Oj. Ma et Mp. Kefer, Ultrasound detection of free intraperitoneal fluid associated with hepaticand splenic injuries, SOUTH MED J, 94(1), 2001, pp. 54-57
Background. The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity and
specificity of 5 abdominal views for detecting free intraperitonal fluid in
trauma patients later diagnosed with hepatic or splenic injuries.
Methods. This retrospective study conducted over a 17-month period controll
ed patients with trauma. A Focused Abdominal Sonogram for Trauma (FAST) exa
mination was done using 5 abdominal views. Exploratory laparotomy or comput
ed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of intraperitoneal fluid and asso
ciated injuries. The sensitivity and specificity were determined.
Results. Of the 245 study patients, 29 had injuries to the liver or spleen
or both. The 5-view FAST examination's sensitivity for detecting free intra
peritoneal fluid associated with hepatic, splenic, or combined injuries was
77%, 90%, and 100% a, respectively. The sensitivity of the single Morison'
s pouch view in detecting free intraperitoneal fluid associated with hepati
c, splenic, or combined injuries was 38%, 20%, and 67%, respectively.
Conclusion. For identifying free intraperitoneal fluid associated with hepa
tic or splenic injuries, no single view of the FAST examination could match
the sensitivity provided-by thee 5-view technique.