Ultrasound Essentials

Gregory Lisciandro, DVM, DABVP, DACVECC

The lesson will cover an introduction to AFAST, TFAST® and Vet BLUE® (a lung ultrasound format with a regional, pattern-based approach, a B-line Scoring System for wet lung, and its visual lung language for easily learned signs of consolidation). These three FAST ultrasound formats are reviewed in a case-based, practical, and achievable way for the non-radiologist, non-cardiologist practitioner. 

The lesson will cover an introduction to AFAST (an abdominal ultrasound format for soft tissue, free fluid, and free air), TFAST® (a thoracic ultrasound format for pericardial/pleural effusions, and fundamental echocardiography) and Vet BLUE® (a lung ultrasound format with a regional, pattern-based approach, a B-line Scoring System for wet lung, and its visual lung language for easily learned signs of consolidation). These three FAST ultrasound formats are reviewed in a case-based, practical, and achievable way for the non-radiologist, non-cardiologist practitioner. 

After this lesson, participants will understand:

1. The AFAST® views and their everyday clinical utility for free fluid and soft tissue abnormalities.
2. Understand the TFAST® views and their everyday clinical utility for pericardial and pleural effusion, and echocardiography.
3. Understand the Vet BLUE® views and their everyday clinical utility and the wet versus dry lung principle for a rapid working diagnosis.
4. Set appropriate expectations for pet owners and team regarding the pet’s prognosis.
5. Explore the role of veterinarian technicians in image-collection.