Abstract
Background
The focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) examination is an important
screening tool in the evaluation of blunt trauma patients.
Objectives
To describe a case of a hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patient with positive
FAST due to fluid resuscitation after blunt trauma.
Case Report
We describe a case of a hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patient who underwent
massive volume resuscitation prior to transfer from a community hospital to a trauma
center. On arrival at the receiving institution, the FAST examination was positive
for free intraperitoneal fluid, but no hemoperitoneum or significant intra-abdominal
injuries were found during laparotomy. In this case, it is postulated that transudative
intraperitoneal fluid secondary to massive volume resuscitation resulted in a positive
FAST examination.
Conclusion
This case highlights potential issues specific to resuscitated trauma patients with
prolonged transport times. Further study is likely needed to assess what changes,
if any, should be made in algorithms to address the effect of prior resuscitative
efforts on the test characteristics of the FAST examination.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 26, 2014
Accepted:
April 22,
2014
Received:
April 30,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
