Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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There is a lack of consensus regarding the role of investigations among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with recurrent seizures. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the frequency and utility of commonly requested investigations for nontrauma patients presenting to the ED with recurrent seizures. ⋯ In this population, CT brain scans appeared to be performed uncommonly but with moderate rates of abnormal findings. In the absence of prolonged alteration of consciousness, a history of brain tumor, or positive neurologic findings, however, neuroimaging was of low yield. Given the heterogeneity and potential limitations of these studies, further research on this topic is required.
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Recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED) might represent an opportunity for screening of depression and/or anxiety. ⋯ We were unable to identify any evidence that confirms that depression or anxiety screening in ED patients with recurrent and undifferentiated abdominal pain improves outcomes or changes management downstream.
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Recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED) might represent an opportunity for screening of depression and/or anxiety. ⋯ We were unable to identify any evidence that confirms that depression or anxiety screening in ED patients with recurrent and undifferentiated abdominal pain improves outcomes or changes management downstream.
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Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a life-threatening condition, and rapid diagnosis is necessary to facilitate early surgical intervention. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of presenting symptoms, physical examination signs, computed tomography with angiography (CTA), and point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) for diagnosis of rAAA. ⋯ Classic clinical symptoms associated with rAAA have poor sensitivity, and their absence does not rule out the condition. CTA has reasonable accuracy, but misses some cases of rAAA. PoCUS is a valuable tool that can help guide the need for urgent transfer to a vascular center in patients suspected of having rAAA.