Prospective evaluation of non-radiologist performed emergency abdominal ultrasound for haemoperitoneum

Visibility of Prevertebral Soft Tissues in the Neck Using Ultrasonography: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

To aid emergent diagnosis of postoperative retropharyngeal hematoma in anterior cervical spine surgery patients, this study investigates ultrasonography's potential role by evaluating the visibility of retropharyngeal and prevertebral soft tissues in the neck using ultrasound and potential correlations with body habitus.

METHODS

The visibility of the anterior vertebral bodies and the prevertebral soft tissues in both sides of the neck was recorded and analyzed with 95% CI using the Wilson method. Body mass index, neck circumference, and neck length were measured. A point-biserial correlation was performed to compare body habitus with visibility of vertebrae and prevertebral tissues.

RESULTS

Longus colli muscle and C3 to C6 were successfully visualized in all 10 (100%) cases on both sides. C2 was only visible in 6 (60%) on both sides. C7 was visible in 9 (90%) on the right and 7 (70%) on the left. The esophagus was visible in 7 (70%) on the right and 10 (100%) on the left. There was a significant negative correlation with neck circumference and C2 visibility on the right side, r(8) = -0.76, P = 0.011.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography was successful in visualizing prevertebral tissues, with a trend of obstructed visibility with wider and longer necks.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ultrasonography has potential to aid early detection of postoperative retropharyngeal hematoma after cervical spine surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Automated detection and localization of pericardial effusion from point-of-care cardiac ultrasound examination

Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam is the standard of care for pericardial and abdominal free fluid detection in emergency medicine. Despite its life saving potential, FAST is underutilized due to requiring clinicians with appropriate training and practice. To aid ultrasound interpretation, the role of artificial intelligence has been studied, while leaving room for improvement in localization information and computation time. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a deep learning approach to rapidly and accurately identify both the presence and location of pericardial effusion on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) exams. Each cardiac POCUS exam is analyzed image-by-image via the state-of-the-art YoloV3 algorithm and pericardial effusion presence is determined from the most confident detection. We evaluate our approach over a dataset of POCUS exams (cardiac component of FAST and ultrasound), comprising 37 cases with pericardial effusion and 39 negative controls. Our algorithm attains 92% specificity and 89% sensitivity in pericardial effusion identification, outperforming existing deep learning approaches, and localizes pericardial effusion by 51% Intersection Over Union with ground-truth annotations. Moreover, image processing demonstrates only 57 ms latency. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of rapid and accurate pericardial effusion detection from POCUS exams for physician overread.

Deep Learning Assisted Detection of Abdominal Free Fluid in Morison's Pouch During Focused Assessment With Sonography in Trauma

Background: The use of focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) enables clinicians to rapidly screen for injury at the bedsides of patients. Pre-hospital FAST improves diagnostic accuracy and streamlines patient care, leading to dispositions to appropriate treatment centers. In this study, we determine the accuracy of artificial intelligence model-assisted free-fluid detection in FAST examinations, and subsequently establish an automated feedback system, which can help inexperienced sonographers improve their interpretation ability and image acquisition skills.

Methods: This is a single-center study of patients admitted to the emergency room from January 2020 to March 2021. We collected 324 patient records for the training model, 36 patient records for validation, and another 36 patient records for testing. We balanced positive and negative Morison's pouch free-fluid detection groups in a 1:1 ratio. The deep learning (DL) model Residual Networks 50-Version 2 (ResNet50-V2) was used for training and validation.

Results: The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model performance for ascites prediction were 0.961, 0.976, and 0.947, respectively, in the validation set and 0.967, 0.985, and 0.913, respectively, in the test set. Regarding feedback prediction, the model correctly classified qualified and non-qualified images with an accuracy of 0.941 in both the validation and test sets.

Conclusions: The DL algorithm in ResNet50-V2 is able to detect free fluid in Morison's pouch with high accuracy. The automated feedback and instruction system could help inexperienced sonographers improve their interpretation ability and image acquisition skills.

FAST Enough? A Validation Study for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma Ultrasounds in a Level II Trauma Center

The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is widely used as the initial screening tool for abdominal trauma. Several recent studies have questioned its use. Using the Trauma Registry, 1 year of data at a Level II trauma center were reviewed. All trauma patients with dictated FAST examinations were identified. Disconcordant findings were reviewed. Predictive values for determining intraperitoneal injuries were calculated. Nine hundred seventy-four designated trauma patients were entered into the Trauma Registry. Of these, 633 had dictated FAST examinations. There were 533 true-negatives, 11 true-positives, 77 false-negatives, and six false-positives. Of the 77 false-negatives, 33 had retroperitoneal injuries and 25 had intra-peritoneal injuries. No adverse outcomes were identified from diagnostic delay. For predicting intraperitoneal injury, FAST had a negative predictive value of 96 per cent, positive predictive value of 63 per cent, sensitivity of 29 per cent, specificity of 99 per cent, and accuracy of 95 per cent. Our data demonstrate that FAST was useful for the initial assessment of intraperitoneal injuries. FAST was 95 per cent accurate and allowed for rapid triage to operative management when indicated. The data also confirm that a negative FAST does not exclude abdominal injury.

