The American journal of emergency medicine
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Compartment syndrome usually occurs in the muscles of an extremity as a consequence of trauma or reperfusion. However, it can also occur from minor injuries with resulting hematoma. We reviewed the charts of 5 individuals who presented to the emergency department after minimal or no known trauma and were ultimately diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome. ⋯ Low-impact trauma can cause acute compartment syndrome in the lower extremities. These cases could be the result of muscle hemorrhage and subsequent hematoma formation, rather than muscle swelling itself. Anticoagulation therapy can increase the risk of hemorrhage.
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Sevoflurane, a potent volatile anesthetic, has been attempted to be used for procedural sedation. Because of lack of a commercially available sedation apparatus for sevoflurane administration, anesthetic gas delivery apparatus should be connected to general anesthetic machine for delivering sevoflurane gas. In this case, deep sedation was maintained during treatment of dental injuries involving the upper lip and incisor by sevoflurane insufflations via a nasal cannula. Especially, this may be advantageous in treating dental injuries involving upper lip and maxillary anterior teeth because the treatment is not disturbed during sevoflurane insufflations via a nasal cannula.
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Clinical Trial
A descriptive study of myoclonus associated with etomidate procedural sedation in the ED.
Myoclonus is a well-recognized side effect of etomidate when given in induction doses for rapid sequence intubation. Most of the data reported on myoclonus with emergency department (ED) sedation doses are reported as a secondary finding. ⋯ Myoclonus associated with sedation doses of etomidate was common but rarely interfered with the completion of a procedure.
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Case Reports
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis as an initial manifestation of primary antiphospholipid syndrome.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare neurologic manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome. We report a case of a 49-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of transient clumsiness of the left upper extremity. ⋯ Thrombophilia screen disclosed positive lupus anticoagulant. In this case report, we aim to emphasize the significance of recognizing an unusual presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome.
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Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of the complete spectrum of injuries associated with swimming and swimming pools treated in US hospital emergency departments. ⋯ The observed increase in injuries among individuals older than 7 years underscores the need for increased prevention efforts, including education about safe swimming practices, supervision, and environmental modifications.