Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of a traumatic abdominal wall hematoma in the emergency department

BACKGROUND:

Abdominal wall hematoma is due to trauma, coagulation disorders or anticoagulation therapy complications.

METHODS:

In this report we present a case of a 44-year-old female who suffered from blunt abdominal trauma and presented to the emergency department with sharp abdominal pain and ecchymosis. FAST and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) revealed an abdominal wall hematoma. Treatment with an ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage was performed successfully.

RESULTS:

The patient remained under observation for six hours with serial ultrasound scans, and no signs of hematoma recurrence were present. She was discharged the same day with clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION:

Complete history investigation and clinical examination help to make a correct diagnosis of abdominal wall hematoma, select a prompt treatment, and reduce complications.KEY WORDS: Rectus sheath hematoma, Abdominal wall hematoma, Emergency Department, FAST, Ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage     

Portal Venous Gas on Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Case of Cecal Ischemia

BackgroundPortal venous gas has mainly been studied in pediatrics and seen in cases of necrotizing enterocolitis. It is a rare finding in adults and is typically associated with underlying intestinal ischemia or other malignant intra-abdominal pathology. Portal venous gas is seen more readily on ultrasound compared to radiographs in both pediatric and adult patients. Findings include lucencies extending to the periphery of the liver, echogenic bubbles flowing centrifugally throughout the portal venous system, and bidirectional spikes interrupting the monophasic portal venous waveform on spectral analysis.Case ReportWe present a case of a 36-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain. She had findings consistent with portal venous gas on point-of-care ultrasound, prompting computed tomography of her abdomen and surgical consultation. She was ultimately found to have cecal ischemia from cecal volvulus, had surgical resection and anastomosis, and was able to be discharged from the hospital following recovery.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?With the ever-increasing use of point-of-care ultrasound, emergency physicians should be aware of the findings consistent with portal venous gas as well as its implications. Emergency physicians should know portal venous gas is associated with intestinal ischemia and other malignant pathologies and should prompt more advanced imaging or surgical consultation when observed. Emergency physicians should also understand the distinctions between portal venous gas and pneumobilia found on point-of-care ultrasound, given that portal venous gas is typically a malignant finding and pneumobilia is most frequently benign.     

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assists Diagnosis of Spontaneously Passed Common Bile Duct Stone

BackgroundCholedocholithiasis complicates approximately 10% of gallstone disease. Spontaneous stone migration out of the common bile duct (CBD) may occur in as many as 20% of choledocholithiasis cases. A decrease in CBD caliber occurs in the setting of spontaneous stone passage, but to our knowledge, this finding has not been appreciated using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency medicine setting.Case ReportA 49-year-old woman presented to our Emergency Department (ED) with a complaint of epigastric pain radiating to the left shoulder. On examination she was found to have epigastric tenderness to palpation, but no guarding or rebound. POCUS demonstrated a dilated common bile duct, and her liver function tests were abnormally high. She was admitted to Medicine with concern for choledocholithiasis and plan for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but her pain had resolved shortly after ED arrival. A repeat ultrasound examination demonstrated a normal-caliber common bile duct approximately 3 h after the initial scan.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Choledocholithiasis often requires admission and invasive testing. Using POCUS in conjunction with liver function tests and patient assessments may obviate a need for ERCP.     

Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome after laparoscopic surgery: A case report

BACKGROUNDAnterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is defined as abdominal pain due to entrapped intercostal nerves. This is the first report of a patient successfully treated for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome after laparoscopic surgery with an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block. The rectus sheath block physically lysed adhesions and relieved pain from anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome.CASE SUMMARYThe patient is a 44-year-old man who presented with severe left upper abdominal pain at an operative scar one month after laparoscopic ulcer repair. Diagnosis and treatment were performed using an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block with 0.1% lidocaine 20 mL. The pain was relieved after the block. The diagnosis was anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. Rectus sheath block may be effective for patients with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome.CONCLUSIONUltrasound-guided rectus sheath block is a promising treatment modality for patients with postoperative anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome due to adhesions.     

Diagnosis of Megaureter by Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Background

Presentation of congenital megaureter in adult life is rare; patients usually become symptomatic in childhood.