Point-of-care ultrasonography for diagnosing thoracoabdominal injuries in patients with blunt trauma

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care sonography (POCS) has emerged as the screening modality of choice for suspected body trauma in many emergency departments worldwide. Its best known application is FAST (focused abdominal sonography for trauma). The technology is almost ubiquitously available, can be performed during resuscitation, and does not expose patients or staff to radiation. While many authors have stressed the high specificity of POCS, its sensitivity varied markedly across studies. This review aimed to compile the current best evidence about the diagnostic accuracy of POCS imaging protocols in the setting of blunt thoracoabdominal trauma.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of POCS for detecting and excluding free fluid, organ injuries, vascular lesions, and other injuries (e.g. pneumothorax) compared to a diagnostic reference standard (i.e. computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thoracoscopy or thoracotomy, laparoscopy or laparotomy, autopsy, or any combination of these) in patients with blunt trauma.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to July 2017) and Ovid Embase (1974 to July 2017), as well as PubMed (1947 to July 2017), employing a prospectively defined literature and data retrieval strategy. We also screened the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and BIOSIS for potentially relevant citations, and scanned the reference lists of full-text papers for articles missed by the electronic search. We performed a top-up search on 6 December 2018, and identified eight new studies which may be incorporated into the first update of this review.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We assessed studies for eligibility using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We included either prospective or retrospective diagnostic cohort studies that enrolled patients of any age and gender who sustained any type of blunt injury in a civilian scenario. Eligible studies had to provide sufficient information to construct a 2 x 2 table of diagnostic accuracy to allow for calculating sensitivity, specificity, and other indices of diagnostic test accuracy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts of reports using a prespecified data extraction form. Methodological quality of individual studies was rated by the QUADAS-2 instrument (the revised and updated version of the original Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies list of items). We calculated sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CI), tabulated the pairs of sensitivity and specificity with CI, and depicted these estimates by coupled forest plots using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5). For pooling summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity, and investigating heterogeneity across studies, we fitted a bivariate model using Stata 14.0.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 34 studies with 8635 participants in this review. Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.81) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.98). Pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were estimated at 18.5 (95% CI 10.8 to 40.5) and 0.27 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.37), respectively. There was substantial heterogeneity across studies, and the reported accuracy of POCS strongly depended on the population and affected body area. In children, pooled sensitivity of POCS was 0.63 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.77), as compared to 0.78 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.84) in an adult or mixed population. Associated specificity in children was 0.91 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.96) and in an adult or mixed population 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99). For abdominal trauma, POCS had a sensitivity of 0.68 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.75) and a specificity of 0.95 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.97). For chest injuries, sensitivity and specificity were calculated at 0.96 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.99) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.00). If we consider the results of all 34 included studies in a virtual population of 1000 patients, based on the observed median prevalence (pretest probability) of thoracoabdominal trauma of 28%, POCS would miss 73 patients with injuries and falsely suggest the presence of injuries in another 29 patients. Furthermore, in a virtual population of 1000 children, based on the observed median prevalence (pretest probability) of thoracoabdominal trauma of 31%, POCS would miss 118 children with injuries and falsely suggest the presence of injuries in another 62 children.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In patients with suspected blunt thoracoabdominal trauma, positive POCS findings are helpful for guiding treatment decisions. However, with regard to abdominal trauma, a negative POCS exam does not rule out injuries and must be verified by a reference test such as CT. This is of particular importance in paediatric trauma, where the sensitivity of POCS is poor. Based on a small number of studies in a mixed population, POCS may have a higher sensitivity in chest injuries. This warrants larger, confirmatory trials to affirm the accuracy of POCS for diagnosing thoracic trauma.

Early scaphoid fractures are better diagnosed with ultrasonography than X-rays: A prospective study over 114 patients

PURPOSE

Wrist has a complex anatomy and undergoes complex injuries. Scaphoid fracture is one of such injuries. It is the most common fracture in carpal bone. Most of the scaphoid fractures are missed on initial X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered as a gold standard for diagnosing scaphoid fractures. Ultrasonography (USG) is emerging as a good alternative to make an early diagnosis of scaphoid fractures. Our aim is to throw light upon the role of USG in detection of scaphoid fractures.

METHODS

The study was centered upon 114 patients in the age range 10-65 years, with traumatic wrist injury and were clinically suspected to have scaphoid fractures. Patient with non-traumatic history, bilateral wrist injury and late presentation were excluded. X-rays, USG using high frequency probe and MRI were done for all patients. MRI was considered to be the gold standard test. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Of the 114 patients, X-ray could diagnose scaphoid fractures in 48 patients, 30 of which were confirmed by MRI. USG results were positive in 74 patients, of which MRI was positive in 67 patients. The accuracy of scaphoid fracture detection with USG was 98.04% in comparison to X-ray (20.58%), which was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

USG provides a more accurate and reliable method of making an early diagnosis of scaphoid fracture than X-rays. It is non-invasive, non-expensive and allows better visualisation of cortical disruption.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Pediatric Patients Performed by Emergency Medicine Residents versus Radiology Residents

INTRODUCTION

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) has been shown to be useful to detect intraperitoneal free fluid in patients with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT).

