Sensitivity of ultrasound for the evaluation of trauma. Experience in Cuba.

Introduction: Ultrasound is now an essential tool in assessing trauma patients. It is the preferred initial imaging method for trauma care and is included in the Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines established by the American College of Surgeons. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted to determine the sensitivity and specificity of E-FAST (Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) performed by general surgeons at Hospital Universitario "Miguel Enríquez", in Havana, Cuba. Results: The diagnostic accuracy (AUC) for E-FAST was 0.964 (0.909 - 0.990), with a sensitivity in the detection of free fluid and pneumothorax of 96.4% (87.8-99.5%), and a specificity of 96.2% (87.0-99.5%). The confidence interval (CI) for these measures was 95%. Conclusions: The E-FAST test performed by general surgeons presents diagnostic values that make it a fast, reliable tool for the evaluation of trauma patients. It is a feasible method with high sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]