Beyond E-FAST scan in trauma: Diagnosing of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with bedside ultrasound

Abstract

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is relatively rare, and even more difficult to diagnose. Physical examination often fails to identify this injury, and basic investigation like chest x-ray can miss this half of the time. Although not part of standard FAST (focused assessment with sonography for trauma) ultrasound scan in trauma, bedside ultrasound has the potential to pick up this pathology. This case illustrates that ultrasound in trauma can go beyond standard E-FAST (extended FAST) protocol.