summary

A hip fracture surgery patient aged > 90 years old developed a life-threatening condition post-operatively. Point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography revealed signs of pulmonary thromboembolism. Despite contraindications, immediate treatment and vasopressor support proved to be life-saving.