title: Trauma Ultrasound.
abstract: Ultrasound plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of acute trauma patients through the use of multi-site scanning encompassing abdominal, cardiothoracic, vascular and skeletal scans. In a high-speed polytrauma setting, because exsanguinations are the primary cause of trauma morbidity and mortality, ultrasound is used for quick and accurate detection of hemorrhages in the pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal cavities during the primary Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) survey. Volume status can be assessed non-invasively with ultrasound of the inferior vena cava (IVC), which is a useful tool in the initial phase and follow-up evaluations. Pneumothorax can also be quickly detected with ultrasound. During the secondary survey and in patients sustaining low-speed or localized trauma, ultrasound can be used to help detect abdominal organ injuries. This is particularly helpful in patients in whom hemoperitoneum is not identified on an initial scan because findings of organ injuries will expedite the next test, often computed tomography (CT). Moreover, ultrasound can assist in detection of fractures easily obscured on radiography, such as rib and sternal fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Sirote
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wongwaisayawan
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Prince of Songkla University Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand.
authors.forename: Ruedeekorn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Suwannanon
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Thidathit
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Prachanukool
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Pungkava
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sricharoen
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Nitima
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saksobhavivat
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand. Electronic address: rathachai@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Rathachai
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaewlai
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
keywords: E-FAST; Extended FAST; FAST; Focused assessment with sonography for trauma; Inferior vena cava ultrasound; Trauma; Ultrasound