The American journal of emergency medicine
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The preexcitation syndrome may either simulate myocardial infarction (MI) or mask it. The rapid anterograde conduction through accessory pathway may obscure atrioventricular (AV) block of the normal AV-nodal tract. ⋯ We report a complex case of preexcitation syndrome presenting with first-degree and transient third-degree AV blocks in both normal and accessory pathways after acute MI. Subsequently, we further discuss the diagnosis of MI in preexcitation syndrome and analyze the electrocardiographic character of AV block in preexcitation syndrome.
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Traditionally, intracranial pressure is measured by direct ventriculostomy, which is invasive. Noninvasive measures such as bedside ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have been advocated and utilized recently to assess the intracranial pressure. The role of this study is to determine the degree of agreement between measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ Comparable results without significant discrepancy as predetermined by the study groups were obtained from CT scan. Measurement of ONSD by CT scan can be used to indirectly asses the intracranial pressure in addition to clinical assessment and other signs of increased intracranial pressure on CT scan.
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A case of herpetic rash in an immunocompetent patient is described, which was present in multiple dermatomes at the same time. First, patient was thought to have immunodeficiency, but further workup turned out to be negative for it. ⋯ Later, the patient responded well to the acyclovir therapy and was discharged home without any sequel. This case illustrates the need for emergency physicians to be extra vigilant for involvement of other dermatomes in case a patient presents with herpetic rash in 1 dermatome because patients with multidermatomal/disseminated herpetic rash need to be started on airborne isolation in addition to contact precautions to prevent the transmission of disease in health care settings.
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Digitized assessment of the degree of consciousness is a universal challenge in emergency departments (EDs) and intensive care units (ICUs). The middle latency auditory-evoked potential index (MLAEPi) monitor aepEX plus (Audiomex, Glasgow, Scotland, UK) is the first mobile middle latency auditory-evoked potential monitor. We speculated that the initial MLAEPi determined on arrival at EDs could indicate cerebral function and predict the degree of consciousness of comatose patients. ⋯ The MLAEPi (simple numerical value) may be used to evaluate the degree of consciousness in comatose patients while performing emergency care in EDs.
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Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy, including takotsubo, neurogenic stunned myocardium, and pheochromocytoma-related cardiomyopathy, is a reversible and generally benign condition. We are reporting a case series of young women who had cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema due to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which completely recovered in the course of 2 to 3 weeks. ⋯ We suggest that screening for pheochromocytoma should be considered in patients who present with takotsubo cardiomyopathy without obvious cause. Most importantly, widely used intravenous catecholamines may cause severe transient left ventricular dysfunction, and consideration should be given to noncatecholamine vasopressors.