Fast, accurate, and cost-effective: E-FAST's breakthrough in optimizing thoracic trauma management

Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (E-FAST) for detecting pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pulmonary contusions using thoracic computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard.

Retrospective analysis of 202 adult thoracic trauma patients (2016-2021). E-FAST diagnostic accuracy was calculated using CT as reference standard.

E-FAST was performed in 149 patients (74%), who presented with significantly higher injury severity (injury severity score: 25 vs. 17; p=0.018) and hemodynamic instability. E-FAST demonstrated 90% sensitivity for pneumothorax, 86% for hemothorax, and 95% specificity for both conditions. Positive predictive values were 92% for pneumothorax and 89% for hemothorax. E-FAST was superior to chest radiography for detecting pleural complications and facilitated immediate thoracic drainage in 39.1% of cases. Cost analysis revealed four-fold reduction compared to CT.

E-FAST demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for pneumothorax and hemothorax compared to CT, while also showing superior performance to conventional radiography. E-FAST facilitates rapid bedside assessment and immediate surgical decision-making in critically injured patients. However, the significant selection bias toward critically injured patients limits the conclusions regarding the independent impact on clinical outcomes.