Brit J Hosp Med
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A penile fracture is a traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa in an erect penis, usually as a result of blunt trauma during sexual activity. The aetiology varies with geographical region, with the USA and Europe having a higher incidence of sexual trauma and the Middle East having a higher rate of self-manipulation. Diagnosis is usually clinical, but numerous imaging modalities have been used to confirm the fracture site and to help plan appropriate surgical management. ⋯ Immediate surgical management is the mainstay of treatment, with many surgeons favouring a degloving approach. Penile fractures also carry a risk of urethral tears and urethral repair may be necessary. This article describes the aetiology, presentation and management of penile fractures to enable identification and treatment in daily clinical practice.
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Listeriosis is an infective complication that primarily affects pregnant women, patients at extremes of age or those with weakened immune systems. Ingestion of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes is the most common source of infection, causing self-limiting illness in immunocompetent hosts but associated with invasive infection and high mortality in high-risk patient groups. Milder illness presents as gastroenteritis with fever, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting common in the 7 days post exposure. ⋯ Fetal loss is a major complication of listeriosis during pregnancy. Penicillin-based therapy (high dose penicillin or amoxicillin) in combination with gentamicin is advised for invasive infection; co-trimoxazole may be considered for patients intolerant to penicillin. Vulnerable individuals, notably pregnant women, should be counseled on appropriate preventative strategies including avoiding foods commonly contaminated with L. monocytogenes, such as soft ripened cheeses, pate, cooked chilled meats, unpasteurised milk, and ready to eat poultry unless thoroughly cooked.
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Retinal detachments are a potentially sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency that may result in significant, irreversible vision loss. The risk of developing retinal detachment increases with advancing age, myopia and trauma. ⋯ The overarching goal of treatment is to identify and seal all retinal holes, relieve vitreoretinal traction and prevent further recurrence. Prompt prophylactic retinopexy of retinal holes and tears is crucial in preventing retinal detachment, the main treatments of which are pars plana vitrectomy, tamponading agents and silicone scleral buckle.
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Falls are one of the most common reasons for patients to present to the emergency department. Syncope is a common cause of falls, which disproportionately affects older people. ⋯ The tilt table test is considered positive if the patient experiences symptoms associated with a drop in blood pressure or postural tachycardia. The test can support a diagnosis and can direct therapeutic interventions.
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This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Rudolf Ludwig Virchow, a pathologist and polymath who, among other things, coined the terms leukaemia, embolism and thrombosis.