Latest Articles
Flipping Tickborne Illnesses with Infographics
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J83H12After participation in this module, learners will be able to 1) list the causative agents for Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Tick Paralysis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Powassan Virus, 2) identify different clinical features to distinguish the different presentations of tickborne illnesses, and 3) provide the appropriate treatments for each illness.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8ZS9MBy the end of this simulation session, learners will be able to: 1) initiate a workup of a pregnant patient who presents with syncope, 2) accurately diagnose peripartum cardiomyopathy, 3) demonstrate care of a gravid patient in respiratory distress due to peripartum cardiomyopathy, 4) appropriately manage cardiogenic shock due to peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Acute Exacerbation of COPD
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8V070By the end of this simulation, learners will be able to (1) assess for causes of severe shortness of breath, (2) manage severe COPD exacerbation by administering appropriate medications, (3) identify worsening clinical status and initiate NIPPV, (4) assess the causes of hypoxia after establishing endotracheal intubation and, (5) identify indication for needle decompression and perform chest tube thoracostomy.
Botulism due to Drug Use
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8Q93BABSTRACT: Audience: This scenario was developed to educate emergency medicine residents on the diagnosis and management of wound botulism secondary to injection drug use. Introduction: Botulism is a relatively rare cause of respiratory failure and descending weakness in the United States, caused by prevention of presynaptic acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This presentation has several mimics, including myasthenia gravis
A Case Report of Subtle EKG Abnormalities in Acute Coronary Syndromes Indicative of Type One Myocardial Infarction
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8W06XThe ECG does show multiple subtle abnormalities that in conjunction with his symptoms and risk factors are concerning for ischemia and/or occlusion of the coronary artery vessel. 1) ST depression in aVL. Although slight, the ST segment is below the TP segment or isoelectric point (blue circles). 2) Focal hyper QT waves. The T-waves in II, III, AVF V2, V3, and V4 are hyper acute, namely peaked and tall in relationship to the QRS. These are best displayed in leads II, III, and AVF where the T-waves are taller than the QRS amplitude (vertical blue lines). 3) Straightening off the ST segment. Multiple leads display a straight ST segment namely aVL, III, AVF, and V2 (red lines). Of note, the length of the straight ST segment is greater than 1/4 the amplitude of the QRS (purple lines). 4) Although subtle, these abnormalities are focal in nature.
Case Report of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus with Concurrent Parotitis
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8R93NThe presence of soft tissue stranding about the parotid gland suggested an underlying inflammatory or infectious process of the parotid gland. Cellulitis was considered as a possible diagnosis as well, given the presence of soft tissue stranding in the dermis that is adjacent to the parotid gland. Fortunately, no enhancement was seen in local muscles, fascia, or bones to suggest a myositis, fasciitis, or osteomyelitis. By using the anatomy of the patient and understanding the changes that occur on CT when inflammation is present, the appropriate depth and location of infection can be made, allowing for appropriate treatment regimens.