Since 2000, there have been over 500,000 opioid related overdose deaths in the US. (Burke 2016). Despite the epidemic of opioid deaths, these drugs continue to be used as first line agents for treatment of moderate to severe pain in Emergency Departments (EDs). While demonstration that ED use of an opiate causes future abuse and morbidity/mortality does not exist,
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Journal Review
Opiates in Extremity Injuries
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Pacemakers: Basic + Advanced Concepts
This post deals with the basics of pacemakers as well as advanced management concepts
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Journal Review
CCTA in the Evaluation of Chest Pain: 1-Year Outcomes
Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA) is a promising imaging technique that detects stenosis of the coronary arteries quickly and accurately. It can also detect other causes of chest pain when patients present to the emergency department (ED). Several studies have shown that patients with normal cardiac CCTA results are at low risk for adverse events (Oostema 2012).
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Infective Endocarditis
This post takes a deep dive into infective endocarditis with a focus on diagnosis.
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Journal Review
The ADvISED Trial: A Novel Clinical Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Acute Aortic Syndromes
Acute Aortic Syndromes (AAS) are life threatening cardiovascular emergencies that are the bane of every emergency physician’s existence. They are diagnostic challenges due to the clinical presentation being highly non-specific. Computed tomography angiography (CTA), Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) can help accurately diagnose AAS. CTA exposes patients to radiation and large doses of intravenous contrast,
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
This post dives into ACL injuries with a look a focus on making the diagnosis based on the clinical picture.
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Journal Review
Acetaminophen or NSAID for Acute Minor Musculoskeletal Pain
Thanks to Sergey Motov (@PainFreeED) for the expert review at the end of the post.
Acute, minor musculoskeletal injuries (i.e. non-fracture or dislocations) are frequently seen in the Emergency Department. Aside from ruling out a more severe injury, management often focuses on pain relief or mitigation of pain. Though many analgesic agents exist,
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Tricyclic Antidepressant Toxicity
This post dives into the diagnosis and management of TCA toxicity.
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