Case Report

A 32-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with dyspnea, tongue swelling, and a rash, which he attributed to amoxicillin he had taken shortly prior to onset of symptoms. He was hypotensive on arrival to the ED. To further evaluate the hypotension, point-of-care ultrasound of the heart, lungs, and abdomen were performed while treatment for anaphylaxis was initiated. Ultrasound examination did not identify a cause for hypotension, but the treating physician noted an anechoic structural abnormality posterior to the bladder, suggestive of megaureter. The patient responded well to treatment of anaphylaxis; further history and diagnostic imaging subsequently confirmed a diagnosis of congenital megaureter.

Conclusion

We report an unusual case of congenital megaureter, identified by point-of-care ultrasound performed to evaluate hypotension. Clinicians performing limited ultrasound examinations must be attentive to incidental findings that will require follow-up.     

Ultrasound-Guided Transgluteal Sciatic Nerve Block for Gluteal Procedural Analgesia

BackgroundAdequate analgesia is difficult to achieve in patients with an abscess requiring incision and drainage (I&D). There has been a recent increase in regional anesthesia use in the emergency department (ED) to aid in acute musculoskeletal pain relief. Specifically, transgluteal sciatic nerve (TGSN) block has been used as an adjunct treatment for certain chronic lumbar and lower extremity pain syndromes in the ED.Case ReportA 21-year-old woman presented to the ED with a painful gluteal abscess. The pain was so severe that the patient barely tolerated light palpation to the abscess area. Using dynamic ultrasound guidance, a TGSN block was performed with significant pain reduction. Ultrasonographic confirmation of abscess was obtained followed by definitive I&D. She was discharged from the ED and her incision site was healing well at the time of follow-up.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Abscess I&D is a common procedure in the ED. Procedural analgesia for I&D can be difficult to obtain. We describe the TGSN block as an additional analgesic option to be used for procedural analgesia. The use of regional anesthesia has the potential to decrease unwanted and at times dangerous side effects of opiate use and resource utilization of procedural sedation while optimizing patient comfort.     

A case of rectus sheath hematoma due to Foley catheterization after acute urinary retention

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is generally not considered a reason for abdominal pain and its incidence as a cause of abdominal pain is unknown. RSH is a rarely seen but nonetheless an important disease causing abdominal pain. During contractions of the rectus abdominis muscle, the inferior epigastric artery must glide with the muscle to avoid tearing. When the inferior epigastric artery is torn, blood dissects along the rectus sheath leading to hematoma formation. We report a case of spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma due to Foley catheterization after acute urinary retention. In the current case, the rectus abdominis muscle stretched because of overdistended bladder. After the patient was catheterized to drain urinary retention, the rectus abdominis muscle contracted abruptly, and vessels were injured by rapid muscle contraction caused by Foley catheterization.     

Exercise-induced bilateral rectus sheath hematomas presenting as acute abdominal pain with scrotal swelling and pressure: case report and review

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon but significant cause of acute abdominal pain in patients presenting to the Emergency Department. RSHs are often misdiagnosed as other more common causes of abdominal pain. This case describes a 23-year-old male presenting with acute abdominal pain, scrotal swelling, and associated scrotal pressure. The case highlights the uniqueness of this particular presentation and the clinical features, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of RSH.     

Emergency Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of a Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm

BackgroundIatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm formation after intervention of the femoral artery may present weeks after intervention. We report a case of a patient with delayed pseudoaneurysm diagnosis that was ultimately diagnosed with bedside ultrasound. Importantly, our case demonstrates a patient who had a left-sided atherectomy and angioplasty with microcatheter access of the right femoral artery.Case ReportA 68-year-old man with multiple comorbidities presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with right inguinal pain, swelling, and overlying skin changes 17 days after an interventional radiology-guided left-sided femoral artery atherectomy and angioplasty. His first postoperative ED visit at an outside hospital led to the diagnosis of a hematoma vs. abscess, with attempted bedside drainage. On presentation to our ED, a bedside ultrasound confirmed arterial pseudoaneurysm formation of the right femoral artery.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?In patients presenting with the constellation of symptoms after arterial site intervention of either side, iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm should be in the differential. Although the patient had atherectomy and angioplasty of the left femoral artery, it is important to highlight that both femoral arteries were accessed during intervention, and thus, both sites are at risk for pseudoaneurysm formation. Emergency sonography can be a useful tool to diagnose, expedite treatment, and avoid potentially harmful invasive procedures in patients presenting with pain and swelling after arterial site intervention.     

