J Emerg Med
-
Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease (VWD) are the most common congenital coagulation factor deficiencies. Patients with these disorders who experience bleeding complications are often initially managed in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ Emergency medicine providers must have an understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies in order to optimally care for these complex patients.
-
Review Case Reports
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Patient Having Dextrocardia with Situs Inversus.
Dextrocardia with situs inversus is a rare genetic condition in which the heart and internal organs are positioned on the opposite side of the body. Diagnosing and treating acute myocardial infarction correctly in a patient with dextrocardia is a difficult task. ⋯ We present the case of an acute anterior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a patient with dextrocardia with situs inversus diagnosed after a lead reversal electrocardiogram (ECG). The patient then successfully underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and subsequent multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting. We discuss the original diagnosis and decision-making, clinical features, ECG characteristics, and disposition of the patient, as well as a review of the relevant literature. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians must identify and recognize the typical ECG of dextrocardia, especially when presenting with pathology, as its identification can lead to proper diagnosis and treatment.