Tamingthesru
Falling Out - Syncope Evaluation in the Emergency Department
Syncope is a common presenting complaint to the emergency department. Estimates suggest that 1- 3 percent of ED visits are for syncope.(1) While the large majority of these episodes are often benign, they can suggest underlying life-threatening etiologies such as arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. The disposition of these patients can represent a difficult quandary at times. In fact, emergency physicians are only able to establish a clear underlying diagnosis in approximately 50% of syncope patients after obtaining an HPI, physical exam and ECG. (2)
Should these patients be observed in the ED? And, if so, for how long? Should they be admitted to the hospital for further workup and observation? Should they instead be discharged home with close follow-up?
Enter the Centor
Strep pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat” is a bacterial infection of the oropharynx caused by group A beta hemolytic streptococci (GAS), specifically S. pyogenes. This infection affects more than 500,000,000 people annually worldwide per year, ultimately resulting in a significant number of doctor’s visits, including to the ED (1). The classic clinical presentation of GAS pharyngitis includes sudden onset of sore throat, fever, and odynophagia. If untreated, complications of GAS pharyngitis include scarlet fever, rheumatic heart disease, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and peri-tonsillar abscess. In this post, we explore the diagnostic evaluation of pharyngitis with special attention to the use of the Centor criteria and rapid antigen testing.
Diagnostics: The HINTS Exam
Dizziness is common and is commonly a frustrating diagnostic dilemma in the ED. As patient’s stories vary between providers, it would be nice if we had a tool that was objective, reproducible and definitive. Enter - the HINTS exam. Join Dr. Ijaz as he discusses this nuanced exam that can change dizziness into a definitive diagnosis.