Use of ultrasonography for the evaluation of pregnant trauma patients.
The expeditious diagnosis and management of the pregnant trauma patient is essential for the survival of both the mother and fetus. The rapid trauma ultrasound examination, which has been accurately utilized by trauma surgeons and emergency physicians, may have a tremendous impact on the timely identification of acute intraperitoneal injuries and, potentially, on the evaluation of fetal viability in the pregnant trauma patient. This report describes our experience with the rapid trauma ultrasound examination in the management of three pregnant trauma patients and outlines the potential advantages and limitations of the procedure.
Ma
O J
OJ
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7594, USA.
Mateer
J R
JR
DeBehnke
D J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging