J Emerg Med
-
Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane (TPTM) is often encountered in primary care or in the emergency department (ED). Several therapeutic interventions have been described, but conservative follow-up until spontaneous complete recovery is the most common choice. ⋯ TPTM was more common in young males with main mechanisms of blunt trauma (an assault) or cleaning the ear canal. All children demonstrated complete spontaneous recovery.
-
Mumps is a Paramyxoviridae virus. This disease was rampant prior to introduction of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, resulting in decreased incidence. This disease has demonstrated several outbreaks. ⋯ Mumps is an easily spread virus. Although vaccination is the most effective way to prevent transmission, early recognition of the disease is crucial. As an emergency physician, it is important to recognize the clinical presentation, recommended testing, treatment, and isolation procedures.
-
Atrioventricular-nodal-reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is a form of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) that is relatively common in the emergency department (ED). It is rarely indicative of underlying electrical or structural pathology. ⋯ Several studies demonstrate that nondihydropyridine calcium channels (verapamil and diltiazem) are equally as efficacious as adenosine in converting AVNRT to sinus rhythm, without the negative (albeit short-lived) side effects. If given over 20 min, the risk for hypotension is low.
-
Review
Ultrasound for the Diagnosis and Management of Suspected Urolithiasis in the Emergency Department.
This review provides practicing emergency physicians updated information regarding point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging of patients with suspected urolithiasis. ⋯ POCUS has moderate accuracy in making the diagnosis of urolithiasis. Nevertheless, it may be safely used as a first line of imaging in ED patients with suspected symptomatic urolithiaisis.
-
Case Reports
Methemoglobinemia in a Case of Paint Thinner Intoxication, Treated Successfully with Vitamin C.
Methemoglobin (MetHb) is an oxidized form of hemoglobin. It is a poor transporter of oxygen and is unable to deliver oxygen to the tissue. Globally, drug & toxin induced methemoglobinemia is more common as compared with the congenital form. Methemoglobinemia caused by paint thinner intoxication is rare. Methylene blue is well established as the first-line therapy for severe methemoglobinemia. ⋯ A 25-year old man was brought to the Emergency Department after accidental consumption of paint thinner. On clinical examination, he had cyanosis and there were discrepancies in his pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis results. With this clue and supporting laboratory investigations, the diagnosis of toxin-induced methemoglobinemia was made. Due to the unavailability of methylene blue, alternative treatment with high-dose vitamin C was attempted, to which the patient responded. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The role of vitamin C in the treatment of methemoglobinemia has not been well established, with only a few published case reports. This patient had severe methemoglobinemia, with MetHb of 46.4%, which responded dramatically to vitamin C therapy, with no side effects. This case shows that high-dose vitamin C is safe and has the potential to be an effective alternative for the treatment of severe methemoglobinemia. In the presence of cyanosis, mismatch of pulse-oximetry and ABG-analysis are the key for the physician to suspect methemoglobinemia.