eFAST
overview The eFAST scan (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) is widely used in emergency medicine to evaluate patients presenting with polytrauma. The components of the eFAST scan are shown in the image. Subcostal 4 Chamber Cardiac Scan Right Upper Quadrant Left Upper Quadrant Right Upper Anterior Chest Left Upper Anterior Chest The eFAST scan allows clinicians to determine the presence of life threatening conditions such as: Cardiac Tamponade Intra-Abdominal Hemorrhage Tension Pneumothorax Cardiac Tamponade This is best detected with a subcostal 4 chamber view. The curvilinear of phased array probe can be used. The image shows an example of cardiac tamponade. There is a large pericardial fluid collection and the heart is swinging. There is collapse of the RV. Subcostal 4 chamber view: cardiac tamponade Intra-Abdominal Free Fluid Intra-abdominal free fluid is detected in 3 positions: Right upper quadrant – Morrison’s pouch, caudal edge of the liver and superior…