Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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An obese body habitus may interfere with diagnosis of potentially life-threatening conditions. This report describes an obese woman who presented with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and diffuse infiltrates. ⋯ Urine pregnancy tests are part of the standard work-up for abdominal pain in women of childbearing age, but are not viewed as part of the work-up for respiratory distress or diffuse radiographic infiltrates. This case illustrates the value of obtaining a pregnancy test in all women, particularly those with obese body habitus, who present with respiratory failure of unclear aetiology.
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We describe a case of a young child who lived in Hong Kong who presented with a severe epilepticus status after a return flight to Paris. Routine laboratory tests failed to establish a cause. ⋯ Although the highly toxic effects of camphor have long been established, the present case illustrates that camphor continues to be a source of paediatric exposure. This case highlights the importance of systematic questioning and recalls the extreme danger associated with camphor even when administered transcutaneously.
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Rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm remains an uncommon cause of hypovolaemic shock in the emergency department. This case report highlights that rapid resuscitation, diagnostic imaging, surgical consultation, and subsequent laparotomy remain the priorities in patient management.