J Emerg Med
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Dr. Patrick Lowe: Our case today is that of a 47-year-old woman who was referred to our emergency department (ED) due to bloody urine, dark tarry stools, red spots on her skin, and bruising throughout her body. Fourteen days prior to presentation, she began exhibiting intermittent fevers, headache, shortness of breath, and a dry cough, and she tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 pneumonia). ⋯ In addition, she had multiple dark stools described as tar-like when asked. On the day of her ED presentation, the patient noted a red rash throughout her body. In addition, earlier in the day, she had atraumatic self-limited epistaxis. She denied any falls or head strikes, vision changes, focal weakness or numbness, shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain, or peripheral swelling.
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Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires rapid intervention. In critically ill patients who are refractory to other therapies, balloon tamponade devices can be lifesaving. ⋯ It is essential for emergency physicians to be familiar with balloon tamponade for acute gastrointestinal bleeding. We review the common balloon tamponade devices, and this article is intended to serve as a resource for those interested in expanding their knowledge of balloon tamponade. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.
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Skin and soft tissue infections are common emergency department (ED) presentations. These infections cover a wide spectrum of disease, from simple cellulitis to necrotizing fasciitis. Despite the commonality, a subset of skin and soft tissue infections known as necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) can cause significant morbidity and mortality. ⋯ NSTIs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of the history, examination, evaluation, and management is vital for emergency clinicians.