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6. Abdominal Free Fluid Ultrasound

Female Pelvis – Pouch of Douglas

In the female pelvis, you can find free fluid in the Pouch of Douglas (Rectouterine Pouch).

Female Pelvis Rectovesical Pouch
Free Fluid Female Pelvis Abdominal eFAST Ultrasound
Female – Abdominal Free Fluid in Pelvis
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6. Abdominal Free Fluid Ultrasound

Male Pelvis – Retrovesical Pouch

In the male pelvis, you can find free fluid in the rectovesical pouch/space.

Male Pelvis Rectovesical Pouch
Free Fluid Male Pelvis Abdominal eFAST Ultrasound
Male – Abdominal Free Fluid in Pelvis
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6. Abdominal Free Fluid Ultrasound

Left Upper Quadrant – Perisplenic Recess

  • Using the technique to scan the spleen described above, you can detect free abdominal fluid in the perisplenic recess. You can also check the costodiaphragmatic recess from this view.
Perisplenic Space for Free Abdominal Fluid
Abdominal Free Fluid in Perisplenic Recess/Space
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6. Abdominal Free Fluid Ultrasound

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) – Morison’s Pouch

  • Using the technique to scan the liver described above, you can detect free abdominal fluid in the hepatorenal recess (Morison’s Pouch). Normally, the recess is only a potential space, and no anechoic fluid should be seen between the liver and kidney.
Morison’s Pouch Illustration
Hepatorenal Right Upper Quadrant RUQ Morison's pouch Free Fluid Ultrasound eFAST exam
Abdominal Free Fluid in Morison’s Pouch
Categories
6. Abdominal Free Fluid Ultrasound

Abdominal Free Fluid Ultrasound

Evaluating for free fluid is a common abdominal ultrasound application. We will go over the most common locations to detect free fluid using abdominal ultrasound.

Using these techniques, you’ll be able to diagnose ascites and hemoperitoneum in trauma patients. Keep in mind that blood will look more echogenic as hemoperitoneum progresses and begins to coagulate.