“Comment on: Noninvasive detection of elevated intracranial pressure using a portable ultrasound system”: response to the authors Bertrand Prunet, Yves Asencio, Guillaume Lacroix
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2011.07.023
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 30 , Issue 1 ,
Published in issue: January 2012
x We thank Dr Llompart-Pou and colleagues [1] for showing interest in our work. We are pleased to have the opportunity to reply to this constructive comments. About the comparison of durations of PI measurement, the transcranial color coded sonography examination was indeed much longer than the transcranial Doppler. The reasons are many. First, performing transcranial color coded sonography need to image the cerebral arteries before to place the sample volume at the site of the best Doppler signal.
Contrast enhanced ultrasound vs chest X-ray to determine correct central venous catheter position Francesca Cortellaro, Luca Mellace, Stefano Paglia, Giorgio Costantino, Sara Sher, Daniele Coen
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2013.10.001
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 32 , Issue 1 ,
Published online: November 4 2013
x We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), compared with chest x-ray (CXR), in the detection of correct central venous line (CVL) placement. Our hypothesis was to verify whether CEUS could substitute CXR as a reference standard for correct placement of CVL or function as a triage test to limit the execution of CXR only for selected patients.
Pneumothorax is a rare complication of thoracic central venous catheterization in community EDs David R. Vinson, Dustin W. Ballard, Luke G. Hance, Matthew D. Stevenson, Victoria A. Clague, Adina S. Rauchwerger, Mary E. Reed, Dustin G. Mark, and others
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2014.10.020
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 1 ,
Published online: October 17 2014
x The rate of iatrogenic pneumothorax associated with thoracic central venous catheterization in community emergency departments (EDs) is poorly described, although such information is vital to inform the procedure’s risk/benefit analysis. We undertook this multicenter study to estimate the incidence of immediate catheter-related pneumothorax in community EDs and to determine associations with site of access, failed access, and positive pressure ventilation.
Evidence-based diagnosis and thrombolytic treatment of cardiac arrest or periarrest due to suspected pulmonary embolism Jill K. Logan, Hardin Pantle, Paul Huiras, Edward Bessman, Leah Bright
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2014.04.032
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 32 , Issue 7 ,
Published online: April 24 2014
x When a previously healthy adult experiences atraumatic cardiac arrest, providers must quickly identify the etiology and implement potentially lifesaving interventions such as advanced cardiac life support. A subset of these patients develop cardiac arrest or periarrest due to pulmonary embolism (PE). For these patients, an early, presumptive diagnosis of PE is critical in this patient population because administration of thrombolytic therapy may significantly improve outcomes. This article reviews thrombolysis as a potential treatment option for patients in cardiac arrest or periarrest due to presumed PE, identifies features associated with a high incidence of PE, evaluates thrombolytic agents, and systemically reviews trials evaluating thrombolytics in cardiac arrest or periarrest.
Subject Index
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0735-6757(11)00516-X
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 29 , Issue 9 ,
Published in issue: November 2011
The ability of renal ultrasound and ureteral jet evaluation to predict 30-day outcomes in patients with suspected nephrolithiasis J. Matthew Fields, Jonathan I. Fischer, Kenton L. Anderson, Alessandro Mangili, Nova L. Panebianco, Anthony J. Dean
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.07.014
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 10 ,
Published online: July 16 2015
x We sought to identify findings on bedside renal ultrasound that predicted need for hospitalization in patients with suspected nephrolithiasis.
The impact of goal-directed transvaginal ultrasonography on clinical decision-making for emergency physicians Neslihan Sayrac, Firat Bektas, Secgin Soyuncu, Vefa Sayrac
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.03.063
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 7 ,
Published online: April 6 2015
x The aim of study was to determine the impact of "goal-directed transvaginal ultrasonography" (TVUSG) on real-time clinical decision making of attending emergency physicians evaluating their level of certainty for preliminary diagnosis, admission, surgery, treatment, additional laboratory, and discharge in patients presenting with acute pelvic pain to the emergency department (ED). This prospective cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on sexually active female patients older than 18 years who presented with acute pelvic pain in the ED.
