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Papers by MARIA FERNANDA MENENDEZ

The Ultrasound Journal

Background Infective endocarditis carries a high morbidity and mortality; therefore, a rapid diag... more Background Infective endocarditis carries a high morbidity and mortality; therefore, a rapid diagnosis and timely treatment is crucial to improve outcomes. Diagnosis of infective endocarditis is supported on echocardiogram findings. Case presentation An adult male with history of long-term hemodialysis, presented with embolic manifestations (cerebral, skin) and fever. A large vegetation in the mitral valve and other in the tricuspid valve were detected by point-of-care transthoracic echocardiogram, while blood cultures subsequently resulted positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Despite therapeutic efforts, the patient developed into an irreversible shock and died. Conclusions Point-of-care echocardiogram has a pivotal role in diagnosis and decision-making of infective endocarditis.

The Ultrasound Journal, 2022

Background Pericardial effusion is a common entity which may have important implications in patie... more Background Pericardial effusion is a common entity which may have important implications in patient’s prognosis. In several cases, pericardiocentesis is indicated for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. Case presentation A blind pericardiocentesis failed in a 95-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with a large pericardial effusion incidentally diagnosed in the ambulatory setting. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis aided in easily accessing to the pericardial cavity, without periprocedural complications. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is simple, safe and effective, and should replace the blind technique. This procedure should be part of the armamentarium of ultrasound-guided practices of emergency or critical care physicians.