J Emerg Med
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Firearm injury poses a significant public health burden in the United States. ⋯ We found a significant volume of literature about the medical costs of firearm injury, which identified a highly heterogeneous cost burden. A significant amount of cost burden occurs after the index hospitalization, which is the only cost reported in most studies. Limitations of this study include reporting bias that favors hospitalized patients as well as a large focus on hospital charges as measurements of cost identified in the literature.
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Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings of T-wave inversions in V1-V3, with or without accompanying epsilon waves, often raise concerns for the rare, but potentially lethal, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). However, this pattern may be found in pericardial agenesis, an even rarer pathology. Concomitant myocarditis can confuse this presentation further. ⋯ We report a case of a previously healthy man who presented with left-sided chest pain, ECG findings suggestive of ARVC, and a final diagnosis of myocarditis with underlying partial pericardial agenesis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: A growing number of cases have reported pericardial agenesis demonstrating ECG changes similar to ARVC. We discuss an approach to a diagnostically challenging patient. This case emphasizes the importance of a broad differential and the danger of premature closure.
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A considerable number of patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) need endoscopic intervention. ⋯ Syncope, MAP, and BUN at admission were independent predictors for endoscopic therapy in patients with nonvariceal UGIB. Rather than using complicated scores, it would be more practical and easier to predict the need for endoscopic intervention with these three simple parameters, which are included in the Glasgow-Blatchford score.
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Airway management is a defining skill that demands mastery by emergency physicians. Airway emergencies pose considerable morbidity and mortality risks. Familiarity with, and mastery of, a variety of airway management approaches and equipment can prove invaluable for management of anatomically and physiologically difficult airways. ⋯ A 67-year-old woman presented to a level II trauma after a motor vehicle collision. Emergency medical services reported left-sided injuries, including diminished breath sounds. She arrived in extremis with dyspnea and hypoxia refractory to supplemental oxygen. A portable chest x-ray study showed a considerable traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Initial attempts at intubation via video laryngoscopy were unsuccessful. Difficulties were attributed to anatomic variation, possibly due to the traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, and hematemesis. The airway was repositioned after removal of a cervical collar and suction-assisted laryngoscopy airway decontamination was performed under video guidance. During airway decontamination, the tip of a DuCanto suction catheter (SSCOR) became located at the level of the vocal cords, prompting the decision to control the airway via utilization of the DuCanto suction catheter and a bougie. The suction tubing was disconnected, a bougie was inserted through the catheter, and the DuCanto was subsequently removed and replaced with a cuffed endotracheal tube. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Airway emergencies are imminent life threats. Familiarity with a variety of tools and techniques allows for definitive airway management via primary, back-up, and contingency plans to secure anatomically or physiologically difficult airway.
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Bleeding in the upper airways is an important cause of airway-related death. A higher incidence of airway management failure and complications after intubation attempts in the emergency department (ED) had been suggested. Airway management of patients with active oropharyngeal hemorrhage may be challenging, leading the clinician to modify the approach. ⋯ A 57-year-old woman presented to the ED with oropharyngeal hemorrhage after an extensive invasive dental procedure. She was on long-term warfarin therapy due to aortic and mitral valve replacement, which she suspended 5 days prior and restarted the day after the procedure. Besides the active bleeding, swelling, and hematoma of the face, the patient had other signs of "difficult airway," so there were serious questions on when and how to manage the airway. Several strategies to address the airway were considered, the main point being an early versus later intubation. As the patient remained clinically stable, she was conservatively managed with local hemostasis and coagulopathy reversal. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where she remained stable and was successfully discharged after restart on warfarin. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: When faced with an oropharyngeal hemorrhage, emergency physicians may be compelled to secure and protect the airway. This could be achieved by planning several strategies. Nevertheless, in selected patients, and considering the circumstances, not addressing the airway is a reasonable and justifiable alternative.