The hepatorenal recess, also known as Morrison’s pouch, is a critical potential space in the abdomen located between the liver and the right kidney. In FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exams, this area is a key target for detecting free fluid, such as blood, indicating internal hemorrhage after trauma. Its anatomical position makes it one of the first locations where fluid accumulates due to gravity, making it a crucial landmark for rapid ultrasound assessment.
Identifying fluid in the hepatorenal recess is a high-yield finding in medical ultrasound, guiding immediate clinical decisions for trauma patients. Sonographers meticulously scan this region during a FAST exam to assess for hemoperitoneum, aiding in the swift diagnosis and management of life-threatening injuries. Mastering visualization of this recess is fundamental for accurate trauma sonography.