Anatomy of the FAST

Exam

Pierce HibmaBMS 451

Gross Anatomy M4 Project

FASTFOCUSED ASSESSMENT WITH

SONOGRAPHY FOR TRAUMA

Provides an important initial screening examination in the trauma patient

Determines the presence of pathologic pericardial or intraperitoneal free fluid, which appears as a hypoechoic or anechoic (ie, dark grey or black) collection.

Utilizes four viewing positions

SubxiphoidUsed to view the pericardium

Hepatorenal

Used to view Morison’s pouch (hepatorenal interface).

SplenorenalUsed to view splenorenal interface.

SuprapubicUsed to obtain a view of the bladder

and retrovesical structures.

FAST Instructional Videohttp://www.hqmeded.com/node/16

References ACEP. “Emergency ultrasound imagine criteria compendium.

Ann Emerg Med 2006; 48:487.

Chelly M. “The evolving role of FAST scan for the diagnosis of pericardial fluid. J Trauma 2004; 56:915.

Lingawi S. “Focused abdominal US in patients with trauma. Radiology 2000; 217:426.

Moore, Keith and Dalley, Arthur. Clinically Oriented Anatomy.

Netter, Frank. Atlas of Human Anatomy.

Pariyadath, Manoj. “Emergency ultrasound in adults with abdominal and thoracic trauma.” UpToDate.

Reardon, Robert. “Ultrasound in Trauma – The FAST Exam Assessment with Sonography in Trauma.”

Sauerland, Eberbardt. Grant’s Dissector.