Title:Discrepancies between Screening Sonography and Ultrasound in Emergency
Department – A Case Report
Volume: 20
Author(s): Sérgio Miravent, Teresa Figueiredo, Inna Donchenko, Manuel Duarte Lobo*, Gualter Cruz and Rui Pedro Almeida
Affiliation:
- Local Health Unit of Northeast, Polytechnic University of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
Keywords:
Ultrasound, Screening, Bile ducts, Sonographers, Radiologists, Abdomen.
Abstract:
Introduction:
This case report presents a discrepancy in sonographic findings between a screening sonography performed by a Sonographer in the Basic
Emergency Service (BES) and a subsequent ultrasound performed by a Radiologist physician in a Referral Hospital (RH). The aim of this report is
to discuss the possible reasons for the discrepancy and its implications for patient care.
Case Presentation:
A patient with a history of epigastric pain and vomiting underwent screening sonography in a BES, which suggested Intrahepatic Biliary Dilatation
Duct (IHBD) and main pancreatic duct dilatation. The patient was subsequently referred to the RH for further evaluation. However, the Radiologist
in the RH did not confirm any of the initial suspicions from BES through a normal ultrasound procedure. The discrepancy raises questions
regarding the quality of the screening ultrasound, misinterpretation of the BES images, or the potential for ambiguity in the point of care ultrasound
(POCUS) exam.
Conclusion:
The differences in sonographic findings between BES and RH, in this case, suggest that the improvement of the patient's clinical condition and
therapeutic interventions may have contributed to the discrepancy. Further investigation and standardization of POCUS training and interpretation
may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
