The Evolution of Ultrasound in Medicine: A Case Report of Point-of-care Ultrasound in the Self-diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2020 Nov;4(4):527-529. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2020.7.48158.

Abstract

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education during medical school develops physicians who are properly prepared for the next generation of medicine. The authors present the case of a first-year medical student who self-diagnosed appendicitis using POCUS.

Case report: A 25-year-old, first-year medical student presented to the emergency department with lower abdominal pain. What seemed like a straightforward appendicitis presentation came with a twist; the student brought self-performed ultrasound imaging of his appendix.

Conclusion: The student's ultrasound skill set reflects favorably on the rapid evolution of ultrasound teaching in medical education.