Emergency Medical Minute

Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Educational Pearls: Clinical picture: A patient comes in with altered mental status, tachycardia, fever, elevated T4, and low TSH. What’s the diagnosis?... Thyrotoxicosis secondary to Graves’ Disease. How do you treat thyrotoxicosis? First, give a beta-blocker such as propranolol. This suppresses the elevated adrenergic activity. Second, give a thionamide such as propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole. This decreases the synthesis of new thyroid hormone. PTU is preferred because it also blocks the conversion of T4 to T3. Third, give an iodine solution such as potassium iodide. This blocks the release of thyroid hormone through a mechanism called the Wolff-Chaikoff effect. Note, this should be given about an hour after the PTU/methimazole to ensure iodine cannot be taken up and used to synthesize more thyroid hormone in individuals with toxic adenoma or toxic multinodular goiter. Fourth, give a glucocorticoid such as hydrocortisone. This will reduce thyroid hormone convers

Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: 33 Medical residents and 91 nurses at Massachusetts General Hospital were randomized into two groups: Intervention group: 15 PGY-1 residents assigned to the same medical service floor for a 16-week period (12 weeks after adjustment for COVID-19 restrictions) alongside 43 nurses. Control group: 18 PGY-1 residents assigned to the usual 4-week block rotations across 6 medical floors.  At 6 months, there were no differences in teamwork performance metrics including advanced medical simulations and nurse presence at rounds. The 12-month assessment demonstrated improvement in performance metrics. Increased time together allows individuals to get to know each other better and therefore improve performance metrics that rely on communication. References 1. Iyasere CA, Wing J, Martel JN, Healy MG, Park YS, Finn KM. Effect of Increased Interprofessional Familiarity on Team Performance, Communication, and Psychological Safety on Inpatient Medical Teams: A R

Contributor: Meghan Hurley MD Educational Pearls: What do you do if you need a stat pregnancy test on an incapacitated patient? You can send a serum quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), but that might take a while for the lab to process. Another option is to place a drop of whole blood on a urine pregnancy immunoassay. These tests are already verified for urine and serum. 2012 study showed that whole blood was 95.8% sensitive for pregnancy compared to 95.3% for urine. Takes a little bit longer (10 minutes was used in the study) due to the viscosity of blood. Word of caution: This study only looked at a single urine pregnancy kit type. It is possible that other kits would have a different efficacy. There are new finger stick tests coming out for capillary blood. Anecdotally, Dr. Hurley was able to use this technique to support a diagnosis of ruptured ectopic pregnancy in a patient that needed emergent surgery. References Fromm C, Likourezos A, Haines L, Khan AN, Williams

Contributor: Chris Holmes MD Educational Pearls: “It’s a poor sort of memory that only works backwards” - Transient Global Amnesia A syndrome with sudden retrograde memory loss in which patients cannot retain new information Characterized by perseveration in frequent intervals Typically improves within hours MRI is normal initially Alice In Wonderland Syndrome A disorder in which patients experience distortions in their visual perceptions Most often characterized by micropsia and/or macropsia Other symptoms may include illusory movement or wavy lines Alice in Wonderland as a metaphor for birth Traveling down the rabbit hole is conception Alice getting bigger in a confined space is pregnancy Drinking potions is amniotic fluid Escaping to explore a scary world is childbirth References 1. Blom JD. Alice in wonderland syndrome. Alice Wonderl Syndr. 2019;(June):1-221. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-18609-8 2. Ropper M.D. AH. Transient Global Amnesia. N Engl J Med. 2023;(388):635-640. doi

Contributor: Nicholas Tsipis, MD Educational Pearls: What study was Dr. Tsipis talking about? In December of 2022, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) put out a study titled “Diagnostic Errors in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review.” This study triggered many news stories from prominent outlets with headlines such as, “More than 7 million incorrect diagnoses made in US emergency rooms every year, government report finds,” from CNN, and “E.R. Doctors Misdiagnose Patients With Unusual Symptoms,” from the New York Times. What was the response? Matt Bivens, MD from Emergency Medicine News responded to the original study in an article titled, “AHRQ Errors Report was ‘Outright Unconscionable.’” Dr. Bivens points out that AHRQ’s biggest claims – including that 5.7% of patients are misdiagnosed in the ED and 2.0% suffer an adverse event as a result – were based only on three small studies out of Canada, Spain, and Switzerland (combined n=1,758). Spain and Switzerland did not ha

