The American journal of emergency medicine
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To evaluate occurrence of cerebellar stroke in Emergency Department (ED) presentations of isolated dizziness (dizziness with a normal exam and negative neurological review of systems). ⋯ Though there was preselection bias for stroke risk factors, our study suggests an important proportion of cerebellar stroke among ED patients with isolated dizziness, considering how common this complaint is.
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The incidence of heart failure (HF) has reached epidemic levels in western populations, and the majority of these patients are admitted to hospitals through the emergency department (ED). We aimed to aid clinicians assessing natriuretic peptide (NP) levels in cases with suspected HF. In this study, we investigated the effect of anemia on amino-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) and on B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. ⋯ The data suggest that clinicians examining patients admitted to the ED with suspected HF should consider that anemia could lead to increases in NT-proBNP and BNP levels.
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ONSD (optic nerve sheath diameter) is a method used for indirect measurement of the increased intracranial pressure. In previous studies, the relation between the increased intracranial pressure and ONSD was analyzed in the patients suffering from cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). In our study, the patients suffering from ischemic CVD were categorized into 4 subgroups according to Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification (OCSP); the relationship between each group and ONSD, and the influence on each eye were analyzed. ⋯ In the early cases of CVD, mortality and morbidity can be decreased through the early diagnosis of the possible existence of ICP increase according to ONSD level.
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Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) may lead to coronary artery occlusion and malfunction. However, TAAD manifesting as acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been studied. In the present study, we reported 8 TAAD cases with STEMI as the primary presentation, and analyzed their clinical characteristics and outcome. ⋯ TAAD presenting as STEMI was a rare condition that predominantly involved RCA. A quick and correct clinical diagnosis of STEMI caused by TAAD prior to invasive procedure would be important. Urgent CAG without awareness of TAAD could provide important information for a timely diagnosis. High level of suspicion and awareness is the key to establishing the diagnosis and achieving optimal clinical outcome.