Abstract
Introduction: Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (c-POCUS) is an
increasingly implemented diagnostic tool with the potential to guide
clinical management. We sought to characterize and analyze the existing
c-POCUS literature with a focus on the temporal trends and differences
across specialties. Methods: A literature search for c-POCUS and related
terms was conducted using Ovid (MEDLINE and Embase) and Web of Science
databases through 2020. Eligible publications were classified by
publication type and topic, author specialty, geographical region of
senior author, and journal specialty. Results: The initial search
produced 1761 potential publications. A strict definition of c-POCUS
yielded a final total of 574 cardiac POCUS manuscripts. A yearly
increase in c-POCUS publications was observed. Nearly half of
publications were original research (48.8%) followed by case report or
series (22.8%). Most publications had an emergency medicine senior
author (37.5%), followed by cardiology (20.2%), anesthesiology
(12.2%), and critical care (12.2%). The proportion authored by
emergency medicine and cardiologists has decreased over time while those
by anesthesiology and critical care has generally increased,
particularly over the last decade. First authorship demonstrated a
similar trend. Articles were published at similar numbers in emergency
medicine journals (23.0%) and cardiology journals (19.9%). Conclusion:
The annual number of c-POCUS publications has steadily increased over
time reflecting the increased recognition and utilization of c-POCUS.
This study can help inform clinicians of the current state of c-POCUS
and augment the discussion surrounding barriers to continued adoption
across all specialties.