## 8 Discussion
### Clinical Applications of POCUS in LRS  
We examined the various clinical applications and pathologies in which POCUS has been utilized within LRS. The organ systems where POCUS was most utilized were the lungs or in preparation for general prenatal care [23]. For antenatal care in LRS, POCUS devices have been utilized to detect unique or crucial fetal markers such as heartbeats or the fetal head [36; 42]. Studies have also been able to highlight the utilization of POCUS in LRS settings to identify pneumonia or diagnose cardiorespiratory symptoms [63; 64; 65]. For cardiac applications, POCUS devices have been used to evaluate aortic stenosis with anticipation of expanded utility to assess stenosis of other cardiac valves [66]. Direct training using a POCUS device allowed for increased diagnostic accuracy from younger medical students in comparison to traditional cardiac auscultation [67]. Additional case studies have also demonstrated the utility of POCUS devices not only for the cardiac system but also in the vasculature, whether it be for peripheral artery disease or aneurysms [68; 69]. In the pulmonary space, POCUS devices have the potential to help elucidate various forms of pleural effusions by evaluating various features such as anechoic fluid, septations, fibrin strands, and the sonographic appearance of the pleural fluid [70; 71]. We note that POCUS devices have the potential to be utilized in a much larger context within LRS, extending beyond the applications we discussed. In developed countries, these devices are heavily employed in general practice or even trauma settings to make instantaneous point-of-care decisions crucial to a patient's life [46; 57]. There was only a singular similar study in LRS that reported a 3% negative impact due to the use of POCUS imaging [51]. [PERSON] et al. specified that POCUS should not be used when other imaging modalities are indicated based on disease presentation; rather it should be used as an additional complimentary technique [51]. Regardless, each of these studies highly suggest the integration of such techniques into the trauma found in LRS could expedite treatment and improve patient care. Due to its sheer value within acute conditions, POCUS devices show extreme promise in evaluating the retroperitoneal area, where both the pancreas and appendix are found, as well as bowel obstructions [72]. Although not specific to LRS, a review of various primary studies has shown extremely high sensitivity and specificity (>90%) for early appendicitis diagnosis using POCUS [72]. Similarly, POCUS devices have had nearly 100% diagnostic accuracy for evaluating pancreatic pathologies with great promise in early diagnosis of bowel obstructions with sensitivity ranges above 95% and high specificity as well [72; 73]. Specifically, POCUS devices have been shown to promptly exact key discoveries such as bowel dilation, altered peristalsis, fluid accumulation, as well as wall thickening and collapsed colonic segments [74]. Another area of POCUS application is to evaluate renal pathology, specifically diagnosis of masses such as cysts and solid tumors. We did not find clearly defined POCUSapplications for renal pathology in LRS. Similarly, liver fibrosis is another disease that is largely diagnosed through ultrasonography due to difficulties in retrieving a liver biopsy due to nearby vasculature [75]. POCUS devices are yet another form of ultrasonography that can help differentiate the difference in matrix stiffness between different areas of the liver [75]. Specifically, POCUS would allow for the identification of characteristics such as caudate lobe enlargement or additional streaks surrounding the hepatic portal branches [76]. On a related note, POCUS devices hold exceptional promise in the neurological realm for examining the optic nerve. They serve as a unique non-invasive method that not only detects damage to the optic nerve but also looks at the longstanding effects of increased intraocular pressure such as optic disc swelling [77].