The American journal of emergency medicine
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Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a challenging diagnosis to make in the emergency department. We present a case of TTP initially presenting with refractory hypoglycemia in a woman with thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease). To our knowledge, this is the first description of the association of hypoglycemia and thromboangiitis obliterans with TTP. We briefly review key aspects of the acute diagnosis and management of hypoglycemia and TTP pertinent to the emergency physician.
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Spontaneous epidural abscess formation is a rare finding in all populations and even more so in the pediatric population. Its rarity and varied presentations often lead to misdiagnosis. ⋯ Literature suggests utilizing three simple physical exam findings that may improve the first visit diagnosis of spontaneous epidural abscesses in children. Findings of any two of the following signs should guide the clinician to consider SEA as a possibility prior to discharge: fever, back or neck pain, extremity weakness or inability to walk.
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Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare clinical condition, which is commonly associated with mesenteric vascular ischemia, bowel obstruction, and chemotherapy. Although the pathophysiology of PI remains unclear, 2 theories, one mechanical and the other bacterial, have been proposed. Nonoperative medical treatment and observation should be considered in mild cases, but occasionally, the situation requires emergency surgical intervention. In cases of suspectful complicated PI, the clinician should not avoid performing diagnostic laparoscopy to rule out bowel ischemia and perforation.
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A 55-year-old man presented with the emergency department after having a short syncopal episode and angina during the exertion for 1 month. His initial electrocardiogram showed minimal ST-segment changes on precordial leads. While waiting for the laboratory tests, abruptly, the patient went into cardiopulmonary arrest. ⋯ Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator bolus (25 mg) was given 2 times at 5-minute intervals immediately into pulmonary artery by pig-tail catheter under the cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The patient had an excellent response to high-dose bolus thrombolytic therapy. We conclude that in the case of massive pulmonary embolism with small chance of resuscitation, the catheter-directed high-dose bolus injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator could enrich the therapeutical possibilities.
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Infliximab is a commonly used biologic agent in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. Although it is generally well tolerated in most patients, infliximab has been associated with some rare but serious adverse events. Aseptic meningitis is one such distinctly uncommon side effect. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the fifth case of infliximab-induced aseptic meningitis reported in literature. Because of atypical presentation, the diagnosis can be easily missed. It is vital to increase awareness of this potentially severe side effect among internists and community physicians.