Is there a role for Point of Care Ultrasound as a screening tool for acute Spinal Cord Compression?
Sunday, April 7, 2024
2:18pm – 2:25pm
Location: 412
Authors: Daniel Singer, Stony Brook University Hospital Benjamin Fombonne, Stony Brook Medicine Michael Secko, Stony Brook University Hospital Kristopher Bianconi, Stony Brook University Hospital
We present here a case of a 74 year old patient who arrived at the ER with symptoms concerning for cord compression. The patient was initially seen at an outpatient hospital, and from time of initial arrival to final diagnosis, patient at least 12 hours had elapsed for a potentially life threatening diagnosis. After completion of initial workup, patient had a quick 5 minute POCUS which would have identified fluid collection present, and may have changed management in a patient who was potentially hypotensive, or adjusted the initial imaging modality plan to include IV contrast. This case serves to illustrate the utility of POCUS in the ED setting to aid in the diagnosis of a severe, life-threatening disease and may help expedite care and time to disposition time in future such cases.