Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 2013
Appendix not seen: the predictive value of secondary inflammatory sonographic signs.
Acute appendicitis is the most prevalent emergency surgical diagnosis in children. Although traditionally a clinical diagnosis, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is uncertain in approximately 30% of pediatric patients. In attempts to avoid a misdiagnosis and facilitate earlier definitive care, imaging modalities such as ultrasonography have become important tools. In many pediatric studies, the absence of a visualized appendix with no secondary sonographic features has been reported as a negative study result, and a study where the appendix is not seen but demonstrates secondary features is often deemed equivocal. With ultrasound appendiceal detection rates reported at 60% to 89%, the dilemma of the nonvisualized appendix or equivocal study is frequently faced by clinicians. ⋯ Although uncommonly seen, large amounts of free fluid, phlegmon, and pericecal inflammatory fat changes were very specific signs of acute appendicitis. In the absence of a distinctly visualized appendix, the presence of multiple secondary inflammatory changes provides increasing support of a diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 2013
Case ReportsFever and bulging fontanelle mimicking meningitis in an infant diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension.
A previously healthy 7-month-old male presented to the emergency department with fever and a bulging anterior fontanelle. A computed tomographic scan of the head suggested mild communicating hydrocephalus. Lumbar puncture was performed, which revealed a normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count and glucose concentration, but a markedly elevated opening pressure. ⋯ DNA polymerase chain reaction for human herpes virus 6 was strongly positive in serum. Fever and bulging fontanelle resolved within 24 hours. A presumptive diagnosis of transient intracranial hypertension of infancy was made, a form of benign idiopathic intracranial hypertension that mimics the presentation of serious intracranial pathology.