USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR THE EVALUATION OF PREGNANT TRAUMA PATIENTS

The expeditious diagnosis and management of the pregnant trauma patien t is essential for the survival of both the mother and fetus. The rapi d trauma ultrasound examination, which has been accurately utilized by trauma surgeons and emergency physicians, may have a tremendous impac t on the timely identification of acute intraperitoneal injuries and, potentially, on the evaluation of fetal viability in the pregnant trau ma patient. This report describes our experience with the rapid trauma ultrasound examination in the management of three pregnant trauma pat ients and outlines the potential advantages and limitations of the pro cedure.