OBJECTIVE

We compared the diagnostic accuracy of FAST performed by emergency medicine residents (EMRs) and radiology residents (RRs) in pediatric patients with BAT.

METHOD

In this prospective study, pediatric patients with BAT and high energy trauma who were referred to the emergency department (ED) at Al-Zahra and Kashani hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, were evaluated using FAST, first by EMRs and subsequently by RRs. The reports provided by the two resident groups were compared with the final outcome based on the results of the abdominal computed tomography (CT), operative exploration, and clinical observation.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients with a median age of 6.75 ± 3.2 years were enrolled in the study between January 2013 and May 2014. These patients were evaluated using FAST, first by EMRs and subsequently by RRs. A good diagnostic agreement was noted between the results of the FAST scans performed by EMRs and RRs (κ = 0.865, P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy in evaluating the intraperitoneal free fluid were 72.2%, 85.5%, 52%, 93.3%, and 83.2%, respectively, when FAST was performed by EMRs and 72.2%, 86.7%, 54.2%, 93.5%, and 84.2%, respectively, when FAST was performed by RRs. No significant differences were seen between the EMR- and RR-performed FAST.

CONCLUSION

In this study, FAST performed by EMRs had acceptable diagnostic value, similar to that performed by RRs, in patients with BAT.

Accuracy of Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (e-FAST) Performed by Emergency Medicine Residents in a Level One Tertiary Center of India

INTRODUCTION

It could be claimed that extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (e-FAST) is the most important use of ultrasound in every emergency department (ED). It is a rapid, repeatable, non-invasive bedside method that was designed to answer one single question, which is, "whether free fluid is present in the peritoneal, pleural and pericardial cavity or not?" This examination may also be used to evaluate the lungs for pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVE

The current comparative study was conducted to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of e-FAST performed by emergency medicine residents (EMRs) and radiology consultants (RCs) in multiple trauma patients.

METHOD

This diagnostic accuracy study was conducted prospectively in patients presenting over a period of 12 months from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013 to the ED of Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kerala, India. All multiple trauma patients older than 18 years of age presenting within 24 hours of their traumatic event, who underwent both e-FAST and thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) scan were included. The e-FAST exams were first performed by the EMRs and then by RCs. The thoracoabdominal CT scan findings were considered as the gold standard. The results were compared between both groups to assess the inter-observer variability. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated both for EMRs and RCs.

RESULTS

In the study period, 150 patients with a mean age of 42.06 ± 18.1 years were evaluated (76.7% male). Only 19 cases (12.7%) had a history of fall from a height, and the others were admitted due to RTA. Thirty-four cases (22.7%) did not require surgery; but the others underwent various interventions. Both EMRs and RCs reported positive findings in 20 cases (13.3%) and negative findings in 130 cases (86.7%). The correlation of e-FAST done by EMRs with that by RCs was 100%. E-FAST exam had a sensitivity of 90.4%, specificity 99.2%, PPV 95.0%, NPV 98.4%, and accuracy 98%, both for EMRs and RCs.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of e-FAST exams performed by EMRs were equal to those performed by RCs. It seems that e-FAST performed by EMRs were almost accurate during the initial trauma resuscitation in the ED of a level one trauma center in India.

The Effect of the Emergency Physicians' Clinical Decision of Targeted Ultrasonography Application in Non-Traumatic Shock Patients

Introduction

Clinical evaluation of non-traumatic shock patients with high risk of mortality and morbidity is problematic for emergency physicians. In this study, changes in the investigations, diagnosis and treatment decision of the physicians using the Abdominal and Cardiac Evaluation with Sonography in Shock (ACES) protocol were examined.

Methods

In this clinical prospective study, the patients were ultrasonographically examined within the scope of the ACES protocol at 6 quadrants including cardiac, pleural, peritoneal, inferior vena cava and aorta. Pre- and post-US investigations, diagnoses and treatments were compared.

Results

A total of 141 patients were included in this study. Of these, 92 (65.2%) of the patients were males and 49 (34.8%) were females. The average age of the patients was 62.9±16.8 years (18-97). After the ultrasonographic evaluation, request for new investigations was needed in 25 (17%), and modification of the treatment was needed in 57 (40.4%) of the patients. It was seen that with a targeted ultrasonography (US), the number of the considered pre-diagnoses decreased in 51 (36.2%) of the patients, and the physicians made a new pre-diagnosis in 6 (4.3%) of the patients. When the pre-diagnoses made by the physicians after the US and the final diagnoses clinically made at the end of the follow-up process were compared, there were no changes in the diagnoses in 124 (87.9%) patients.

Conclusion

Ultrasonographic examination is considered useful for rapid evaluation, early diagnosis and treatment planning in non-traumatic shock patients in emergency department. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2015;22:364-370)

Bedside lung ultrasonography for diagnosis of pneumonia

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound (BUS) in the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients with dyspnoea presenting to the emergency department (ED) and to analyse the characteristic sonographic findings of CAP.

