Soft Tissue Neck Radiographs - Are They Useful?

Soft Tissue Neck Radiographs - Are They Useful?

In March 2015, Dr. Renne did a Grand Rounds lecture on soft tissue neck radiographs, which offers a great review of normal anatomy and systematic approach to reading films (“CHESS”). Yet, in my small, informal (not scientific at all) poll of some of our residents, none had ever ordered a soft tissue neck film. Are soft tissue neck radiographs useful? You be the judge. 

Read More

Grand Rounds Recap - 3/18/15

Grand Rounds Recap - 3/18/15

Evidence-Based Emergency Medicine: Vent Management with Drs. Axelson & Scupp

The term Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is being phased out and instead Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is now graded mild, moderate, and severe depending on the PaO2:FiO2 ratio

The median onset of ARDS after presentation to the ED was 2 day but could be anywhere from 5 hours to 5 days

ARDS Net was a foundational trial in ventilator management and was a triall of tidal volume and plateau pressures.  The primary end point, mortality, was reduced by >20% when folks were on a low TV (6cc/kg) and lower PP (25-30 mm Hg).

Read More

Soft Tissue Neck Radiographs

Soft Tissue Neck Radiographs

The soft-tissue neck radiograph can be an extremely useful tool in a variety of clinical situations. These include: epiglottitis, croup, retropharyngeal abscesses, and localization of airway foreign bodies. 

However, like any diagnostic tool, the soft tissue neck x-ray’s usefulness depends on knowledge of the relevant anatomy — particularly the normal size and appearance of various airway structures — as well as a systematic approach to each radiograph. We will discuss both the anatomy and radiographic approach in this blog post.

Read More