Reduced Computed Tomography Use in the Emergency Department Evaluation of Headache Was Not Followed by Increased Death or Missed Diagnosis

Background & Aims: Diverticulitis is often diagnosed in outpatients, yet little evidence exists on diagnostic evidence and demographic/clinical features in various practice settings. We assessed variation in clinical characteristics and diagnostic evidence in inpatients, outpatients, and emergency department cases and effects of demographic and clinical variables on presentation features.Methods: In a retrospective cohort study of 1749 patients in an integrated health care system, we compared presenting features and computed tomography findings by practice setting and assessed independent effects of demographic and clinical factors on presenting features.Results: Inpatients were older and more often underweight/normal weight and lacked a diverticulitis past history and had more comorbidities than other patients. Outpatients were most often Hispanic/Latino. The classical triad (abdominal pain, fever, leukocytosis) occurred in 78 (38.6%) inpatients, 29 (5.2%) outpatients and 34 (10.7%) emergency department cases. Computed tomography was performed on 196 (94.4%) inpatients, 110 (9.2%) outpatients and 296 (87.6%) emergency department cases and was diagnostic in 153 (78.6%) inpatients, 62 (56.4%) outpatients and 243 (82.1%) emergency department cases. Multiple variables affected presenting features. Notably, female sex had lower odds for the presence of the triad features (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.65 [0.45-0.94], P<0.05) and increased odds of vomiting (1.78 [1.26-2.53], P<0.01). Patients in age group 56 to 65 and 66 or older had decreased odds of fever (0.67 [0.46-0.98], P<0.05) and 0.46 [0.26-0.81], P<0.01), respectively, while ≥1 co-morbidity increased the odds of observing the triad (1.88 [1.26-2.81], P<0.01).Conclusion: There was little objective evidence for physician-diagnosed diverticulitis in most outpatients. Demographic and clinical characteristics vary among settings and independently affect presenting features.Abbreviations: AD: acute colonic diverticulitis; BMI: body mass index; CT: computed tomography; ED: emergency department; IBS: irritable bowel syndrome; ICD-9-CM: International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification; IP: inpatient; KPSC: Kaiser Permanente Southern California; OP: outpatient.

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A141 SPONTANEOUS ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION: AN UNREPORTED COMPLICATION OF LYMPHOCYTIC ESOPHAGITIS

Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology ◽

10.1093/jcag/gwab002.139 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 128-129

Author(s):

A LAGROTTERIA ◽

A W Collins ◽

A Someili ◽

N Narula

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Case Report ◽

Proton Pump Inhibitor ◽

Proton Pump ◽

Esophageal Perforation ◽

Distal Esophagus ◽

Chest Discomfort ◽

History Of ◽

Lymphocytic Esophagitis

Abstract Background Lymphocytic esophagitis is a new and rare clinicopathological entity. It is a histological pattern characterized by lymphocytic infiltrate without granulocytes. Its etiology and clinical significance remains unclear. The clinical manifestations are typically mild, with reflux and dysphagia the most commonly reported symptoms. Aims We describe a case report of spontaneous esophageal perforation associated with lymphocytic esophagitis. Methods Case report Results A previously well 31-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute food impaction. His antecedent symptoms were acute chest discomfort and continuous odynophagia following his most recent meal, with persistent globus sensation. The patient had no reported history of allergies, atopy, rhinitis, or asthma. A previous history of non-progressive dysphagia was noted after resuscitation. Emergent endoscopy revealed no food bolus, but a deep 6 cm mucosal tear in the upper-mid esophagus extending 24 to 30 cm from the incisors. Chest computed tomography observed small volume pneumoperitoneum consistent with esophageal perforation. The patient’s recovery was uneventful; he was managed conservatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and a soft-textured diet. Endoscopy was repeated 48 hours later and revealed considerable healing with only a residual 3-4cm linear laceration. Histology of biopsies taken from the mid and distal esophagus demonstrated marked infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes. There were no eosinophils or neutrophils identified, consistent with a diagnosis of lymphocytic esophagitis. Autoimmune indices including anti-nuclear antibodies and immunoglobulins were normal, ruling out a contributory autoimmune or connective tissue process. The patient was maintained on a proton pump inhibitor (pantoprazole 40 mg once daily) following discharge. Nearly six months following his presentation, the patient had a recurrence of symptoms prompting representation to the emergency department. He described acute onset chest discomfort while eating turkey. Computed tomography of the chest redemonstrated circumferential intramural gas in the distal esophagus and proximal stomach. Conclusions Esophageal perforation is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of what had been considered and described as a relatively benign condition. From isolated dysphagia to transmural perforation, this case significantly expands our current understanding of the clinical spectrum of lymphocytic esophagitis. Funding Agencies None

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