Singapore medical journal
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Singapore medical journal · Apr 2023
Post COVID-19 syndrome and new onset diseases: A prospective observational study.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has defined the terms, 'acute coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19), 'ongoing symptomatic COVID-19' and 'post-COVID-19 syndrome', with the latter two described as having persistent symptoms after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms for 4-12 weeks and >12 weeks, respectively. Persistent symptoms can either be due to the after-effects of COVID-19 or new-onset diseases after acute COVID-19. All symptoms observed beyond 4 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 need not be present at the time of onset. Previous studies on persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms have not mentioned new-onset diseases after acute COVID-19, and only a select few studies have discussed such new-onset symptoms. ⋯ Patients can have persistent symptoms, new-onset symptoms and new-onset diseases after recovery from acute COVID-19.
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Singapore medical journal · Apr 2023
ReviewPoint of care ultrasound: a clinical decision support tool for COVID-19.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has overwhelmed health services with large numbers of patients presenting to hospital, requiring immediate triage and diagnosis. Complications include acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocarditis, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. ⋯ Important limitations of point of care ultrasound include inter-rater variability and subjectivity in interpretation of imaging findings, as well as infection control concerns. A practical approach to clinical integration of point of care ultrasound findings in COVID-19 patients is presented to enhance consistency in critical care decision making, and relevant infection control guidelines and operator precautions are discussed, based on a narrative review of the literature.
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Singapore medical journal · Apr 2023
Incidental findings involving the temporomandibular joint on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently imaged in head and neck computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Depending on the indication for the study, an abnormality of the TMJ may be an incidental finding. ⋯ Familiarity with these findings along with pertinent clinical information helps narrow the list of differential diagnoses. While definitive diagnosis may not be immediately apparent, a systematic approach contributes to improved discussions between clinicians and radiologists and better patient management.