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Conditions That Limit the Quality of the FAST Examination in the Assessment of Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Description

A number of conditions may interfere with the diagnostic usability of the FAST examination for evaluating a patient with blunt abdominal trauma. Recognition of these problems can allow for alternative diagnostic methods to be used, such as computed tomography (CT).


 

Traumatic injuries without hemoperitoneum (< 250 mL):

(1) blunt trauma to liver, spleen or kidney

(2) ruptured hollow viscus

(3) diaphragmatic injury

(4) mesenteric injuries

(5) fractures

(6) retroperitoneal hemorrhage

 

Technical limitations:

(1) inexperience of operator

(2) obesity

(3) subcutaneous emphysema

(4) extensive bowel gas

(5) previous abdominal operations

(6) hemothorax or pneumothorax (for evaluation of the pericardial cavity)

 


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