Clinical approaches to the application of ultrasonography to the patient in the emergency department: A topic update.

Abstract

Traumatic  injuries  represent  the  main  cause  of  death  among  patients  under  45  years  of  age,  with 80% of cases being closed injuries and most patients dying from hypovolemic shock. It is crucial  to  diagnose  intraperitoneal  hemorrhage  early,  present  in  12%  of  affected  patients.  Although  diagnostic  peritoneal  lavage  is  a  very  accurate  technique,  its  use  is  limited  by  its  invasive nature and potential complications. Although computed tomography may be less ideal in hemodynamically unstable patients due to delays and difficulties, point-of-care ultrasound has  revolutionized  the  management  of  trauma  patients,  being  a  timely,  practical  and  radiation-free tool. The FAST technique, developed in the 1970s and popularized in the 1990s in the United States, has established itself as a highly sensitive and specific tool. In the case of abdominal  aortic  aneurysms,  which  are  common  in  men  and  people  over  50  years  of  age,  ultrasound  has  again  proven  to  be  an  essential  lifesaver,  with  high  accuracy  to  significantly  reduce mortality. These ultrasound techniques should be integrated in emergency situations to improve  clinical  outcomes  in  patients  with  trauma  and  aneurysms.