Alvarado score: is it time to develop a clinical-pathological-radiological scoring system for diagnosing acute appendicitis? Jyotindu Debnath, R. Ravikumar, C.G. Muralidharan, Giriraj Singh
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.03.010
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 6 ,
Published online: March 14 2015
x We read with interest the article titled “Alvarado score: can it reduce unnecessary computed tomographic (CT) scans for evaluation of acute appendicitis (AA)?” written by Apisarnthanarak et al and published online ahead of print in the Am J Emerg Med 2014 [1]. We find the article interesting on several accounts as detailed below.
Feasibility of sonographic localization of the inferior epigastric artery before ultrasound-guided paracentesis Justin C. Stone, James H. Moak
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.06.067
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 12 ,
Published online: July 6 2015
x Ultrasound-guided paracentesis is commonly performed in the emergency department (ED) setting. Injury to the inferior epigastric artery (IEA) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of paracentesis. Use of anatomic landmarks has been recommended to avoid this structure. If feasible, sonographic localization of the IEA before ultrasound-guided paracentesis may provide the operator with anatomic mapping of this vascular structure.
Scrotal swelling and normal lipase, a rare presentation of acute pancreatitis Wahib Zafar, Ben Chaucer, Fidencio Davalos, Jay Nfonoyim
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.08.046
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 34 , Issue 4 ,
Published online: August 29 2015
x Scrotal edema is a sign for emergent action in many patients. In a few rare cases, it may be the sole presenting sign for acute pancreatitis. Serum lipase is the criterion standard for diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis has rarely been documented in the setting of normal serum lipase. To date, both have never been documented in 1 patient. We present a case of scrotal edema secondary to acute pancreatitis with normal serum lipase. It is important to include the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in patients who present with scrotal edema even in the setting of normal serum lipase.
M-mode ultrasound for the detection of pneumothorax during helicopter transport Matthew Lyon, Stephen A. Shiver, Perry Walton
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2011.08.022
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 30 , Issue 8 ,
Published online: October 28 2011
x The presence of the sonographic sliding lung sign (SLS) is a sensitive indicator for the absence of a pneumothorax. The addition of M-mode ultrasound (US) can be a useful adjunct in detecting the SLS.
A novel biomarker panel to rule out acute appendicitis in pediatric patients with abdominal pain David S. Huckins, Harold K. Simon, Karen Copeland, David M. Spiro, Joseph Gogain, Michael Wandell
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2013.06.016
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 31 , Issue 9 ,
Published online: July 29 2013
x To identify a biomarker panel with sufficient sensitivity and negative predictive value to identify children with abdominal pain at low risk for acute appendicitis in order to avoid unnecessary imaging.
A manifestation of endometriosis that will take your breath away: a case report Gaurav Patel, Brendon Stankard, Robert Gekle, Steve Park, Adam Rucker
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2014.10.051
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 5 ,
Published online: November 8 2014
x Pneumothorax should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient presenting with sudden onset chest pain or dyspnea, and the diagnosis should be made promptly and accurately. Catamenial pneumothorax, although a rare entity, is a possibility that should be considered in menstruating females presenting with chest pain and/or dyspnea. This case serves to demonstrate the effectiveness of point-of-care ultrasonography in making the prompt diagnosis of a pneumothorax, which in this case was a catamenial pneumothorax.
The accuracy of ultrasound evaluation in foot and ankle trauma Salih Ekinci, Onur Polat, Müge Günalp, Arda Demirkan, Ayça Koca
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2013.06.008
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 31 , Issue 11 ,
Published online: August 30 2013
x Foot and ankle injuries that result in sprains or fractures are commonly encountered at the emergency department. The purpose of the present study is to find out the accuracy of ultrasound (US) scanning in injuries in the aforementioned areas.
