Point-of-Care Ultrasonography

To the Editor: On behalf of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), we wish to add points of emphasis and clarification to the excellent review article by Diaz-Gomez et al. (Oct. 21 issue)(1) on point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). The express mission of the ASE is to educate and support all users of cardiac ultrasonography. Cardiac POCUS, a versatile tool, provides rapid bedside diagnosis when used by adequately trained professionals. However, substantial harm can be inflicted by unqualified users who may miss or misinterpret data, which can lead to the withholding of lifesaving therapies or the initiation of inappropriate treatments. Cardiac POCUS . . .

Automated summary

Cardiac POCUS is a versatile tool for rapid bedside diagnosis, but must be operated by qualified professionals to avoid potential harm.