Tag: ultrasound
Selected Imaging Modalities
eFAST
May 2, 2018
by Ashley Bean, Brian Hohertz and Gregory R. Snead Introduction The objective of the extended focused assessment for sonography in trauma (eFAST) is to detect
PoCUS – RUSH Protocol
May 2, 2018
by Rasha Buhumaid Why use POCUS in undifferentiated hypotension? Hypotension is a high-risk sign which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rate. The differential
BLUE protocol
August 10, 2018
by Toh Hong Chuen Case Presentation A 68-year-old man with a history of congestive cardiac failure (CCF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented with breathlessness
How to Read C-Spine X-Ray
August 11, 2018
by Dejvid Ahmetović and Gregor Prosen Introduction C-spine x-ray interpretation is one of the fundamental skills of emergency physicians. Although current guidelines lead us to
How to read chest x-rays
August 11, 2018
by Ozlem Koksal Introduction Chest X-ray interpretation is one of the fundamental skills of every doctor. Emergency physicians are particularly exposed to various chest x-rays
How to read head CT
August 15, 2018
by Reza Akhavan and Bita Abbasi For a standard approach to read head/brain computed tomography (CT) scan, one should adhere to systematic algorithms. The predefined
How to read pelvic x-rays
August 16, 2018
by Sara Nikolić and Gregor Prosen Introduction Pelvic fractures carry life‐threatening injury potential which should be identified or suspect during the primary assessment of patients with
A 22-year-old male
Acute Appendicitis
by Ozlem Dikme, Turkey
A previously healthy 22-year-old male was brought to the emergency department (ED) with recently-started abdominal pain. He had not eaten anything since that morning due to loss of appetite. He was nauseated and vomited three times. His abdominal pain started around the umbilicus and epigastric area. His pain increased as it moved towards his right lower quadrant (RLQ). The maximum pain was felt on the right iliac fossa. He had not taken any medication. His social history revealed that he was non-drinker, non-smoker and did not use any illicit drugs. His diet mostly consisted of carbohydrates. The past and family histories were unremarkable. His blood pressure was 120/70 mmHg, pulse rate was 100/min, the temperature was 37.8°C (100°F), and respiration rate was 22/min.
Physical examination showed normal bowel sounds, tenderness and voluntary guarding, particularly over the right iliac fossa. The costa-vertebral angles were not tender. Oral intake was stopped, intravenous (IV) catheter was inserted, blood and urine tests were planned, and fluid therapy was started. The urinalysis was normal. White blood cell (WBC) count was 14,500 with 89% polymorphous and 11% lymphocytes. The ultrasonography (USG) showed a non-compressible tubular structure of 9 mm in diameter at RLQ. He admitted to the surgical ward with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.