Diagnostic bedside EUS in the intensive care unit: a single-center experience

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Limited data exists on the application of bedside endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in critically ill patients.
• The intensive care unit (ICU) presents unique challenges for diagnostic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the indications, feasibility, safety, and clinical utility of diagnostic EUS in the ICU setting.
• To assess the impact of EUS on patient management within the ICU.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 64 EUS procedures performed in 63 critically ill patients over a 6-year period.
• Procedures included bedside EUS and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA).
• Data collected on indications, complications, and management changes.

Main Results:

• EUS was performed in mechanically ventilated patients in 70% of cases.
• Common indications included jaundice (24), unknown masses (25), and pancreatitis (7).
• EUS influenced management in 97% of cases with minimal complications.

Conclusions:

• Bedside EUS is a feasible and safe diagnostic modality in the ICU.
• It is particularly useful for diagnosing jaundice, unknown masses, and pancreatitis.
• EUS offers value in critically ill patients when other imaging modalities are contraindicated or limited.