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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.
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Trauma to the thoracic cavity is responsible for approximately 10-25%
of all trauma-related deaths, with the majority of these deaths
occurring after arrival at the emergency department. The mortality for
isolated chest injury is relatively low (less than 5%); however, with
multiple organ system involvement, the mortality approaches 30%. This
article dissects the critical aspects of thoracic trauma and highlights
acute care management strategies.
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From October 2003 to Jan. 9, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received reports of 93 influenza-associated deaths among children younger than 18 years. The demands the annual flu season places on emergency department and urgent care facilities and the voracity of the current years epidemic have overwhelmed many physicians.
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Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, surpassed only by heart diseases and malignant neoplasms. Part 1 of this series will cover the differential diagnosis of stroke, stroke mimics, and risk factors and prevention. Part II will cover the physical examination, laboratory investigations, imaging, and treatment of stroke.
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This article will review the current literature about blast injuries. Explosions have the potential to cause multi-system injuries involving multiple patients simultaneously. The potential mechanisms of injury, early signs of these injuries, and the natural course of the problems caused by explosive blasts will be discussed.
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Part II of this two-part series focuses on facial nerve palsies and oropharyngeal infections. The authors present a systematic approach to differential diagnosis and identification of etiologic agents responsible for such conditions as peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, and pharyngeal infections. Radiographic and bacteriologic findings are emphasized, and appropriate antibiotic therapy is presented. The authors have provided treatment tables that direct emergency practitioners toward outcome-effective therapy.
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Parts I and II of this series discussed general facial wound repair, forehead and scalp trauma, eye trauma, nasal trauma, and midface fractures. This third and final part of the series covers mandible, mouth, ear, and pediatric trauma.
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This issue reviews the current status of SARS, influenza, and community-acquired pneumonia, providing essential information for emergency physicians and recommendations at a time when the therapeutic landscape for management of patients constantly is evolving.
