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Point-of-Care Ultrasound After Non-fatal Drowning in Rural Western Nepal: A Case Report
Rochak Kansakar1, Elijah J Katz2, Justin Zhao2
1Bayalpata Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Sanfebagar, Accham, Nepal.
Introduction:
Drowning is a significant cause of death in Nepal, especially in rural areas. Identifying pulmonary edema is important for management of cases of non-fatal drowning, and while radiograph is the standard of care, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) offers a rapid, accessible alternative.
Case Report:
A 40-year-old woman presented to the emergency department after non-fatal drowning with respiratory distress and hypoxia. Chest radiograph was unavailable. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed diffuse B-lines consistent with pulmonary edema. She was stabilized and transported to a hospital with intensive care-level management.
Conclusion:
Point-of-care ultrasound enabled rapid identification of pulmonary edema and guided timely referral. In resource-limited settings, POCUS is a valuable tool for managing drowning victims when other diagnostics are unavailable.
