The American journal of emergency medicine
-
According to the 2010 European Resuscitation Council guidelines on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), one can appreciate that the classic laryngeal mask airway (CLMA) is acceptable as an alternative airway device to endotracheal intubation for airway management in cardiac arrest victims. ⋯ SLMA could be a useful alternative to CLMA during CPR in the hands of healthcare professionals with minimal experience in airway management.
-
Case Reports
Infective rhomboencephalitis and inverted Takotsubo: neurogenic-stunned myocardium or myocarditis?
Here we originally describe the clinical scenario of a young immune-competent patient affected by acute rhomboencephalitis with severe parenchymal edema and acute hydrocephalus who developed sudden life-threatening cardiac derangement. Hemodynamic and perfusion parameters revealed cardiogenic shock, so intensive circulatory support with epinephrine infusion and intra-aortic balloon pump was needed to restore organ perfusion. Transesophageal echocardiographic examination showed severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction as low as 20%) with wall motion abnormalities resembling a pattern of Takotsubo-inverted cardiomyopathy. ⋯ Nevertheless, her conditions rapidly improved, and she had full cardiac recovery within few days. Acute cerebral damage, pattern of echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities, and clinical course may suggest neurogenic stunned as pathological mechanism responsible for cardiac dysfunction, but differential diagnosis with acute myocarditis is to be considered too. Acute cardiogenic shock during the course of rhomboencephalitis by L monocytogenes has not been yet reported; prompt clinical suspicion and intensive care are needed to manage this life-threatening condition.
-
Case Reports
Extensive retroperitoneal air, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous air secondary to stercoral perforation.
Stercoral perforation is an uncommon cause of large intestinal perforation that is typically the result of chronic constipation. Historically, this disease process has a devastatingly high mortality rate, and recent evidence questions the incidence of the disease, once thought to be scarce. ⋯ She had minimal abdominal complaints and no history of chronic constipation. The emergency provider should be aware that this disease entity exists and should be cognizant that retroperitoneal pathology may present with complaints referable to the chest or even neck with a paucity of abdominal findings.
-
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a very rare but potentially fatal condition, which often causes acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection associated with pseudoaneurysm has been rarely reported mostly managed with coronary artery bypass grafting. We report a female patient with SCAD and pseudoaneurysm who was treated by successful percutaneous coronary intervention.
-
Benign acute childhood myositis is a rare postviral myositis seen in school-aged children after a common upper respiratory infection (URI), most commonly caused by influenza [J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2004;37:95-98]. Predominantly seen in boys, this condition causes bilateral calf tenderness and pain with ambulation, often presenting as a refusal to bear weight. To avoid activation within the gastroc-soleus complex, the child will frequently compensate with a “Frankenstein gait,” described as a stiff-legged posture with shuffling gait [CMAJ 2009;181:711-713]. ⋯ He had no progression or complications, and his symptoms resolved spontaneously with minimal supportive treatment. Benign acute childhood myositis should be considered within the broad differential that surrounds a limping child or one who refuses to bear weight. Having insight into the condition with its characteristic gait abnormalities and associated URI history can often prevent extensive workups and be treated supportively in the outpatient setting.