Diagnosis of Simultaneous Acute Ruptures of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency Department

Background

Patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries from sport-related activities are frequently seen in the emergency department (ED). However, knee instability tests are known to show variable sensitivity and specificity. These tests would also have limited functionality in patients with severe pain and swelling in the knee.

A Narrative Review of Common Uses of Ophthalmic Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine

BackgroundThe timely evaluation of ocular conditions in the emergency department (ED) can be difficult due to a general lack of specialized equipment, trained personnel, and the time-sensitive nature of emergent ocular conditions. Recently, the use of ocular point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been shown to be particularly useful in the ED. POCUS can be used to promptly diagnose various ocular pathologies, which include ocular trauma, vitreous hemorrhage, central retinal artery occlusion, and retinal detachment.ObjectivesThis narrative review seeks to inform the reader of current literature regarding the use of POCUS for the assessment of various ocular emergencies in the ED. The goal of this review is to provide the emergency physician with succinct and up-to-date information and instruction regarding the current uses of POCUS for patients presenting with particular ocular emergencies. Ocular pathologies that are common (ocular trauma) or for which ultrasound is particularly useful (such as retinal detachment) are discussed. Other ocular pathologies are also briefly discussed, such as central retinal artery occlusion, which is a promising new application for ultrasound evaluation.DiscussionThere have been many studies that provide evidence for the utility of POCUS in the evaluation of trauma and other ocular pathologies, including vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and central retinal artery occlusion.ConclusionsOcular POCUS is a useful modality in the evaluation of acute ocular complaints in the ED. Emergency physicians should be aware of these findings and feel confident in the utility of ocular POCUS in the ED.     

Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

BackgroundOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs when ovaries are overstimulated and enlarged due to fertility treatments resulting in a shift of serum from the intravascular space to the third space, mainly the abdominal cavity. It is the most serious complication of ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction.Case ReportWe present the case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with abdominal bloating and nausea 2 weeks after undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF); she was diagnosed by an outside radiology ultrasound as having a ruptured ovarian cyst. A point-of-care emergency ultrasound performed by the emergency physician made the diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This led to more expedient management and obstetrical consultation.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Abdominal bloating and nausea are common presenting complaints in pregnant women. OHSS is a rare but potentially fatal complication of IVF. Recognition and early diagnosis by the emergency physician can lead to appropriate intervention and consultation.     

A case of intrauterine molar pregnancy with coexistent ectopic pregnancy

We describe a woman who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. She was initially diagnosed by the emergency physician with a molar pregnancy by transvaginal ultrasound, which was confirmed and treated by the consulting obstetrical service with a dilatation and curettage the following day. The patient was discharged home later that same day and subsequently returned to the ED after several hours complaining of an acute worsening of her abdominal pain with associated fatigue and lightheadedness. Transabdominal ultrasound performed by the emergency physician demonstrated intra-abdominal free fluid, and the obstetrical service was immediately contacted. Subsequent operative management identified a separate ruptured ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube that was confirmed by pathologic analysis after laparoscopic removal.     

Near-Miss in Focused Lower-Extremity Ultrasound for Deep Venous Thrombosis

Background

Focused, proximal compression ultrasound (FPCUS) is a commonly used point-of-care study in the Emergency Department (ED). Pelvic vein deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a rare presentation, and Emergency Physicians need to be aware of the limitations and pitfalls of FPCUS.

Objective

A case of external iliac vein DVT diagnosed in the ED is presented, with a focus on subtle signs seen during FPCUS that led to the diagnosis and additional ultrasound techniques to aid in appropriate point-of-care diagnosis.

Case Report

We describe a patient who presented with lower-extremity pain and was subsequently diagnosed with external iliac DVT. A FPCUS study by Emergency Physicians was performed and demonstrated subtle findings that led to further investigation and appropriate diagnosis.

Conclusion

Emergency physicians using FPCUS in the evaluation of lower-extremity pain or swelling need to be aware of the pitfalls, limitations, and advanced techniques to avoid misdiagnosis while evaluating for DVT.     