​​Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Educational Pearls The QT interval represents phases 2 and 3 of ventricular plateau and repolarization, respectively. As the QT interval lengthens, more sodium and calcium channels are available and susceptible to action potentials. Prolonged QT interval is more concerning in the setting of bradycardia. This scenario increases the likelihood of R on T phenomenon.  R on T phenomenon occurs due to an early afterdepolarization event in which a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) occurs during the repolarization period (superimposed on the T wave), leading to an aberrant re-entry circuit. The re-entry circuit leads to Torsades de Pointes (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with prolonged QT) and subsequent ventricular fibrillation. Treatment for Torsades de Pointes is 2g MgSO4. The preferred antiarrhythmic for VTach is IV lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg over 2 minutes. Avoid amiodarone due to risk of further QT prolongation. A heart rate under 80 does not need Q

Contributors: Andrew White MD & Travis Barlock MD In this follow-up episode Dr. Andrew White, a practicing psychiatrist with an addiction medicine fellowship, and Dr. Travis Barlock, an emergency physician at Swedish Medical Center, discuss mental health holds, psychiatric placement, pharmacologic vs. non-pharmacologic treatments, and outpatient care of psychotic patients. If you missed it, be sure to listen to part I for details on the management of psychotic patients in the ED. Educational Pearls: Mental health holds should be approached on a case-by-case basis; this includes assessing safety risks immediately, over a 24-hour period, and chronically over the last few months. Lastly, collateral information is useful in assessing a mental health hold.   What happens after patients get placed in inpatient psychiatry? Typically an antipsychotic is started; in the absence of metabolic risks, patients will often be started on Zyprexa, especially in oral dissolvable form. Doses of Zyprexa ODT start at 2.5 -

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: What is Tranq? Tranq is the street name for xylazine, a sedative drug typically used in veterinary medicine. Xylazine has recently emerged as a recreational drug, often mixed with heroin or fentanyl.  The mechanism of action of xylazine is similar to dexmedetomidine (Precedex), an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. At toxic levels, either by itself or when combined with opioids, can cause apnea, bradycardia, coma, and hypotension. How is it different from other adulterants, such as fentanyl? Because It is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. It may cause local peripheral vasoconstriction leading to necrotic ulcerations at sites of repeated injection. How do you treat a suspected overdose of Tranq +/- an opioid? Consult with a clinical toxicologist. Naloxone should still be used despite its limited effect. At the very least it will not make the situation worse. Be ready to intubate. Provide supportive care.

Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Educational Pearls: Three categories of pressors: inopressors, pure vasoconstrictors, and inodilators Inopressors:  Epinephrine - nonselective beta- and alpha-adrenergic agonism, leading to increased cardiac contractility, chronotropy (increased heart rate), and peripheral vasoconstriction. Dose 0.1mcg/kg/min. Levophed (norepinephrine) - more vasoconstriction peripherally than inotropy; useful in most cases of shock. Dose 0.1mcg/kg/min. Peripheral vasoconstrictors: Phenylephrine - pure alpha agonist; useful in atrial fibrillation because it avoids cardiac beta receptor activation and also in post-intubation hypotension to counteract the RSI medications. Start at 1mcg/kg/min and increase as needed. Vasopressin - No effect on cardiac contractility. Fixed dose of 0.4 units/min. Inodilators are useful in cardiogenic shock but often not started in the ED since patients mostly have undifferentiated shock Dobutamine - start at 2.5mcg/kg/min. Milrinone - 0.125mc

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: What is thrombolysis? Thrombolysis is performed by administration of a medication that promotes the body’s natural ability to break up clots. These medications include Alteplase (tPA) and Tenecteplase (TNK). The main side effect of using such an agent is bleeding which typically occurs at puncture sites but can also occur internally. However, an unusual side effect of thrombolytic agents, which occurs in about 1-5% of cases, is angioedema. What is angioedema? Angioedema is a medical condition that causes swelling beneath the surface of the skin, typically in the face, lips, and throat (orolingual angioedema). Fluid leaks from blood vessels and accumulates in the deeper layers of the skin. How are these two connected? The mechanism by which angioedema occurs after thrombolysis is not well understood, but it is likely connected to how tPA can increase levels of bradykinin and histamine. Swelling can appear suddenly but can also occur up to 24 hours

