title: Ultrasound in the evaluation of penetrating thoraco-abdominal trauma: a review of the literature.
abstract: The use of ultrasound in the evaluation of blunt thoraco-abdominal trauma is well described. Evidence for the use of ultrasound in the evaluation of penetrating cardio-thoracic and abdominal trauma, however, is more limited and varied. Current literature demonstrates that ultrasound is an excellent screening tool for penetrating thoracic and cardiac injuries with a high sensitivity for detecting injury requiring acute intervention. For abdominal injuries, however, the sensitivity for detection of injury is low and thus the utility of ultrasound as a screening tool is limited. This review summarizes the existing literature addressing the clinical utility of ultrasound for penetrating trauma to the pericardium, thorax and abdomen.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia PA, USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Governatori
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Mount Sinai St. Luke's Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, USA. turan@joshsaul.com.
authors.forename: Turandot
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saul
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Mount Sinai St. Luke's Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Sebastian D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Siadecki
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora CO USA.
authors.forename: Resa E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Lewiss
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*