J Emerg Med
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This study evaluated the predictive value of different laboratory indicators for the severity of acute cholangitis (AC) according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines. ⋯ PCT can be used as a reliable predictor of severe AC. CRP was most predictive of moderate AC, whereas PLR was most predictive of blood culture positivity.
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Status epilepticus is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and is divided into convulsive status epilepticus and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). ⋯ An understanding of the presentation and management of NCSE can assist emergency clinicians in the care of these patients.
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Each year, roughly 20% of U.S. adults visit an emergency department (ED), but little is known about patients' choice of ED. ⋯ Fewer than half of patients visited the closest ED. Patients who chose a farther ED tended to seek higher-rated hospitals and report more favorable experiences.
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Case Reports
An Unusual Cause of Fever, Neck Pain, and Neck Stiffness: Acute Calcific Tendinitis of the Longus Colli Muscle.
Acute calcific tendinitis (ACT) of the longus colli muscle (LCM) is an inflammatory response due to deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals. It is typically correlated with whiplash and overuse injuries. A common presentation of this inflammatory response is acute but progressive neck pain. It is a rare but important cause of neck pain that should be considered on a differential diagnosis when distinguishing between life-threatening conditions and non-life-threatening causes of neck pain. ⋯ A 51-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) reporting a mild sore throat that progressed to acute neck pain and stiffness. She also reported fatigue, fever, myalgias, and nausea. In the ED, the patient was tachycardic, hypertensive, and mildly febrile with normal oxygen saturation. Examination revealed meningismus and was negative for lymphadenopathy, oropharyngeal findings, and neurologic deficits. Laboratory studies were significant for leukocytosis. Computed tomography (CT) neck was obtained and was notable for calcification of the superior left longus colli muscle with prevertebral and retropharyngeal space edema along the muscle body. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: ACT of the LCM is a benign, self-limited condition that can present with features overlapping emergent causes of acute neck pain. Correct diagnosis relies on characteristic radiographic findings on CT. Fortunately, patients may be discharged home with a short course of anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids with near-complete resolution of symptoms. Emergency physicians, therefore, can rule out life-threatening causes of neck pain, while also making a definitive diagnosis and initiating effective management for this pathology.
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Currently, the Wallace Rule of Nines is the most widely used method to measure total body surface area (TBSA) in burned patients due to its practicality and speed in its application; however, it often provides inaccurate estimations in obese patients, affecting the fluid resuscitation process. ⋯ We found important differences in TBSA determination using the 3D Skanect-MeshmixerⓇ software compared with the Wallace Rule of Nines. Therefore, we generated a modified and optimized Wallace Rule of Nines estimations based on BMI. Future studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this optimized table.