Methods

After a six-hour training program, BUS procedures were performed between October 2011 and February 2012 to prospectively evaluate patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea. Chest X-ray (CXR) or computerised tomography (CT) were ordered, depending on the presence of consolidation signs on CXR. The outcome was determined by consolidation findings on CXR or CT. BUS results were compared using Chi-squared testing.

Results

Of the 112 enrolled patients with dyspnoea, 40 patients were excluded and 72 were included in the study. Thirty-four patients were BUS positive. Of these, CXR or CT findings agreed with the BUS findings in 27 patients. In 38 cases, BUS was negative, and one patient was diagnosed with pneumonia based on the CT report. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and the positive and negative likelihood ratios for BUS were 96.4%, 84.1%, 79.4%, 97.4%, 6.1 and 0.042, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of BUS was 89%. The presence of consolidation signs, either shred or hepatisation, were the most frequent sonographic findings in our study.

Conclusions

Acute alveolar consolidation can be diagnosed easily by performing BUS with high degree of accuracy in EDs.

Image Segmentation and Machine Learning for Detection of Abdominal Free Fluid in Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma Examinations: A Pilot Study

The objective of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of automating the detection of abdominal free fluid in focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examinations. Perihepatic views from 10 FAST examinations with positive results and 10 FAST examinations with negative results were used. The sensitivity and specificity compared to manual classification by trained physicians was evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence interval) were 100% (69.2%-100%) and 90.0% (55.5%-99.8%), respectively. These findings suggest that computerized detection of free fluid on abdominal ultrasound images may be sensitive and specific enough to aid clinicians in their interpretation of a FAST examination.

Diagnostic accuracy of emergency-performed focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) in blunt abdominal trauma

Introduction

Intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to blunt abdominal trauma is a major cause of trauma-related mortality. Therefore, any action taken for facilitating the diagnosis of intra-abdominal hemorrhage could save the lives of patients more effectively. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) performed by emergency physicians.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study from February 2011 to January 2012 at 7^th Tir Hospital in Tehran (Iran), 120 patients with abdominal blunt trauma were chosen and evaluated for abdominal fluid. FAST sonography was performed for all the subjects by emergency residents and radiologists while they were blind to the other tests. Abdominal CTs, which is the gold standard, were done for all of the cases. SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the results.

Results

During the study, 120 patients with abdominal blunt trauma were evaluated; the mean age of the patients was 33.0 ± 16.6 and the gender ratio was 3/1 (M/F). The results of FAST sonography by emergency physicians showed free fluid in the abdomen or pelvic spaces in 33 patients (27.5%), but this was not observed by the results of CT scans of six patients; sensitivity and specificity were 93.1 and 93.4%, respectively. As for tests performed by radiology residents, sensitivity was a bit higher (96.5%) with lower specificity (92.3%).

Conclusion

The results suggested that emergency physicians can use ultrasonography as a safe and reliable method in evaluating blunt abdominal trauma.

Trauma Ultrasound Training for Latin American Countries

Objective

The Pan-American Trauma Society (PTS) developed a Trauma and Emergency Ultrasound Course (USET) in response to the requirement for trauma ultrasound training for low-and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of this course.

Method

Pre- and post-course tests were used. And interval estimation of proportions was calculated at 95% CI. Theoretical and practical pre- and post-course knowledge were assessed with the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test at 0.05 level of statistical significance.

Result

Between 2005 and 2007, 114 students, including general surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, and residents of these specialties, were trained in seven countries (Uruguay, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Aruba, Colombia, and Ecuador). The difference on complete knowledge ranked scores before and after the course was statistically significant (p<0.001). After the course, almost all participants (97.4%) demonstrated complete knowledge in final evaluation.

Conclusion

The USET course is an effective approach for trauma ultrasound training. Specific training programs for trauma care providers that work in low-and middle-income countries are necessary and could be performed with low cost training programs.

A Comparative Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy of Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma Performed by Emergency Medicine and Radiology Residents

BACKGROUND

Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) is a method for prompt detection of the abdominal free fluid in patients with abdominal trauma.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to compare the diagnostic accuracy of FAST performed by emergency medicine residents (EMR) and radiology residents (RRs) in detecting peritoneal free fluids.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients triaged in the emergency department with blunt abdominal trauma, high energy trauma, and multiple traumas underwent a FAST examination by EMRs and RRs with the same techniques to obtain the standard views. Ultrasound findings for free fluid in peritoneal cavity for each patient (positive/negative) were compared with the results of computed tomography, operative exploration, or observation as the final outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients were included in the final analysis. Good diagnostic agreement was noted between the results of FAST scans performed by EMRs and RRs (κ = 0.701, P < 0.001), also between the results of EMRs-performed FAST and the final outcome (κ = 0.830, P < 0.0010), and finally between the results of RRs-performed FAST and final outcome (κ = 0.795, P < 0.001). No significant differences were noted between EMRs- and RRs-performed FASTs regarding sensitivity (84.6% vs 84.6%), specificity (98.4% vs 97.6%), positive predictive value (84.6% vs 84.6%), and negative predictive value (98.4% vs 98.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Trained EMRs like their fellow RRs have the ability to perform FAST scan with high diagnostic value in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.

