Conclusion

The utility of the FAST exam in pregnant trauma patients has yet to be fully validated by existing research and may prove a challenge for providers who are less experienced in ultrasonography. As is the case with many applications of bedside ultrasound, positive findings appear to be quite reliable (ie, high specificities). However, false negatives remain a concern. More research is required to determine the true sensitivity of the FAST exam in this patient subset and to address potential challenges. Researchers continue to emphasize that ultrasound should not be used in place of a diagnostic computed tomographic examination in the treatment of pregnant patients with a high suspicion of internal injury.^5,23-25 Patients (without any further imaging) with concern for occult injury should be admitted to labor and delivery and monitored for 24 hours without adverse events before discharge.

Dr. Wilson is emergency ultrasound director, ultrasound fellowship director, and clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina in Columbia and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Ms. Dickson is a medical student at the University of South Carolina.

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