J Emerg Med
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Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common emergency department (ED) complaint and self-diagnosis may be possible. ⋯ There was poor agreement between EP diagnosis and self-diagnosis of UTI. In our ED population, women should be encouraged to seek medical attention to confirm the diagnosis.
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Computed tomography (CT) signs of hypovolemic shock have been reported previously. Whether these signs can be used to clinically predict hypovolemic shock remains unclear. ⋯ MSCT can provide useful information for predicting hyovolemic shock in severe multiple-injury patients. An IVC flatness index > 3.02 suggests the presence of hypovolemic shock in severe multiple-injury patients.
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Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common Emergency Department (ED) disorder that accounts for >5 million ED visits annually. Although quite rare, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a serious cause of CHF that if left untreated can lead to life-threatening sequelae, such as hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease, endarteritis, and aneurysms of the ductus. ⋯ Persistent PDA in adulthood is a rare but important cause of CHF with significant morbidity and mortality if not appropriately diagnosed and treated.
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Massive pulmonary embolism is associated with cardiac dysfunction and ischemia, hemodynamic collapse, and significant potential for death. The American College of Chest Physicians and American College of Emergency Physicians each supports thrombolytic administration to hemodynamically unstable patients with acute pulmonary embolism. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge, this is the first identified case of a patient not in cardiac arrest in whom thrombolytics were administered via an intraosseous line. Similarly, we believe this is also the first reported case of thrombolytics delivered via an intraosseous line for massive pulmonary embolism in the United States.
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Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an infection of the soft tissue, and is fatal if not promptly and aggressively treated. Although it is rare, it is not exceptional; nevertheless, its presentation may be misleading and may delay the diagnosis. We highlight the possible synchronous development of NF in multiple noncontiguous areas. ⋯ "Synchronous" multifocality is not an expected presentation of NF, and it complicates the diagnosis and delays treatment, with a potentially negative impact on outcome.