Contributor: Aaron Lessen MD Educational Pearls: SCAPE (Sympathetic Crashing Acute Pulmonary Edema), formerly known as flash pulmonary edema, is a life-threatening condition due to a sudden sympathetic surge that leads to hypertensive heart failure, pulmonary edema, hypoxia, and respiratory distress.  The initial treatment for SCAPE stabilization is BiPAP to assist with ventilation. Pharmacological treatment for SCAPE is best achieved with high-dose nitroglycerin (HDN), which induces venodilation and redistributes pulmonary edema. Dosing should be high; boluses of HDN are given at doses of 1-2 mg every 3-5 minutes vs. infusions at 200-400 mcg/min then titrating down. HDN leads to reduced intubations, less need for ICU admission, and shortened length of hospital stay in patients with SCAPE. References Agrawal N, Kumar A, Aggarwal P, Jamshed N. Sympathetic crashing acute pulmonary edema. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2016;20(12):719-723. doi:10.4103/0972-5229.195710 Paone S, Clarkson L, Sin B, Punnapuzha S.

Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is defined as when the heart suddenly stops beating. Immediate treatment for SCA includes Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. This event is commonly depicted in medical dramas as an intense moment but often with the patient surviving and making a full recovery (67-75%). This depiction has likely led the general population astray when it comes to the true survivability of SCA. When surveyed, the general population tends to believe that in excess of 50% of patients requiring CPR survive and return to daily life with no long-term consequences. What percent of patients actually survive cardiac arrest? SCA due to Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): 25-40% SCA due to Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA): 11% SCA due to noncardiac causes (trauma ect.): 11% SCA when the initially observed rhythm is Asystole: Less than 5%, by some measures as low as 2%. References Diem SJ, Lantos JD, Tulsky JA. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Contributors: Andrew White MD & Travis Barlock MD In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dr. Andrew White, a practicing psychiatrist with an addiction medicine fellowship, and Dr. Travis Barlock, an emergency physician at Swedish Medical Center, discuss the various presentations and etiologies of acute psychosis. They explore the medical presentations compared with primary psychiatric manifestations and how to narrow the differential. Furthermore, Dr. Barlock discusses the management of psychotic patients from the ED perspective while Dr. White provides invaluable insight into their respective psychiatric care. Educational Pearls: Auditory hallucinations are more consistent with primary psychiatric psychosis, whereas visual hallucinations are indicative of drug-induced or withdrawal psychosis. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia can be remembered by the four A’s: Alogia, Affect, Ambivalence, and Associations. Typical primary psychosis presents before age 40, except for in perimenopausal and post-partum

Contributor: Travis Barlock MD Educational Pearls:  Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) is a condition where a clot blocks one of the major blood vessels in the brain, leading to a stroke. What are the vessels that can experience an LVO? Middle Cerebral artery (MCA) Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA) Posterior Cerebral Arteries (PCA) Basilar Artery (BA) Vertebral Arteries (VA) What are the locations at which a mechanical thrombectomy can be performed as a treatment for an LVO? Distal ICA, M1 or M2 segments of the MCA, A1 or A2 segments of the ACA, and some evidence for the BA. What are the symptoms of LVO? Use the mnemonic FANG-D to remember a few key symptoms: Field Cut (A person loses vision in a portion of their visual field) Aphasia (Difficulty speaking) Neglect (A person may have difficulty paying attention to or acknowledging stimuli on the affected side of their body or in their environment. For example, a person with neglect may deny that their left hand belongs to them) Gaze Deviat

Contributor: Meghan Hurley, MD Educational Pearls:  Two main reasons to choose non-traditional RSI Anatomically challenging airway Physiologically difficult patients: hypoxia, metabolic acidosis, hemodynamic instability Ketamine may help patients remain hemodynamically stable In critical patients, it is important to consider non-traditional RSI medications to improve outcomes References 1. Lyon RM, Perkins ZB, Chatterjee D, Lockey DJ, Russell MQ. Significant modification of traditional rapid sequence induction improves safety and effectiveness of pre-hospital trauma anaesthesia. Crit Care. 2015;19(1). doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0872-2 2. Merelman AH, Perlmutter MC, Strayer RJ. Alternatives to rapid sequence intubation: Contemporary airway management with ketamine. West J Emerg Med. 2019;20(3):466-471. doi:10.5811/westjem.2019.4.42753   Summarized by Jorge Chalit, OMS1 | Edited by Meg Joyce

