J Emerg Med
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Herlyn Werner Wunderlich Syndrome (HWWS) is a congenital abnormality of the Müllerian duct system resulting in uterovaginal duplication, obstructive hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. It typically presents shortly after menarche with gradual onset of progressive pelvic pain. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge abrupt onset of vaginal pain due to HWWS has not been reported previously. We present this case to increase awareness among emergency physicians of this rare and interesting entity.
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Traumatic dislocation of the testicle is a rare injury that may result from blunt abdominopelvic trauma. The majority of cases reportedly occur in young adults secondary to severe scrotal trauma during high-speed motorcycle crashes. Our review of the available English medical literature revealed only one pediatric case. ⋯ Although rare, testicular dislocation may be a serious result of abdominopelvic trauma. Emergency providers who care for trauma patients must include this condition in their differential diagnosis; to do otherwise risks a delay in diagnosis that may affect testicular viability. In this case, testicular dislocation may have resulted from the combination of trauma and a previously undiagnosed indirect inguinal hernia.
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Case Reports
Subcapsular liver hematoma after colonoscopy diagnosed by emergency department bedside ultrasonography.
Hepatic subcapsular hematoma is an uncommon cause of right upper quadrant pain in the Emergency Department. It must be recognized early, as large volumes of acute blood loss and rupture into the peritoneum carry significant morbidity and mortality. In the absence of gallbladder disease, the differential diagnosis should include liver pathology. Bedside ultrasonography can be used to identify such lesions. ⋯ In a patient with undifferentiated right upper quadrant abdominal pain, bedside ultrasonography is a rapid and effective modality in the diagnosis of liver masses, including subcapsular hematoma.
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Repeat users of Emergency Departments (ED), so-called "frequent visitors," place a substantial burden on limited ED resources. The illness features of frequent visitors have not been well defined, though chronic medical and psychiatric illness and substance abuse are implicated. ⋯ Although chronic hepatitis and psychiatric complaints are both implicated in frequent ED visits, patients with psychiatric complaints present to the ED more often. Patients with a "dual diagnosis" of psychiatric condition and alcohol abuse are likely to be frequent visitors. This population should be targeted for creative intervention strategies, both within and outside of the emergency system, that comprehensively screen for symptomatology and integrate mental health treatment with substance abuse interventions.