Out of hospital point of care ultrasound: current use models and future directions

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound has evolved from a modality that was once exclusively reserved to certain specialities of its current state, in which its portability and durability lend to its broadly increasing applications.

OBJECTIVES

This review describes portable ultrasound in the hospital setting and its comparison to gold standard imaging modalities. Also, this review summarizes current literature describing portable ultrasound use in prehospital, austere and remote environments, highlighting successes and barriers to use in these environments.

DISCUSSION

Prehospital ultrasound has the ability to increase diagnostic ability and allow for therapeutic intervention in the field. In austere environments, ultrasound may be the only available imaging modality and thus can guide diagnosis, therapeutics and determine which patients may need emergent transfer to a healthcare facility. The most cutting edge applications of portable ultrasound employ telemedicine to obtain and transmit ultrasound images. This technology and ability to transmit images via satellite and cellular transmission can allow for even novice users to obtain interpretable images in austere environments. Portable ultrasound uses have steadily grown and will continue to do so with the introduction of more portable and durable technologies. As applications continue to grow, certain technologic considerations and future directions are explored.

Comparison of the accuracy and reproducibility of focused abdominal sonography for trauma performed by emergency medicine and radiology residents

We compared the diagnostic accuracy of emergency medicine residents (EMRs) and radiology residents (RRs) in performing focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST). The cohort in this prospective study comprised 200 unstable patients (163 males and 37 females; mean ± standard deviation of age, 34.3 ± 16.4 y) who presented with trauma. These patients were evaluated using FAST, first by EMRs and subsequently by RRs. Patients with positive FAST results underwent further diagnostic procedures such as computed tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage and laparotomy. Those with negative FAST results underwent clinical follow-up for 72 h until their condition deteriorated or they were discharged. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy in evaluating free intraperitoneal fluid were 80%, 95%, 57%, 98% and 94% when FAST was performed by EMRs and 86%, 95%, 59%, 98% and 94% when FAST was performed by RRs. The level of agreement between EMRs and RRs was moderate (κ = 0.525). FAST is a useful screening tool for initial assessment of free abdominal fluid in patients with trauma. Our results indicate that EMRs can perform sonography on trauma patients as successfully as RRs.

Red flags in bedside ultrasonography for surgical cases

Bedside ultrasonography is highly accurate in evaluating hypotension, even if performed by nonradiologist. Here we report three cases presenting with hypotension to the trauma room. In the first case, limited bedside ultrasonography demonstrated dilatation of the inferior vena cava and loss of respiratory variation in diameter. In further evaluation, dilated aortic root, massive pericardial effusion, collapse of right heart chambers, and a dissection flap at the anterior wall of base of ascending aorta were detected. With these findings, the patient was sent to the operation room with a diagnosis of DeBakey type 2 aortic dissection in approximately 15 min. In the second case, bedside ultrasonography demonstrated absence of pleural movements and comet tail artifacts on the right lung region of the patient. Together with deterioration of the vital signs, the patient was diagnosed as right-sided pneumothorax and underwent the tube thoracostomy. In the third case, bedside ultrasonography revealed the presence of free fluid in Morrison's pouch and splenorenal space in a hypotensive patient with a blunt abdominal trauma. He was consulted with general surgery department and was sent to the operation room without further diagnostic evaluation. In these cases, we emphasized the key role of bedside ultrasonography in hypotensive patients.

Bedside ultrasonography by emergency physicians for anterior talofibular ligament injury

Objective:

Our objective was to study the accuracy of emergency physician (EP) performed bedside ultrasonography (BUS) in patients with suspected anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury.

Materials and Methods:

After a 6-h training program, from January to December 2011, an EP used BUS to prospectively evaluate patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected ATFL injury. Then, patients underwent ankle X-ray and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging. Outcome was determined by official radiology reports of the MR imaging. BUS and MR imaging results were compared using Chi-square testing.

Results:

Of the 65 enrolled patients, 30 patients were BUS positive. Of these, MR imaging results agreed with the BUS findings in 30 patients. In 35 cases, BUS was negative, and 33 of these were corroborated by MR imaging. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and negative likelihood ratio for BUS were 93.8%, 100%, 100%, 94.3%, and 0.06%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of BUS was not statistically different from MR imaging (K = 0.938, P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

BUS for the diagnosis of ATFL injury is another application of BUS in the ED. EPs can diagnose ATFL injury using BUS with a high degree of accuracy.

To determine the accuracy of focused assessment with sonography for trauma done by nonradiologists and its comparative analysis with radiologists in emergency department of a level 1 trauma center of India

Background:

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is an important skill during trauma resuscitation. Use of point of care ultrasound among the trauma team working in emergency care settings is lacking in India.

Objective:

To determine the accuracy of FAST done by nonradiologists (NR) when compared to radiologists during primary survey of trauma victims in the emergency department of a level 1 trauma center in India.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study was done during primary survey of resuscitation of nonconsecutive patients in the resuscitation bay. The study subjects included NR such as one consultant emergency medicine, two medicine residents, one orthopedic resident and one surgery resident working as trauma team. These subjects underwent training at 3-day workshop on emergency sonography and performed 20 supervised positive and negative scans for free fluid. The FAST scans were first performed by NR and then by radiology residents (RR). The performers were blinded to each other's sonography findings. Computed tomography (CT) and laparotomy findings were used as gold standard whichever was feasible. Results were compared between both the groups. Intraobserver variability among NR and RR were noted.

