Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Outpatient Management of Patients With Cirrhosis: Rapid and Accurate Decisions
- PMID: 40612817
- PMCID: PMC12221673
- DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85251
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Outpatient Management of Patients With Cirrhosis: Rapid and Accurate Decisions
Abstract
The integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) into routine clinical practice has transformed traditional physical examination. Originally a radiologic tool reserved for imaging specialists, ultrasound is now a rapid, accessible modality that enhances bedside decision-making across multiple medical disciplines. In patients with cirrhosis, POCUS offers a unique opportunity to detect early signs of decompensation. These findings, often undetectable by conventional examination, can lead to timely interventions that significantly impact prognosis, management, and transplant candidacy. The role of bedside ultrasound in outpatient follow-up must be emphasized. Incorporating POCUS into routine evaluations can enhance clinical outcomes and support a paradigm shift toward more dynamic and responsive care for patients with cirrhosis.
Keywords: decompensated cirrhosis; live cirrhosis; liver transplant; pocus (point of care ultrasound); ultrasound scan.
Copyright © 2025, Baeza-Zapata et al.
Conflict of interest statement
Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
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