POCUS Cases 1: Pulmonary Embolism and Right Heart Strain

Learning Objectives

1. Recognizing right ventricular heart strain on POCUS
2. Appreciating that right ventricular heart strain has a differential diagnosis that is much more comprehensive than just pulmonary embolism
3. Differentiating the specific findings of pulmonary embolism from chronic findings of right ventricular heart strain on POCUS
4. Understanding the limitations of POCUS in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Correction April 2nd 2018: Thanks to all who emailed in for pointing out that RVOT systolic excursion is measured at the level of the aortic valve and not the mitral valve as indicated in the original video. The error has been corrected in version 2 of this video above.

In each POCUS Cases video Dr. Rob Simard explains how POCUS can help guide diagnostic decision making and improve procedures.