The American journal of emergency medicine
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Review Case Reports
Cranial burr hole decompression in the emergency department.
Presently virtually all patients with acute head trauma are computed tomography (CT) scanned and transferred to a neurosurgical operating room before any surgical intervention. The time required for this, especially if the patient is transferred to another institution, may lead to a significant delay in treatment. In a patient with an expanding intracranial hematoma and evidence of brainstem compromise this delay may produce a worse outcome. ⋯ A burr hole placed rapidly before CT and transfer could prevent further damage to the brain by an expanding hematoma. The case of a child with a preterminal epidural hematoma whose outcome was excellent because of a burr hole placed in the emergency department (ED) is presented. In light of this case and a complete literature review, it is suggested that more frequent attempts to decompress intracranial hematomas in the ED may be warranted.
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The beneficial effect of dopamine in circulatory shock induced by tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) overdose may be decreased due to compromise of the endogenous stores of norepinephrine caused by TCA. The successful outcome of two cases of TCA overdose complicated by hypotension, unresponsive to an initial treatment with physostigmine fluid challenge and dopamine (greater than 15 micrograms/kg/min) but subsequently responsive to an infusion of norepinephrine is reported.
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A 3-year-old child presented to the emergency department (ED) with the sudden onset of shortness of breath and wheezing. The child had previously been in good health and had no problems during the neonatal period. ⋯ The diagnosis was confirmed, and recovery was uneventful. The differential diagnosis of late onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia is discussed with an emphasis on both early recognition and differential diagnosis of this rare but correctable entity.
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Appendiceal disease can be acute, acute recurrent, or chronic. Acute appendicitis is the most common form. Acute recurrent appendicitis is more common than chronic appendicitis. ⋯ The literature about appendicoliths is reviewed. In the appropriate clinical setting, a history of prior episodes of similar right lower quadrant pain does not preclude the diagnosis of appendiceal disease. Awareness of the less common forms of appendicitis is important so that appropriate treatment is not delayed.
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All cases of patients aged less than 48 months who presented in cardiac arrest to the Hennepin County Medical Center's emergency department (ED) during the years 1984 to 1986 were reviewed retrospectively. The ED record, initial and subsequent chest radiographs, hospital charts, and autopsy reports were analyzed. A total of 33 cases were reviewed. ⋯ Percutaneous peripheral catheterization, when successful, and bone marrow needle placement were the fastest methods of obtaining intravascular access. There were no major immediate complications, and delayed complications were minimal. Attempts at peripheral intravenous catheter placement should be brief, with rapid progression to intraosseous infusion if peripheral attempts are not successful.