scholarly journals Seizure Mimicking Stroke: Role of CT Perfusion

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishnumurthy Shushrutha Hedna ◽  
Prerak P. Shukla ◽  
Michael F. Waters

Stroke mimics constitute 15--20% of all cases presenting to the emergency department, prominent among them being seizures, hypoglycemia, tumors, migraines, and posterior reversible leucoencephalopathy. They have also abnormal computerized tomography perfusion (CTP) findings. We report a case where CTP helped us to diagnose and treat a seizure when initial presentation was that of a stroke.

Author(s):  
MT Congedo ◽  
GM Ferretti ◽  
D Nachira ◽  
MA Pennisi

Background: In symptomatic patients, admitted in emergency department for acute chest pain and dyspnea, who require an urgent treatment, a rapid diagnosis and prompt management of massive pleural effusion or hemothorax can be lifesaving. The aim of this review was to summarize the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the management of the main types of pleural effusions that physicians can have in an emergency department setting. Methods: Current literature about the topic was reviewed and critically reported, adding the experience of the authors in the management of pleural effusions in emergency settings. Results: The paper analyzed the main types of pleural effusions that physicians can have to treat. It illustrated the diagnostic steps by the principal radiological instruments, with a particular emphasis to the role of ultrasonography, in facilitating diagnosis and guiding invasive procedures. Then, the principal procedures, like thoracentesis and insertion of small and large bore chest drains, are indicated and illustrated according to the characteristics and the amount of the effusion and patient clinical conditions. Conclusion: The emergency physician must have a systematic approach that allows rapid recognition, clinical cause identification and definitive management of potential urgent pleural effusions.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 514
Author(s):  
Tarek Hatoum ◽  
Robert S. Sheldon

Syncope accounts for up to 2% of emergency department visits and results in the hospitalization of 12–86% of patients. There is often a low diagnostic yield, with up to 50% of hospitalized patients being discharged with no clear diagnosis. We will outline a structured approach to the syncope patient in the emergency department, highlighting the evidence supporting the role of clinical judgement and the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) in making the preliminary diagnosis and in safely identifying the patients at low risk of short- and long-term adverse events or admitting the patient if likely to benefit from urgent intervention. Clinical decision tools and additional testing may aid in further stratifying patients and may guide disposition. While hospital admission does not seem to offer additional mortality benefit, the efficient utilization of outpatient testing may provide similar diagnostic yield, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations.


Medical Care ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 562-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E. Puumala ◽  
Katherine M. Burgess ◽  
Anupam B. Kharbanda ◽  
Heather G. Zook ◽  
Dorothy M. Castille ◽  
...  

CJEM ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
pp. 263-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Barnwell ◽  
Vincent Ball

ABSTRACT Iatrogenic bacterial meningitis (IBM) is a rare but serious complication of neuraxial procedures, such as spinal and epidural anesthesia or lumbar puncture. We report a case of a 46-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with bacterial meningitis after spinal anesthesia. We reviewthe existing literature outlining the pathogenesis, vector hypothesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention as they relate to IBM. We highlight the role of the emergency physician in the rapid diagnosis of this disease, and underscore the need for sterile technique when performing lumbar punctures.


2007 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-152.e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin H. Han ◽  
Christopher J. Lindsell ◽  
Alan B. Storrow ◽  
Samuel Luber ◽  
James W. Hoekstra ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Adarsh N. Patel ◽  
L. Connor Nickels ◽  
F. Eike Flach ◽  
Giuliano De Portu ◽  
Latha Ganti

Evaluation of patients that present to the emergency department with concerns for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can be difficult. Modalities including computerized tomography (CT) of the chest, pulmonary angiography, and ventilation perfusion scans can expose patients to large quantities of radiation especially if the study has to be repeated due to poor quality. This is particularly a concern in the pregnant population that has an increased incidence of pulmonary embolism and may not be able to undergo multiple radiographic studies due to fetal radiation exposure. This paper presents a case of a pregnant patient with signs and symptoms concerning pulmonary embolism. The paper discusses the use of bedside ultrasound in the evaluation of patients with pulmonary embolism.


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