EFAST: The evolution of FAST in politrauma

Abstract

EFAST (Extended Focused Assessment with Sono - graphy for Trauma) is a bedside US examination, performed in patients victims of trauma directly from intensivist. The examen duration should be <5 minutes without interference with resuscitation manoeuvres. It should answer to precise questions (is there air? is there fluid?). EFAST examen consists of 6 US windows, 2 thoracic and 4 abdominal, by researching on 2 simple and reliable US signs: 1) the pleural “gliding sign” for the diagnosis of PNX; 2) the presence of an “anechoic area” suggesting a blood effusion. EFAST finds its particular employ in unstable patients, while for hemodinamically stable patients CT scan must be performed to detect lesions of abdominal organs and retroperitoneal injuries. In stable patients with normal CT scan, the EFAST exam could be employed in the follow-up. The EFAST can be performed in pregnancy, providing even the possibility to evaluate foetus.