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In FAST/Trauma ultrasound, the costophrenic angle refers to the acute angle formed by the diaphragm and the chest wall. This anatomical landmark is crucial during a FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam to identify potential fluid collections like hemothorax. A blunted or obscured costophrenic angle on ultrasound can indicate fluid accumulation in the…

Hepatic laceration, a critical injury in FAST/Trauma ultrasound, refers to a tear or rupture in the liver, often resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. This can lead to internal bleeding, requiring rapid assessment. Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is crucial for quickly identifying free fluid (blood) in the abdomen, indicative of such injuries. Early…

Splenic laceration in the context of FAST/Trauma ultrasound refers to a tear or rupture of the spleen, often a result of blunt abdominal trauma. This injury can lead to significant internal bleeding (hemoperitoneum), which is a critical finding on a Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam. Ultrasound plays a vital role in rapidly…

Solid organ injury in FAST/Trauma ultrasound refers to damage sustained by organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, commonly resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam rapidly identifies free fluid, such as blood, surrounding these organs, indicating potential injury and guiding urgent medical intervention. Early detection of splenic…

Bladder rupture, in the context of FAST/Trauma ultrasound, signifies a tear in the bladder wall, often resulting from blunt abdominal trauma or pelvic fractures. This critical injury leads to extravasation of urine into the peritoneal or retroperitoneal spaces, appearing as anechoic or hypoechoic fluid collections on ultrasound. Prompt detection via the FAST exam is vital…

EFAST thoracic views are an essential component of the Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (EFAST) exam, specifically evaluating the chest for life-threatening conditions in trauma patients. These ultrasound views primarily aim to detect pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), which can rapidly compromise respiratory and circulatory function. The EFAST…

A hepatic hematoma, in the context of FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exams, refers to a collection of blood within the liver parenchyma. This critical finding often results from blunt abdominal trauma and appears on ultrasound as a hypoechoic or anechoic mass within the liver, depending on its age and composition. Rapid detection…

Splenic hematoma in FAST/Trauma ultrasound refers to a localized collection of blood within or around the spleen, typically resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. This critical finding indicates potential splenic injury, which can range from subcapsular collections to intraparenchymal bleeds. Early detection via Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is vital to assess the extent…

Free pelvic fluid, in the context of FAST/Trauma ultrasound, refers to any abnormal fluid collection detected within the pelvic cavity. This critical finding often indicates internal bleeding (hemoperitoneum) or other fluid effusions following blunt or penetrating trauma. Rapid identification of free pelvic fluid during a FAST exam is crucial for immediate patient management, guiding decisions…