The American journal of emergency medicine
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Letter Case Reports
Early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation using a E-health application.
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Pericardial tamponade is neither a clinical nor an echocardiographic diagnosis alone. The echocardiogram carries diagnostic value and should be performed when there is suspicion for tamponade based on the history and physical exam. A pericardial effusion uncovered on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may be mistaken for tamponade and thereby lead to inappropriate and invasive management with pericardiocentesis. ⋯ The emergency physician must recognize and understand the core echocardiographic findings and associated pathophysiology that suggest pericardial tamponade. Together with the history and clinical exam, these findings can help make the overall diagnosis and determine management.
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A ruptured cavernous carotid aneurysm (CCA) with carotid cavernous fistula can appear as a benign headache but progress to a swollen and bloodshot eye overnight. A 66-year-old woman visited emergency department with sudden onset of pain behind her left forehead and vomiting. She was treated for a migraine-like headache and discharged. ⋯ A ruptured CCA is an urgent condition that requires rapid assessment of both cranial vascular and ocular lesions. A history of sudden onset headache with a nonpainful acute unilateral red eye may serve as a clue to prompt additional diagnostic studies and ophthalmologist evaluation. Adequate radiological studies and early endovascular intervention can reduce the likelihood of permanent ocular injury and vision impairment.