Impact of device selection and clip duration on lung ultrasound assessment in patients with heart failure Elke Platz, Emanuele Pivetta, Allison A. Merz, Julie Peck, Jose Rivero, Susan Cheng
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.06.002
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 11 ,
Published online: June 6 2015
x Pulmonary edema is a common sign of heart failure and can be quantified by counting vertical artifacts (B-lines) on lung ultrasound (LUS). The primary aim of this study was to compare a pocket size ultrasound device to high-end ultrasound systems on the measured number of B-lines. We also compared the impact of different-length ultrasound clips on the measured number of B-lines.
Recurrent presyncope episodes in an elderly patient: pulmonary embolism Sertac Guler, Nazif Onur Olcay, Bahar Gulcay Cat Bakır, Yavuz Katırcı
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2015.03.064
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 11 ,
Published online: April 6 2015
x Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and life-threatining disease in which patient's complaints may vary from nonspecific symptoms to hemodynamically unstable process. Syncope may be defined as transient loss of consciousness resolved without treatment. It has been well documented that syncope may be the first and only symptom of acute PE especially in elderly patients. Although sharing the same pathophysiologic mechanisms with syncope, loss of consciousness cannot be expected to occur in presyncope.
Acute myocardial infarction with concomitant pulmonary embolism as a result of patent foramen ovale Mert İlker Hayıroğlu, Emrah Bozbeyoğlu, Şükrü Akyüz, Özlem Yıldırımtürk, Mehmet Bozbay, Nijad Bakhshaliyev, Emir Renda, Gülay Gök, and others
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2014.12.025
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 33 , Issue 7 ,
Published online: January 16 2015
x Acute myocardial infarction (MI) and pulmonary embolism can alone lead to life-threatening conditions such as sudden cardiac death and congestive heart failure. We discuss a case of a 74-year-old man presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea and chest pain. Acute anterior MI and pulmonary embolism concomitantly were diagnosed. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention performed because of preliminary acute anterior MI diagnosis. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to determine further complications caused by acute MI because patient had a continuous tachycardia and dyspnea although hemodynamically stable.
Ability of a new pocket echoscopic device to detect abdominal and pleural effusion in blunt trauma patients Cédric Carrié, François Delaunay, Nicolas Morel, Philippe Revel, Gérard Janvier, Matthieu Biais
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2012.11.008
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 31 , Issue 2 ,
Published in issue: February 2013
x In the early minutes of trauma care, emergency ultrasound can assist the frontline clinician with a goal-directed assessment that can immediately confirm or rule out certain life-threatening conditions and guide the initial resuscitative management in hemodynamically unstable patients [1-3]. To improve the accessibility of ultrasound in emergency and prehospital medicine, a new type of ultra-miniaturized ultrasound device based on 2-dimensional imaging has been recently developed (Fig.). Its true portability and ease of use make real the concept of ultrasonic stethoscope as an extension of the physical examination in various clinical settings [4].
Prehospital stroke diagnosis and treatment in ambulances and helicopters—a concept paper Thilo Hölscher, James V. Dunford, Felix Schlachetzki, Sandra Boy, Thomas Hemmen, Brett C. Meyer, John Serra, Jeff Powers, and others
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2012.12.030
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 31 , Issue 4 ,
Published online: February 14 2013
x Stroke is the second common cause of death and the primary cause of early invalidity worldwide. Different from other diseases is the time sensitivity related to stroke. In case of an ischemic event occluding a brain artery, 2
Pretest probability estimation in the evaluation of patients with possible deep vein thrombosis David R. Vinson, Jason P. Patel, Cedric S. Irving
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2010.01.002
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine , Vol. 29 , Issue 6 ,
Published online: April 5 2010
x An estimation of pretest probability is integral to the proper interpretation of a negative compression ultrasound in the diagnostic assessment of lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis. We sought to determine the rate, method, and predictors of pretest probability estimation in such patients.
