Clinical applications of bedside ultrasonography in internal and emergency medicine.

Ultrasonography (US) is an invaluable tool in the management of many types of patients in Internal Medicine and Emergency Departments, as it provides rapid, detailed information regarding abdominal organs and the cardiovascular system, and facilitates the assessment and safe drainage of pleural or intra-abdominal fluid and placement of central venous catheters. Bedside US is a common practice in Emergency Departments, Internal Medicine Departments and Intensive Care Units. US performed by clinicians is an excellent risk reducing tool, shortening the time to definitive therapy, and decreasing the rate of complications from blind invasive procedures. US can be performed at different levels of practice in Internal Medicine, according to the experience of ultrasound practitioners and equipment availability. In this review, the indications for bedside US that can be performed with basic or intermediate US training will be highlighted.