POCUS

From the echocardiographic images:

• LVOT diameter (D) = 2.56 cm

• LVOT area (A) = π × (D/2)² = 3.14 × (1.28)² ≈ 5.15 cm²

• LVOT VTI = 11.8 cm

Diaphragmatic excursion refers to the measurement of diaphragmatic movement during the respiratory cycle using ultrasound. In critically ill patients, it is a bedside, non-invasive method to assess diaphragmatic function and to help predict weaning outcomes from mechanical ventilation.

Technique

• Probe placement: A low-frequency (2–5 MHz) curvilinear or phased-array transducer is placed in the subcostal or intercostal region.

• Window: The liver (right side) or spleen (left side) serves as an acoustic window.

• Mode: M-mode is typically used to quantify movement. The ultrasound cursor is placed perpendicular to the diaphragm dome.