The American journal of emergency medicine
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Syncope accounts for approximately 1% to 2% of emergency department visits each year and up to 6% of hospital admissions [1,2]. The causes of syncope are numerous, from common benign disorders to life-threatening processes including transient ischemic attack and even stroke. ⋯ Dissections of intracranial arteries are increasingly being recognized with advanced imaging study; however, isolated basilar artery dissection (IBAD) is rarely reported. Here, we present a case of a 32-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with the chief complaint of syncope and finally diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke resulted from IBAD.
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The aim of this study was to describe population-based patterns of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related emergency department (ED) visits. ⋯ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related hospital admissions and short-term return ED visits were common and varied by age and insurance status. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management remains a critical area for intervention and quality improvement.
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Ultrasound-guided procedures are becoming very common in emergency medicine and critical care. Ultrasound guidance for pericardiocentesis has been shown to reduce errors as compared with the landmark-based technique. A simplified in-plane ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis allows the clinician an opportunity to visualize the needle and the guide wire during the procedure. In addition, post procedure ultrasound of the pericardial effusion, right ventricle and inferior vena cava allow the clinician confirmation of improvement of physiologic parameters that can lead to cardiovascular collapse from impending pericardial tamponade.
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To identify a biomarker panel with sufficient sensitivity and negative predictive value to identify children with abdominal pain at low risk for acute appendicitis in order to avoid unnecessary imaging. ⋯ This panel may be useful in identifying pediatric patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis who are at low risk and can be followed clinically, potentially sparing them exposure to the ionizing radiation of CT.
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Case Reports
Complication after treatment for resistant supraventricular tachycardia: the Bezold-Jarisch reflex.
The Bezold-Jarisch reflex may become clinically relevant in times of profound relative hypovolemia. This results in uncoupled cardio inhibition leading to the triad of hypotension, bradycardia and vasodilation.