European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Case Reports
An unusual way to diagnose asymptomatic right ventricular perforation by a temporary endocardial pacing electrode.
Right ventricular perforation by a temporary endocardial pacing electrode can be fatal and needs to be detected promptly. This usually symptomatic situation is diagnosed by X-ray or echocardiographic findings. We present the case of a patient with an asymptomatic right ventricular perforation, in whom serial electrocardiograms enabled us to detect the displacement of the right ventricular lead.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure device in the emergency care of acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: a randomized pilot study.
This study aimed to assess the short-term respiratory effects of a new portable device that delivers a continuous positive airway pressure via a face mask (Boussignac-CPAP) in patients with severe acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, and the feasibility of using this technique in an emergency department. We prospectively studied 30 consecutive patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. They were randomly assigned either to the Boussignac-CPAP valve, which delivered oxygen, or to standard oxygen delivery for a duration of 30 min. ⋯ Continuous positive pressure delivered using the Boussignac-CPAP device is feasible in an emergency care setting. It can quickly improve respiratory distress in acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema patients. A larger trial should be initiated in such an emergency care setting to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Boussignac-CPAP device.
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Case Reports
Medial subtalar dislocation: importance of clinical diagnosis in distinguishing from other dislocations.
In an emergency situation, the clinical picture of ankle and subtalar dislocation may be similar. This may lead to the use of the improper technique of reduction, especially in a subtalar dislocation, resulting in the failure of reduction and further damage to the articular surfaces. A case of medial subtalar dislocation is presented, which was managed as an ankle dislocation and manipulated inappropriately, leading to a failure of reduction. The clinical signs of ankle and subtalar dislocation, including points of differentiation between the two are discussed, and the correct method of reduction of subtalar dislocation is described.
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Editorial Comment Biography Historical Article
International emergency medicine: the vision of a pioneer, Prof. Dr Peter Safar, on emergency medical care.
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Acute appendicitis, the most common cause of abdominal surgical emergency, shows a different pathogenesis, clinical course and outcome in the elderly. Age-specific factors are effective on preoperative clinical diagnosis and on the stage of this infectious disease. We aimed to present our experience with a series of elderly patients with appendicitis who were subjected to appendectomy. ⋯ Postoperative morbidity and mortality is unacceptably high. Advancing age adversely affects clinical diagnosis, the stage of disease and the outcome of patients. Perforated appendicitis and septic progression is the main cause of undesirable outcomes.