Brit J Hosp Med
-
Radiological investigations are a powerful tool in the assessment of patients with intracranial vascular anomalies. 'Visual' assessment of neurovascular lesions is central to their diagnosis, monitoring, prognostication and management. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the two principal non-invasive imaging modalities used in clinical practice for the assessment of the cerebral vasculature, but these techniques continue to evolve, enabling clinicians to gain greater insights into neurovascular pathology and pathophysiology. This review outlines both established and novel imaging modalities used in modern neurovascular practice and their clinical applications.
-
Asthma places a significant burden on acute and non-acute services and is frequently encountered in the emergency department and the medical take. The UK has one of the highest asthma mortality rates in Europe. The National Review of Asthma Deaths has identified multiple factors that have contributed to preventable asthma deaths and solutions to these factors, including a better understanding and implementation of asthma guidelines. ⋯ It highlights key areas of the initial assessment, establishing severity and initiating and escalating treatment. Furthermore, the discharge process from discharge criteria to promoting patient safety, education and ongoing self-management is discussed. This process, in particular education and personalised asthma action plans, can make a significant difference to the patient's outcomes and day-to-day burden of symptoms.
-
Intraoperative hypotension is associated with adverse outcomes. Although a causal relationship is yet to be fully established, proactive management of vulnerable patients and use of bispectral index monitoring is recommended to avoid deep anaesthesia.