The American journal of emergency medicine
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The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sex, cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts, and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Korea. ⋯ Females were less likely than males to receive resuscitation. Female sex was associated with a higher rate of survival at admission rate, whereas it was not associated with survival at discharge.
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Unilateral paralysis is rarely reported to be primary presentation of severe hypokalemia. We describe a 24-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of right-sided weakness. Neurologic examination revealed diminished muscle strength and tendon reflexes over the right limbs. ⋯ However, laboratory data showed hypokalemia (K+ 2.0 mmol/L) with metabolic acidosis (HCO3 − 19 mmol/L). She needed a total of 260 mmol K+ to achieve complete recovery of muscle strength at a serum K+ level of 3.2 mmol/L and was proved to have distal renal tubular acidosis. Severe hypokalemia must be kept in mind as a cause of acute unilateral paralysis without organic lesions to avoid unnecessary examination and potentially life-threatening complications.
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Gastric rupture is a rare complication after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In most cases, incorrect management of airways during CPR is the main cause. ⋯ He eventually presented with bloody vomitus and a tympanic abdomen. When faced with a patient with abdominal signs post-CPR, surgical complications of CPR should be considered.
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Neck pain is a common cause for presentation to an emergency department. Most causes are benign and often secondary to arthritis or injuries. ⋯ Consequences may be severe and include joint destruction and infection progression. Symptoms may be indolent, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to make this diagnosis.
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We describe our preliminary experience with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in emergency department (ED) patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain. ⋯ Many ED patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain have a normal or nonobstructive CCTA and may be safely discharged from the ED without any associated mortality within the following 6 months.