While compartment syndrome of the extremities is a much feared complication - what happens when you get compartment syndrome of the abdomen? Does this mean you really shouldn't trust your gut? In this article, Dr. Harty discusses through the evaluation and management of abdominal compartment syndrome in this week's issue of Annals of B-Pod.
Read MoreThe first article from the December 2016 issue of Annals of B Pod is of a patient that is a male in his late 30s with a past medical history significant for trisomy 21, stage III chronic kidney disease of unspecified etiology, and hypertension who presents to the Emergency Department with emesis and dark stools. The patient is unable to contribute significantly to his history, but his family relates that two days prior to presentation, the patient experienced two episodes of “coffee ground” emesis according to the patient’s home health nurse. Over the next day, the patient subsequently experienced several episodes of melenic stools. His family also notes that he has seemed feverish, more lethargic, and less active than his baseline.
Read More78 year old male with past medical history coronary artery disease status post stenting, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease presents with a chief complaint of double vision, feeling off balance. Patient states he awoke this morning with double vision. He states this sensation of double vision is worse when he looks side to side, and completely resolves when he closes one of his eyes. He does not wear glasses or contacts and denies any eye pain or trauma. Also, since this morning he has felt somewhat off balance, however denies any focal numbness or weakness of extremities. He noted an episode of slurred speech approximately 1 hour prior to arrival that has since resolved. No other difficulties with word finding or language. Otherwise patient denies headache, head trauma, neck pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath. He has not had symptoms like this in the past.
Read MoreDifficulty Swallowing
The patient is a 22 year old female with no significant past medical history who presents to the ED with a chief complaint of dysphagia. The patient first noticed difficulty swallowing solid foods 2 weeks ago. She states that she felt like food was getting caught in her throat. Initially she only had difficulty swallowing solid foods and was able to eat soft foods and liquids. However, she reports that over the course of two weeks her condition gradually worsened to the point where she could no longer tolerate fluids. She states that she has pain in the back of her throat when she attempts to swallow.
Read MoreSRU (pronounced "shrew") = Shock Resuscitation Unit
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