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has been attempted as an adjunct to CPR during cardiac arrest but few studies on outcomes exist  One prior small study stopped early when it showed ECMO with CPR (ECPR) was significantly superior to CPR Recent large, multicenter randomized control study in Netherlands evaluated neurologic outcomes in CPR versus ECPR  At 30 days and 6 months no significant difference between the groups was found  More studies are required determine if certain patients may benefit from ECPR References Belohlavek J, Smalcova J, Rob D, et al. Effect of Intra-arrest Transport, Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and Immediate Invasive Assessment and Treatment on Functional Neurologic Outcome in Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022;327(8):737-747. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.1025   Suverein MM, Delnoij TSR, Lorusso R, et al. Early Extracorporeal CPR for Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac

Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls: Early repolarization a benign EKG pattern that can mimic an anterior STEMI Can be seen in the anterior leads typically in young male patients Can differentiate Early Repolarization vs Anterior STEMI by looking at four variables: Corrected QT interval QRS amplitude in V2 R wave amplitude in V4 ST elevation 60 ms after J point in V3 These four variables can be plugged into a formula (available on MDCalc) Note that a longer QT is more corelated with STEMI   References Macfarlane PW, Antzelevitch C, Haissaguerre M, et al. The Early Repolarization Pattern: A Consensus Paper. J Am Coll Cardiol. Jul 28 2015;66(4):470-7. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2015.05.033 Smith SW, Khalil A, Henry TD, et al. Electrocardiographic differentiation of early repolarization from subtle anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Ann Emerg Med. Jul 2012;60(1):45-56.e2. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2012.02.015   Summarized by Mark O’Brien, MS4 | Edited by John Spartz, MD, & Erik V

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Hyperkalemia may cause cardiac arrest  Treatment of suspected hyperkalemic cardiac arrest begins with typical management of cardiac arrest including high-quality CPR, defibrillation if appropriate, and resuscitation medications  Administer calcium products to stabilize cardiac membrane and potassium shifting medications  If ROSC is achieved, initiate dialysis  There are several case reports of patients being dialyzed while CPR is ongoing, with some success   Dialysis during resuscitation may be an appropriate treatment for some patients  References Jackson MA, Lodwick R, Hutchinson SG. Hyperkalaemic cardiac arrest successfully treated with peritoneal dialysis. BMJ. 1996;312(7041):1289-1290. doi:10.1136/bmj.312.7041.1289 Kao KC, Huang CC, Tsai YH, Lin MC, Tsao TC. Hyperkalemic cardiac arrest successfully reversed by hemodialysis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: case report. Chang Gung Med J. 2000;23(9):555-559. Torrecilla C, de la Serna JL. Hyperkale

Contributor: Meghan Hurley, MD Educational Pearls: Educational Pearls: Dental infections can be categorized into two main groups Infections of the gums Pericoronitis Tooth eruption leading to inflammation/irritation Can progress to an infection Requires pain control, no antibiotics Gingivitis Inflammation of the gums Can lead to an infection requiring antibiotics Abscess (gums) If an infection develops in the gums it can progress to an abscess May require drainage Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) aka Trench Mouth Filmy, grayish discoloration of the gums with “punched out” lesions Extremely painful Can cause teeth to loosen and fall out Treat with IV antibiotics + admission Infections of the teeth Dental caries Causes sensitivity tooth enamel is worn through Can lead to infection Periapical abscess Abscess that extends through the root of the tooth Can develop up elsewhere in tooth/gums/mouth Causes tooth sensitivity when tapped Ludwig angina Infection of the soft tissue under t

Contributor: Jared Scott, MD Educational Pearls: Commotio cordis is sudden ventricular fibrillation precipitated by direct impact to the chest  A national registry, US Commotio Cordis Registry, reports an average of 10-20 cases annually  95% of reported cases occur in males, indicating possible genetic component  Average age of patient in registry is 15  Most cases occur during sporting events (baseball in particular), in addition to physical altercations and industrial accidents  Treatment is high quality CPR and early defibrillation  Survival rate is improving but remains around 35%  In recent events, American football player Damar Hamlin survived a Commotio cordis event after being tackled on field and receiving CPR  References Link MS. Commotio cordis: ventricular fibrillation triggered by chest impact-induced abnormalities in repolarization. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2012;5(2):425-432. doi:10.1161/CIRCEP.111.962712 Maron BJ, Poliac LC, Kaplan JA, Mueller FO. Blunt impact to the chest leading to