Hemoperitoneum in FAST/Trauma ultrasound refers to the presence of free blood within the peritoneal cavity, typically a critical indicator of internal hemorrhage following blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma. Rapid identification via the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam is paramount for patient management, appearing as anechoic or hypoechoic fluid in dependent areas like Morrison’s pouch or the splenorenal recess.
Accurate ultrasound detection of hemoperitoneum is crucial for guiding immediate medical or surgical intervention, significantly improving outcomes in trauma patients by quickly identifying life-threatening bleeding. This non-invasive assessment helps clinicians determine the need for further diagnostic studies or emergent surgical exploration.