J Emerg Med
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Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Overall prevalence is reported to be 3.1%, with rates approaching 12.9-14.4% in high-risk female populations. Although there is a plethora of data on TV in the female population, the corresponding data for the male population are limited. ⋯ Rates of TV in male patients who receive STI testing in the ED are similar to rates published previously for female patients. We found higher rates among older and African-American male patients. TV among male patients is prevalent and testing should continue when evaluating for STIs.
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Bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab are recombinant neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that decrease viral load in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can decrease hospitalizations. Few data exist comparing these two therapies. ⋯ We found no statistically significant differences in rates of subsequent hospitalization or other outcomes for ED patients with COVID-19 when they received bamlanivimab as opposed to casirivimab/imdevimab. Adverse events were rare in both groups.
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Emergency physicians frequently evaluate patients with postoperative wound issues. The differential is broad, but obviously includes postoperative site infections. We present a case where a suspected postoperative abscess was evaluated with bedside ultrasound prior to incision and drainage. Suture material was recognized, shifting our approach to treatment of the lesion. ⋯ A 24-year-old female patient presented with pain, swelling, and drainage from a left lower quadrant abdominal wound that had been present since undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy 1 year prior. A computed tomography scan was performed, which was negative for foreign bodies. Prior to incision and drainage, a bedside ultrasound was performed to evaluate the lesion, which was notable for sonographic findings consistent with suture material. Suture granuloma was diagnosed, and ultrasound was then used to successfully guide retrieval of the suture. To our knowledge, this is the first published case where ultrasound was used to both diagnose and dynamically remove the offending suture material. We briefly discuss suture granulomas, their sonographic appearance, and management. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians frequently perform ultrasound on suspected abscesses prior to incision and drainage and should be aware of the sonographic appearance of suture material as it would change management if present. If a suture granuloma is suspected due to swelling at a postoperative site, ultrasound use should be strongly considered for evaluation.
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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.