Utilization of Ultrasound for Rapid Diagnosis of Cardiac Tamponade and Postoperative Right Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis in a Pediatric Patient with a Gunshot Wound to the Chest: A Case Report
Document Type
Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access
Publication Date
5-9-2025
Abstract
CT is the gold standard for traumatic injury evaluation, but patient stability and availability can limit access to CT scan, indicating the necessity of a rapid, portable, and noninvasive method of injury assessment. The focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) exam, using ultrasound (US), can reliably detect hemopericardium, hemoperitoneum, pleural effusion, and pneumothorax with high sensitivity and specificity. This case involves an eleven-year-old male presenting to the emergency department (ED) for a gunshot wound to the left chest. eFAST exam was used in the ED to identify a large pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology which informed the decision to pursue surgical intervention urgently. The use of ultrasound in this case was pivotal in allowing physicians to rapidly identify a life-threatening condition and pursue urgent interventions.
Recommended Citation
Woodland NM, Loney B. Utilization of ultrasound for rapid diagnosis of cardiac tamponade and postoperative right internal jugular vein thrombosis in a pediatric patient with a gunshot wound to the chest: a case report. Presented at: Research Day Corewell Health West; 2025 May 9; Grand Rapids, MI.
Comments
2025 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9, 2025. Abstract 1747