PHILADELPHIA, April 27, 2021 – The American College of Physicians (ACP) today released a new Clinical Guideline regarding the appropriate use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for patients with acute dyspnea in emergency departments or in-patient settings. The new, evidence-based guideline was published in
Annals of Internal Medicine .
Appropriate Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Patients with Acute Dyspnea in Emergency Department or In-patient Settings: A Clinical Guideline from the American College of Physicians, was developed by ACP to provide clinical recommendations to improve the diagnostic, treatment, and health outcomes of patients with suspected congestive heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax. Acute dyspnea is a common symptom that contributes to more than 1 million emergency room visits each year and is defined as a subjective and distressing experience of breathing discomfort.