Journal of accident & emergency medicine
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Case Reports
Malignant hypertension presenting as blurred vision in a 43 year old intravenous drug abuser.
A 43 year old intravenous drug abuser presented to the accident and emergency department with a three week history of bilateral visual loss and frontal headaches. Fundoscopy revealed bilateral retinal cotton wool spots and haemorrhages and an ophthalmic opinion was requested. ⋯ A diagnosis of malignant hypertension was made and blood pressure was gradually controlled on oral antihypertensives. This case illustrates the importance of checking the blood pressure of all patients presenting with visual loss.
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To determine the value of advanced trauma life support (ATLS) training for medical staff in a major incident situation, based upon performance in a simulated exercise. ⋯ Medical staff who have either undertaken the full ATLS course or an abbreviated form of the course were more effective in their management of the simulated trauma cases.