Evaluation of the accuracy of E-FAST ultrasound in blunt trauma patients referred to the Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: Trauma is one of the most common causes of death in the world. E-Fast ultrasound can detect the haemoperitoneum, intravenous pneumothorax, and hemothorax. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of E-FAST focused ultrasound in blunt trauma patients referred to the Emergency Department. Methods: In this study 167 blunt trauma patients were included. E-FAST is performed from four standard spaces in terms of free fluid, chest in terms of hemothorax, and pneumothorax. Ultrasound is performed on the trauma patient and the obtained results were compared with the result of the standard gold CT scan test. All patient information including age, sex, mechanism of trauma, patient ISS, E-FAST result, and CT scan result were registered. Results: Overall, 174 patients were included that 45 (25.9%) of them were females. The mean age of the patients was 38.39±12.31 years. E-FAST had a sensitivity of 66.7 and a specificity of 100% in the diagnosis of hemothorax. Also, a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 99.4% were detected for 120 people in both normal tests. Conclusion: The results show E-FAST is a suitable alternative to CT scan in the diagnosis of hemothorax, pneumothorax, and free fluid in the abdomen, vulva, and pericardial cavity. Due to portability, safe body, no need for contrast, fast performance, as well as cheapness, and reproducibility, it will be a great help in diagnosing trauma-related lesions and prompt and timely treatment. CT scan should be used only in limited cases and special indications.