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.
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 paracolic gutter.
- Left upper quadrant – Above the spleen, and below the diaphragm (subphrenic space) and splenorenal recess.
- Suprapubic scan – Pelvic free fluid
Tension pneumothorax
Lung scan will reveal absence of lung sliding and a lung point in the presence of a pneumothorax. See lung ultrasound section for further details.