J Emerg Med
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Case Reports
Thyroid Storm-induced Multi-organ Failure in the Setting of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease.
Thyroid storm is a potentially life-threatening complication of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), with varying clinical severity. It should be considered in patients with GTD, abnormal vital signs, and clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. ⋯ A 45-year-old non-English-speaking patient presented to a New York City hospital in November 2011 with an aborting molar pregnancy and severe hemorrhage. Initial presentation was concerning for GTD. Laboratory values were obtained that confirmed the diagnosis of GTD, which was also by thyroid storm and congestive heart failure. This was evidenced by laboratory values of free thyroxine of 4.9 and beta human chorionic gonadotropin of 1,488,021 IU/mL. Dilation and curettage with 16-mm suction catheter was performed until all products of conception were removed and bleeding was controlled. The patient was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit and proceeded to have multi-organ failure, and remained intubated and unresponsive to verbal/visual and tactile stimuli. On postoperative day 13 the patient suddenly became alert and self-extubated, began to communicate verbally, and resolution of her multi-organ failure became evident. The patient was discharged with Gynecologic Oncology follow-up. Why should an emergency care physician be aware of this? This case represents the dangers associated with poor prenatal care and late diagnosis of molar pregnancy. It also represents the need for immediate recognition of the condition and initiation of appropriate medical care. Although this patient's clinical outcome was good, the event could have been prevented had she received reliable medical care.
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The red, swollen, infected hand can be a diagnostically challenging presentation in the emergency department (ED). Hand infections are a relatively uncommon ED complaint, and diagnoses may range from simple cellulitis to deep space abscess, and even to suppurative flexor tenosynovitis. The accurate differentiation of these clinical entities is of paramount importance to healing and recovery of function. ⋯ In this case series, we review 4 patients with similar presenting complaints of a red, swollen hand, but with much different diagnoses and eventual treatment strategies. We describe how ultrasound was used to assist in making the diagnosis and initiating the most appropriate therapy. Finally, we review techniques for sonographic evaluation of the hand and provide imaging tips to improve visualization and accurate diagnosis. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? Bedside ultrasound may allow for a more rapid and accurate diagnosis of various hand infections when diagnosis by physical examination is unclear.
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Increasing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use in the emergency department (ED) over the last decade is well documented. ⋯ DS-RES implementation did not decrease overall CT/MRI rates, but it was associated with a shift in use toward high-risk patients and less patient rebound to the ED and hospital. Further research is required to identify mechanisms underlying imaging utilization shifts.
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Limited information exists about medical treatment for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). ⋯ From 2006 to 2009, there were approximately 28,000 ED visits per year with an e-code specific to IPV. Although a minority, 7% of these visits were made by males, which has not been reported previously. Future prospective research should confirm the unique demographic and geographic features of these visits to guide development of targeted screening and intervention strategies to mitigate IPV and further characterize male IPV visits.
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Comparative Study
A Comparison of Three Self-Report Pain Scales in Adults With Acute Pain.
Several pain rating methods are used to quantify pain. Although these instruments have been extensively studied, their inter-agreement, especially in emergency department (ED) settings, has yet to be determined. ⋯ The three pain scales were strongly correlated at all time periods. The findings suggest that NRS, CAS, and VAS can be interchangeably applied for acute pain measurement in adult patients.