J Emerg Med
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Cellulitis and abscess are a common reason for presentation to the emergency department, although there are several nuances to the care of these patients. ⋯ It is essential for emergency physicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of patients with cellulitis and abscess.
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Point-of-Care Ultrasound For Differentiating Ileocolic From Small Bowel-Small Bowel Intussusception.
Intussusception is a common pediatric emergency. The two types of intussusception are ileocolic intussusception (ICI) and small bowel-small bowel intussusception (SB-SBI), and neither are easily distinguished clinically. ICI requires radiology personnel and potentially surgical assistance for its reduction. SB-SBI is managed expectantly, as many resolve spontaneously. Differentiating between ICI and SB-SBI through point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) requires an understanding of their salient features. Identification of the correct type of intussusception immediately assists decision making and patient disposition. ⋯ ICI and SB-SBI can be identified and differentiated using several sonographic features. POCUS is capable of expeditiously aiding the emergency physician's decision making and disposition when managing intussusception.
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Case Reports
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assisting in the Rapid Diagnosis of Acute Cholangitis 60 Years After Cholecystectomy.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used frequently to evaluate the right upper quadrant of patients with high suspicion for biliary pathology. In patients with a history of cholecystectomy, the utility of POCUS can be overlooked. ⋯ We report the case of an 83-year-old female patient who was ultimately diagnosed with cholangitis more than 60 years after undergoing cholecystectomy. POCUS demonstrated a dilated common bile duct (CBD), which was confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography to be due to a large stone. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Choledocholithiasis and cholangitis can still occur in patients with a remote history of cholecystectomy. POCUS can be used to rapidly evaluate the CBD for dilatation in patients post cholecystectomy.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has increased in prevalence in the emergency department (ED) in recent years. The complications of DKA are life threatening and necessitate rapid identification and management. Pediatric complications include cerebral edema, venous thrombosis, acute kidney injury, and severe infections including necrotizing fasciitis and mucormycosis. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis carries a high mortality rate and requires early treatment with antifungals and surgical debridement. ⋯ A 16-year-old boy with no significant past medical history presented to the ED with new-onset DKA complicated by hypothermia, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, cerebral edema, and multifactorial shock. During a complicated pediatric intensive care unit admission, he was found to have fatal invasive rhinocerebral mucormycosis, causing internal carotid artery occlusion with evidence of both direct and hematogenous spread into his brain. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Early identification of shock and appropriate management with intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and reversal of the underlying process is key in hypotensive children. In pediatric DKA, the emergency physician must consider cerebral edema, appropriate fluid resuscitation, and identify the likely precipitants leading to the onset of DKA. Thorough workup for potential precipitants should be initiated in the ED, searching for etiologies including infection, intoxication, insulin deficiency, inflammation, and ischemia. We must remember that pediatric patients, especially those with new DKA, are susceptible to life-threatening infection, including mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a rare diagnosis, and management includes antifungal therapies and involvement of otorhinolaryngology.