Results:

Out of 150 scans 144 scans were analyzed. Mean age of the patients was 28 [1-70] years. Out of 24 true positive patients 18 underwent CT scan and exploratory laparotomies were done in six patients. Sensitivity of FAST done by NR and RR were 100% and 95.6% and specificity was 97.5% in both groups. Positive predictive value among NR and RR were 88.8%, 88.46% and negative predictive value were 97.5% and 99.15%. Intraobserver performance variation ranged from 87 to 97%.

Conclusion:

FAST performed by NRs is accurate during initial trauma resuscitation in the emergency department of a level 1 trauma center in India.

Does this adult patient have a blunt intra-abdominal injury?

CONTEXT

Blunt abdominal trauma often presents a substantial diagnostic challenge. Well-informed clinical examination can identify patients who require further diagnostic evaluation for intra-abdominal injuries after blunt abdominal trauma.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically assess the precision and accuracy of symptoms, signs, laboratory tests, and bedside imaging studies to identify intra-abdominal injuries in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted a structured search of MEDLINE (1950-January 2012) and EMBASE (1980-January 2012) to identify English-language studies examining the identification of intra-abdominal injuries. A separate, structured search was conducted for studies evaluating bedside ultrasonography.

STUDY SELECTION

We included studies of diagnostic accuracy for intra-abdominal injury that compared at least 1 finding with a reference standard of abdominal computed tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, laparotomy, autopsy, and/or clinical course for intra-abdominal injury. Twelve studies on clinical findings and 22 studies on bedside ultrasonography met inclusion criteria for data extraction.

DATA EXTRACTION

Critical appraisal and data extraction were independently performed by 2 authors.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The prevalence of intra-abdominal injury in adult emergency department patients with blunt abdominal trauma among all evidence level 1 and 2 studies was 13% (95% CI, 10%-17%), with 4.7% (95% CI, 2.5%-8.6%) requiring therapeutic surgery or angiographic embolization of injuries. The presence of a seat belt sign (likelihood ratio [LR] range, 5.6-9.9), rebound tenderness (LR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.8-24), hypotension (LR, 5.2; 95% CI, 3.5-7.5), abdominal distention (LR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.9-7.6), or guarding (LR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.3-5.9) suggest an intra-abdominal injury. The absence of abdominal tenderness to palpation does not rule out an intra-abdominal injury (summary LR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.80). The presence of intraperitoneal fluid or organ injury on bedside ultrasound assessment is more accurate than any history and physical examination findings (adjusted summary LR, 30; 95% CI, 20-46); conversely, a normal ultrasound result decreases the chance of injury detection (adjusted summary LR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.19-0.34). Test results increasing the likelihood of intra-abdominal injury include a base deficit less than -6 mEq/L (LR, 18; 95% CI, 11-30), elevated liver transaminases (LR range, 2.5-5.2), hematuria (LR range, 3.7-4.1), anemia (LR range, 2.2-3.3), and abnormal chest radiograph (LR range, 2.5-3.8). Symptoms and signs may be most useful in combination, particularly in identification of patients who do not need further diagnostic workup.

CONCLUSIONS

Bedside ultrasonography has the highest accuracy of all individual findings, but a normal result does not rule out an intra-abdominal injury. Combinations of clinical findings may be most useful to determine which patients do not require further evaluation, but the ideal combination of variables for identifying patients without intra-abdominal injury requires further study.

What is the utility of the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam in penetrating torso trauma?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

A recent Cochrane Review has demonstrated that emergency ultrasonography decreases the amount of computerised tomographic scans in blunt abdominal trauma.13 However, there is no systematic review that has evaluated the utility of the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma(FAST) exam in penetrating torso trauma. We systematically reviewed the medical literature for the utility of the FAST exam to detect free intraperitoneal blood after penetrating torso trauma.

METHODS

We searched PUBMED and EMBASE databases for randomised controlled trials from 1965 through December 2009 using a search strategy derived from the following PICO formulation of our clinical question:

PATIENTS

patients (12+ years) sustaining penetrating trauma to the torso.

INTERVENTION

FAST exam during their initial trauma workup. Comparator: either local wound exploration (LWE),computerised tomography (CT), diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), or laparotomy.

OUTCOME

intraperitoneal and pericardial free fluid. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed.Qualitative methods were used to summarise the study results.

ANALYSIS

Sensitivities and specificities were compared using a Forest Plot (95% CI) calculated by Revman 5 (Review Manager Version 5.0. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration,2008) between the FAST exam and definitive diagnostic modalities such as LWE, CT, DPL, or laporotomy.

RESULTS

We identified eight observational studies (n=565 patients) that met our selection criteria. The prevalence of a positive FAST exam after penetrating trauma was fairly low ranging from 24.2% to 56.3%.The FAST exam for penetrating trauma is a highly specific (94.1–100.0%), but not very sensitive (28.1–100%) diagnostic modality.

