The American journal of emergency medicine
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The retroperitoneal fascial planes can be affected by various clinical disorders. In most of the cases retroperitoneal involvement occurs secondary to spread of a distinct underlying etiology. Herein we report two cases of primary retroperitoneal fasciitis diagnosed with imaging findings. The diagnosis of retroperitoneal fasciitis should be made by exclusion since various and more frequently encountered disorders including acute pancreatitis, duodenitis, pyelonephritis, and appendicitis may present with similar imaging findings.
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Extremely high accuracy for predicting CT+ traumatic brain injury (TBI) using a quantitative EEG (QEEG) based multivariate classification algorithm was demonstrated in an independent validation trial, in Emergency Department (ED) patients, using an easy to use handheld device. This study compares the predictive power using that algorithm (which includes LOC and amnesia), to the predictive power of LOC alone or LOC plus traumatic amnesia. ⋯ Rapid triage of TBI relies on strong initial predictors. Addition of an electrophysiological based marker was shown to outperform report of LOC alone or LOC plus amnesia, in determining risk of an intracranial bleed. In addition, ease of use at point-of-care, non-invasive, and rapid result using such technology suggests significant value added to standard clinical prediction.
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Observational Study
Validity of ultrasound in diagnosis of tendon injuries in penetrating extremity trauma.
Tendon ruptures are common musculoskeletal injuries all around the world. Correct and timely diagnosis of tendon injuries is obviously important for improving the treatment and minimizing the community costs. Ultrasound is now being considered as one of useful modalities in this area. ⋯ Our results were similar to previous findings. Ultrasound can effectively differentiate injured from intact tendons in penetrating extremity trauma.
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To reduce the time required for suture closure for central venous catheterization, a new procedure was developed using a continuous suture technique. The present study was conducted to investigate the usefulness of this method. ⋯ We found that the new one-time method provided faster and more convenient central catheterization and catheter securement than the conventional methods.