Articles: emergency-department.
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ABSTRACTSpinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare clinical entity. It is less common when the entire epidural space is involved, known as a holocord or panspinal SEA, and it is even less common in a pregnant patient. We report a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus holocord SEA in a 30-year-old female at approximately 22 weeks' gestational age who presented with lumbar pain and pelvic pressure and the urge to bear down. ⋯ The medical and surgical management of SEA is also discussed. SEA can have an insidious and atypical presentation despite extensive involvement of the epidural space. Therefore, the diagnosis of SEA should always be considered in patients who present to the emergency department with back pain.
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ABSTRACTTraumatic dislocation of the elbow is rare in children and can most often be managed in the emergency department using procedural sedation and closed reduction with good functional outcome. Radiographs must be evaluated for associated avulsions and fractures around the elbow. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl who sustained a fracture of the radial neck subsequent to repeated attempts at closed reduction of a pure posterior elbow dislocation that was missed on postreduction radiographs. Careful use of reduction techniques and avoidance of repeated forceful manipulations is emphasized.
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Clinical questionIn patients presenting with transient ischemic attack in the emergency department, what is the accuracy of the ABCD2 score for predicting stroke?Article chosenPerry JJ, Sharma M, Sivilotti ML, et al. Prospective validation of the ABCD2 score for patients in the emergency department with TIA. CMAJ 2011;183:1137-45. ObjectiveThe study collaborators sought to externally validate the ABCD2 score as a tool for identifying patients seen in the emergency department with transient ischemic attack who are at high risk for stroke within 7 (primary outcome) and 90 (one of the secondary outcomes) days.
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ABSTRACTDipyridamole/technetium sestamibi scans (more commonly known as MIBI scans, an acronym for methoxyisobutyl isonitrile) are used commonly for the diagnosis and risk stratification of coronary artery disease. Adverse events from MIBI scans are extremely rare. We present the case of a 64-year-old man who was successfully resuscitated after two asystolic episodes following dipyridamole infusion for a MIBI scan. ⋯ To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of patients having two discrete asystolic episodes or an asystolic episode as delayed as we report after a MIBI scan. Our case illustrates why emergency physicians should be aware of the potential for asystole following MIBI scanning and why aminophylline, the antidote for dipyridamole, should be readily available in emergency departments that could see patients after pharmacologic stress testing. Patients who become asystolic following dipyridamole infusion likely require prolonged cardiac monitoring, given the potential for further episodes after periods of hemodynamic stability.
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ABSTRACTObjective:Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are a common, painful pediatric presentation to the emergency department (ED). The primary objective of this study was to describe current analgesic administration practices for the outpatient management of children's MSK pain, both in the ED and postdischarge. Methods:We reviewed the medical records of consecutive pediatric patients evaluated in either a pediatric or a general ED (Edmonton, Alberta) during four evenly distributed calendar months, with a diagnosis of fracture, dislocation, strain, or sprain of a limb. ⋯ Conclusions:Documentation of the assessment and management of children's pain in the ED is poor, and pain management appears to be suboptimal. When provided, ibuprofen is the most common analgesic used for children with MSK pain. Pediatric patients with MSK pain do not receive timely medication, and interventions must be developed to improve the "door to analgesia" time for children in pain.