CONCLUSION

From the review of the literature, a positive FAST exam has a high incidence of intraabdominal injury and should prompt an exploratory laparotomy. However, a negative initial FAST exam after penetrating trauma should prompt further diagnostic studies such as LWE, CT, DPL, or laparotomy.

Portable ultrasonography in mass casualty incidents: The CAVEAT examination

Ultrasonography used by practicing clinicians has been shown to be of utility in the evaluation of time-sensitive and critical illnesses in a range of environments, including pre-hospital triage, emergency department, and critical care settings. The increasing availability of light-weight, robust, user-friendly, and low-cost portable ultrasound equipment is particularly suited for use in the physically and temporally challenging environment of a multiple casualty incident (MCI). Currently established ultrasound applications used to identify potentially lethal thoracic or abdominal conditions offer a base upon which rapid, focused protocols using hand-carried emergency ultrasonography could be developed. Following a detailed review of the current use of portable ultrasonography in military and civilian MCI settings, we propose a protocol for sonographic evaluation of the chest, abdomen, vena cava, and extremities for acute triage. The protocol is two-tiered, based on the urgency and technical difficulty of the sonographic examination. In addition to utilization of well-established bedside abdominal and thoracic sonography applications, this protocol incorporates extremity assessment for long-bone fractures. Studies of the proposed protocol will need to be conducted to determine its utility in simulated and actual MCI settings.

A Patient with Splenic Artery Aneurysm Rupture and the Importance of Rapid Sonography in the ED

We report a case of a splenic artery aneurysm rupture presenting with shock which required timely embolization therapy. This case demonstrates how the rapid use of bedside ultrasound by emergency department (ED) physicians can help identify the cause of shock and, therefore, initiate appropriate treatment quickly even if the cause is rare, as in this case.

Perceived confidence in the FAST exam before and after an educational intervention in a developing country

Background

Trauma care in developing countries suffers from many limitations related to equipment shortages, disrepair, quality assurance, and lack of training. Health care providers in the three principal hospitals in Cusco, Peru have ultrasound machines, but they do not utilize this for the focused assessment of sonography in trauma (FAST) scan (only one of the three hospitals has a computed tomography scanner).

Aims

The goal of this study was to assess the confidence of physicians in a developing country to conduct a FAST exam after an educational intervention.

Methods

Participants were Peruvian health care workers who attended a 2-day conference on trauma. Participants completed a questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = no confidence, 5 = high confidence) to assess comfort with the FAST scan before and after a FAST teaching workshop, which included hands-on ultrasound training. Thirteen individuals, eight of whom were physicians, completed the training and survey. Results were analyzed using paired t test statistics and are reported as pre- and post-training mean scores (± standard error), with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Participants rated their confidence in using the FAST exam on a trauma patient with an average score of 3.3 (± 0.3) pre-training and 4.5 (± 0.2) post-training (p = 0.007). When asked about their comfort level in making clinical decisions based on the FAST scan, pre-training average score was 3.5 (± 0.4) and post-training was 4.5 (± 0.2), p = 0.016. Participants also answered questions about their comfort with the technical aspects of using the ultrasound machine: ability to choose the correct probe (pre: 3.9, post: 4.6, p = 0.011), choosing the correct probe orientation (pre: 3.9, post: 4.6, p = 0.008), and adjusting the depth and gain (pre: 3.1, post: 4.4, p = 0.001). Finally, participants rated their comfort with the specific views of the FAST scan: ability to find the correct subcostal view (pre: 3.3, post: 4.9, p < 0.001), right upper quadrant view (pre: 3.2, post: 4.6, p < 0.001), left upper quadrant view (pre: 3.2, post: 4.4, p = 0.001), and the pelvic view (pre: 3.2, post: 4.5, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

After a training session in the use of ultrasound in trauma, health care workers in Cusco, Peru reported increased confidence in their FAST scan ability and in their comfort in using this exam for clinical decision-making. Future research should include objective testing of participants’ skill as well as longitudinal follow-up to determine the extent to which the FAST scan has been incorporated into participants’ evaluations of trauma patients.

30 years of polytrauma care: An analysis of the change in strategies and results of 4849 cases treated at a single institution

The quality and progress of treatment of 4849 multiple trauma patients treated at one institution was reviewed retrospectively. Three periods, 1975-1984 (decade I; n=1469) and 1985-1994 (decade II; n=1937) and 1995-2004 (decade III; n=1443) were compared. 65% of multiple trauma patients had cerebral injuries, 58% thoracic trauma and 81% extremity fractures (37% open injuries). Injury combinations decreased during all decades with head/extremity injuries being the most common combination. Throughout the three decades pre-hospital care became more aggressive with an increase of intravenous fluid resuscitation (I: 80%, II: 97%, III: 98%). Chest tube insertion decreased after an initial increase (I: 41%, II: 83%, III: 27%) as well as intubation (I: 82%, II: 94%, III: 59%). Rescue times were progressively shortened. For initial clinical diagnosis of massive abdominal haemorrhage ultrasound (I: 17%, II: 92%, III: 97%) replaced peritoneal lavage (I: 44%, II: 28%, III: 0%). CT-scans were used more frequently for the initial diagnosis of head injuries and other injuries to the trunk throughout the observation time. With regard to complications, acute renal failure decreased by half (I: 8.4%; II: 3.7%; III: 3.9%), ARDS initially decreased but increased again in the last decade (I: 18.1%, II: 13.4%, III: 15.3%), whereas the rate of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) increased continuously (I: 14.2%, II: 18.9%, III: 19.8%) probably due to a decline of the mortality rate from 37% in the first to 22% in the second and 18% in the third decade and parallel increase of the time of death. These treatment results summarise the enormous clinical effort as well as medical progress in polytrauma management over the past 30 years. Further reduction of mortality is desirable, but probably only possible when immediate causal therapy of later posttraumatic organ failure can be established.

