Ovarian Emergencies: Can't Miss Diagnoses

/
Ovarian Emergencies: Can't Miss Diagnoses

Ovarian emergencies are uncommon in the ED, but when they occur the consequences can be serious. Conditions like cyst rupture, torsion, and tubo‑ovarian abscess demand rapid recognition and timely management to prevent morbidity and preserve fertility. Because presentations are often variable, clinicians must keep a high index of suspicion when evaluating acute pelvic pain. Join Dr. Bannister as he discusses these critical ovarian emergencies and their management. Ectopic pregnancy will be explored in a dedicated post to highlight its unique urgency.

Read More

Blunt Thoracic Trauma in the Emergency Department

/
Blunt Thoracic Trauma in the Emergency Department

Blunt thoracic trauma represents a large portion of trauma related injuries in the emergency department. Join Dr Ware as she discusses a practical approach to initial assessment using the ABCs, highlights the role of imaging (X-ray vs CT), and reviews management of common thoracic injuries.

Read More

Esophageal Trauma in the Emergency Department

/
Esophageal Trauma in the Emergency Department

While esophageal injuries are relatively rare, they can be devastating if missed. Join Dr Fitz as she discusses various pathologies involving esophageal trauma, including the larger tears of Boerhaave syndrome to the mucosal lacerations of Mallory-Weiss. In the emergency department, prompt diagnosis and management can mean the difference between a full recovery and rapid decompensation, so knowledge on this low occurrence high acuity disease process is key.

Read More

Intern Diagnostics: Approach to the Limping Child

/
Intern Diagnostics: Approach to the Limping Child

When a child walks into the ED with an abnormal gait, the challenge begins—not just in identifying the cause, but in knowing which limps signal something more serious. Join Dr Huang as she walks us through a structured approach to the limping child, highlighting key history and exam findings, critical diagnoses you can’t afford to miss, and the importance of considering non-accidental trauma in your workup.

Read More

Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Caustic Ingestions in the Emergency Department

/
Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Caustic Ingestions in the Emergency Department

Join Dr Amin as she describes the challenges, treatment, and sometimes life-saving interventions for patients presenting with caustic ingestions in the emergency department. From rapid assessment to tailored treatment strategies, she breaks down the essentials every clinician must know.

Read More

Intern Core Content: Disorders of the Adrenal Glands

/
Intern Core Content: Disorders of the Adrenal Glands

Join Dr Haupt as she discusses the adrenal glands, their role in hormone production and other functions throughout the body, and common problems that can occur when the adrenal glands are not working properly. Although most of these issues are non emergent problems, occasionally they will be seen in some sort of acute adrenal crisis in the emergency department and ER physicians should be well versed in their often subtle presentations!

Read More

Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Tumor Lysis Syndrome

/
Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is rare disease presentation in the emergency department that is very important to learn to diagnose and treat due to the high associated mortality, often quoted at 20% or more. This post discussed the pathophysiology of the disease process, as well as how to appropriate identify and treat TLS in a timely manner to prevent complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias and acute renal failure.

Read More

But Can You Just PO?

/
But Can You Just PO?

Fluid management in the Emergency Department (ED) is crucial in the adequate resuscitation of the acutely ill and decompensating patient. Patients present to the ED with hypovolemia secondary to a plethora of causes—some requiring IV fluid resuscitation and others requiring none. Considering the nationwide IV fluid shortage, judicious use of fluids is imperative. Thus, this begs the question, who really needs IV fluids, and can the patient simply hydrate orally? This article serves to briefly discuss IV fluids administration in the ED and the instances where they are not indicated. 

Read More

Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Pneumomediastinum

/
Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Pneumomediastinum

Pneumomediastinum is defined as the infiltration of air into the mediastinum and its structures. This disease process can be benign, but also requires careful evaluation and management, and in severe cases may require surgical intervention. This post helps the emergency physician learn to both identify and treat this rare but important clinical entity.

Read More