The American journal of emergency medicine
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During the influenza season patients are labeled as having an influenza-like illness (ILI) which may be either a viral or bacterial infection. We hypothesize that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among patients with ILI diagnosed with a bacterial infection will be higher than patients diagnosed with an influenza or another viral infection. ⋯ C-reactive protein is both a sensitive and specific marker for bacterial infection in patients presenting with ILI during the influenza season.
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Case Reports
Intracranial hemorrhage with electrocardiographic abnormalities and troponin elevation.
Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and cardiac troponin I elevation are seen in addition to the classic clinical symptoms and signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We aimed to show that, in patients with ST elevation, troponin elevation, and altered consciousness, the reason may be SAH. A 36-year-old man presented to emergency service with ECG abnormalities, high level of cardiac troponin I, and neurologic symptoms. ⋯ The patient died on the 10th day of follow-up because of severe metabolic acidosis, multiorgan failure, and bradycardia. Cardiac evaluation is recommended in patients with intracranial hemorrhage in many studies. In our opinion, if there are neurologic symptoms or signs in patients diagnosed as acute myocardial infarction with ECG changes and troponin elevation, requesting threshold of brain computed tomography should be low before the thrombolytic therapy.
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Shock is a common reason for medical intensive care unit admission, with septic and cardiogenic accounting for most of the etiologies. However, the potential severity of adverse side effects of drugs indicates that any medication should be carefully scrutinized for potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions that may result. ⋯ However, extreme manifestations of vasodilatory shock may lead to circulatory failure and lactic acidosis. Because of large prevalence of alcoholism and disulfiram medication, emergency physicians and medical specialists should be aware of this life-threatening condition, with its misleading presentation.
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To evaluate the effects of hypothermia on cerebral edema and metabolism, a porcine model of cardiac arrest was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging during the first 72 hours after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging could effectively detect the dynamic trend of cerebral injury in a porcine model of cardiac arrest within the first 72 hours after ROSC. Hypothermia produced a protective effect on neurological function by reducing brain edema and formation of adverse metabolites.
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Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare vasculitic disorder characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and persistent eosinophilia. Although not a usual prominent initial presentation, cardiac involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CSS. We report a case of a 72-year-old white man who presented with chest pain and was subsequently diagnosed with CSS with biopsy-proven eosinophilic myopericarditis. We have also included a review of the literatures on cardiac involvement in CSS.