[Non operative management of blunt splenic trauma in adults]

Nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury allows preservation of the immune function of the spleen while avoiding unnecessary laparotomy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and the results of conservative management of adult blunt splenic trauma in the context of a developing country. Nonoperative management was proposed for 52 out of 62 patients with blunt splenic trauma treated at the Casablanca University Hospital, Morocco. Motor vehicle-road accidents (88%) were the most common etiology. Multiple trauma was present in 79% of the cases. 15% of the cases had hemodynamic instability. Ultrasonography was performed in 52 patients; it showed splenic contusion in 45 patients and subcapsular hematoma in 7 patients. CT scan showed splenic contusion in 11 patients. Four cases ultimately required operative management with one death. Of the remaining 48 patients, 45 had an uneventful course with observation, but there were two deaths in the observation group.

[The value of sonography in traumatology and orthopedics : Part 2: emergency diagnostics in blunt abdominal and thoracic trauma]

Ultrasound examinations in trauma patients should be done in the emergency department using curved-array (3.5-7.5 MHz) probes. Blunt trauma of the abdomen and thorax must be regarded as a single organ injury. Sonography is the imaging technique of first choice and has completely replaced peritoneal lavage. Paramount advantages are its ability to provide rapid information and reproducible results at short intervals and in a noninvasive manner. The sensitivity and specificity of sonography in detecting intraabdominal fluid are 97-100% and 80-90%, respectively. To achieve such good results, though, adequate education in ultrasound and state-of-the-art devices is crucial. Clinical experiences prove that standardized sonography must be part of polytrauma management and should be integrated in advanced trauma life support courses. Technical improvements with better image quality and miniaturization of hardware will contribute to increase the use of this technique. However, ultrasound does not replace computed tomography for follow-up in answering more sophisticated questions in multiple injured patients.

Identification and Resuscitation of the Trauma Patient in Shock

This article focuses on rapid diagnosis and treatment of the patient suffering from trauma-related shock, including early identification of patients at risk for occult hypoperfusion. Resuscitation strategies (delayed resuscitation, damage control resuscitation), end points of resuscitation, and the role of blood products and pro-coagulants for resuscitation are discussed.

Diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus by a neonatologist with a compact, portable ultrasound machine

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a pilot study assessing a neonatologist's accuracy in diagnosing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using compact, portable ultrasound after limited training.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study of premature infants scheduled for echocardiography for suspected PDA. A neonatologist with limited training performed study exams before scheduled exams. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated, compared to the scheduled echocardiogram interpreted by a cardiologist.

RESULTS

There were 24 exams. Compared to the scheduled exam, the neonatologist's exam had sensitivity 69% (95% confidence interval (CI), 41 to 89%) and specificity 88% (95% CI, 47 to 99%). When a cardiologist interpreted the study exams, the sensitivity was 87% (95% CI, 60 to 98%) and specificity 71% (95% CI, 29 to 96%).

CONCLUSION

A neonatologist with limited training was able to detect PDA with moderate success. A more rigorous training process or real-time transmission with cardiologist interpretation may substantially improve accuracy. Institutions with experienced technicians and on-site pediatric cardiologists may not gain from intensive training of neonatologists, but hospitals where diagnosis and treatment of PDA would be delayed may benefit from such processes.

Ultrasound-diagnosed cardiac tamponade after blunt abdominal trauma—treated with emergent thoracotomy

Ultrasound imaging enhances the physician's ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat emergency department (ED) patients. Because ultrasound imaging is often time-dependent in the acutely ill or injured patient, the emergency physician is in an ideal position to use this technology. Focused ultrasound examinations provide immediate information and can answer specific questions about the patient's physical condition. We report a case in which blunt trauma to the abdomen and pre-existing pericardial fluid, due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), caused pericardial tamponade, diagnosed by bedside ultrasonography, and subsequent cardiac arrest. An ED thoracotomy released this tamponade, and spontaneous cardiac activity returned. The indications for and efficacy of ED thoracotomy have been debated for many years. Multiple studies have shown that patients with isolated penetrating chest trauma have the best outcome and that patients with blunt trauma without signs of life at the scene or in the ED have the poorest. We demonstrate the importance of ultrasound use by emergency physicians to assess trauma patients with pulseless electrical activity and suggest that in specific clinical situations after blunt trauma, an ED thoracotomy can be life saving.