Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an illness that frequently presents with nonspecific symptoms, that affects people of all ages and stages of life, and that is difficult to diagnose with available tests. The first article in this two-part series will cover the epidemiology of PE, the factors that increase a patients risk for the disease, and the pathophysiology and clinical features of PE. In addition, complicated issues regarding the diagnosis of PE and the controversies involved will be addressed.
Eye injuries present a significant challenge to emergency personnel. Patient stress and coexisting periorbital findings can complicate any evaluation, and many of the signs of serious injury may be quite subtle. Because the majority of eye injuries present between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. when ophthalmology consultation is not available immediately in most hospitals, a tremendous burden is placed on the emergency health care provider to identify and manage potential vision-threatening disorders. The following is a review of ocular trauma with a focus on clinical findings, their implications, and management.
The authors present a thorough review of the anatomy, critical features of the physical examination, and indications for further diagnostic testing in a patient who has sustained a traumatic knee injury.
