Annals of emergency medicine
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We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of ultrasonography in the detection of traumatic complications of CPR. ⋯ Traumatic complications of CPR are well known but typically difficult to assess. Ultrasonography may identify injuries, help guide procedures, and serve as a means to assess pharmacologic effects on cardiac performance during CPR. It is a readily available, noninvasive means to assess these critically ill patients.
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To determine whether abdominal ultrasound can be used routinely as the primary screening test to identify the need for laparotomy in trauma patients. ⋯ Ultrasound is a sensitive and specific test with which to evaluate trauma patients for abdominal injury requiring surgery. Routine abdominal ultrasound can be performed at the bedside in the emergency department as a timely, noninvasive diagnostic test. This use of a screening abdominal ultrasound examination can improve clinical decision-making for the use of emergency laparotomy. Ultrasound may be a better alternative to CT or diagnostic peritoneal lavage for the initial screening evaluation of abdominal trauma.