Transperineal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Proctitis in the Emergency Department

BackgroundPatients with anorectal complaints commonly present to the emergency department (ED). In patients with prior history of pelvic radiation and those with risk factors for sexually transmitted infections, proctitis is frequently on the differential diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) scans are frequently done in patients with atypical presentations and those with broader differential diagnoses. Although in cases with suspected uncomplicated proctitis, conducting a point-of-care transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) may provide sufficient data to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain a safe plan for outpatient management, thus limiting the need for CT scan, a frequent flow-limiting step in the ED.Case ReportIn this article, we present a brief case series of patients presenting to the ED with anorectal complaints in whom TPUS revealed circumferential symmetric rectal wall edema and pericolonic stranding suggestive of proctitis. History and subsequent imaging further supported these diagnoses; we also briefly detail the patients’ clinical course and outcomes.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?We propose the use of TPUS as the screening imaging for anorectal pathologies and those with suspected proctitis to increase its use among emergency physicians. We review the main sonographic features of proctitis alongside reports from clinical cases, as well as the potential advantages of TPUS as a first-line imaging modality as compared with CT or magnetic resonance imaging. Although the complexities of anorectal anatomy can make TPUS a more difficult ultrasound modality to master, integrating TPUS into clinical practice will prove beneficial to both physician and patient.     

Ultrasound Findings in Tension Pneumothorax: A Case Report

Background

Delayed recognition of tension pneumothorax can lead to a mortality of 31% to 91%. However, the classic physical examination findings of tracheal deviation and distended neck veins are poorly sensitive in the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax. Point-of-care ultrasound is accurate in identifying the presence of pneumothorax, but sonographic findings of tension pneumothorax are less well described.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction Correlates With Mortality in Pulmonary Embolism

BackgroundRisk stratification of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is essential to guide advanced interventional management and proper disposition.ObjectivesIn this study, we sought to assess individual echocardiographic markers of right ventricular (RV) strain and left ventricular (LV) function in patients with high-risk PE and identify their association with the need for advanced intervention (such as thrombolysis) and 30-day mortality.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of ED patients with PE who were subject to a pulmonary embolism response team activation over a 5-year period. Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound studies were performed as part of patient care and later assessed for septal bowing, RV hypokinesis, McConnell sign, RV enlargement, tricuspid annular place systolic excursion, and LV systolic dysfunction. Outcome variables included need for advanced intervention and 30-day mortality.ResultsThe pulmonary embolism response team was activated in 893 patients, of which 718 had a confirmed PE. Of these, 90 had adequate cardiac point-of-care ultrasound images available for review. Patients who needed an advanced intervention were more likely to have septal bowing (odds ratio [OR] 8.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.37–31.86), RV enlargement (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.43–11.34), and a McConnell sign (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.09–7.13). LV dysfunction was the only statistically significant predictor of 30-day mortality (OR 9.63, 95% CI 1.74–53.32).ConclusionIn patients with PE in the ED, sonographic findings of RV strain that are more commonly associated with advanced intervention included septal bowing, McConnell sign, and RV enlargement. LV dysfunction was associated with a higher 30-day mortality. These findings can help inform decisions about ED management and disposition of patients with PE.     

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in mediastinal leiomyosarcoma mimicking aortic hematoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUNDPrimary mediastinal leiomyosarcomas are extremely rare. We report a case of leiomyosarcoma around the thoracic and abdominal aorta, mimicking an aortic hematoma, and discuss the diagnostic value of ultrasound. CASE SUMMARYA 63-year-old female was hospitalized for abdominal pain. Initial computed tomography angiography revealed an enhanced mass around the lower thoracic and upper abdominal aorta. Aortic hematoma was strongly suspected, and stents were placed by interventional surgery. About 1 mo postoperatively, the patient was re-hospitalized because of progressive abdominal pain. Ultrasound showed that the mass had a heterogeneous echo. In contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the hyperechoic regions were filled with contrast medium after the aortic region was, indicating that the blood supply was abundant but had no direct connection with the aorta. There was no obvious contrast medium-filling in the hypoechoic area. These findings were similar to those of malignant tumors with liquefaction and necrosis. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography confirmed that the mass had a high metabolic signal similar to that of a malignant tumor. Leiomyosarcoma was confirmed by postoperative pathology. CONCLUSIONSymptoms of mediastinal leiomyosarcoma surrounding the aorta may mimic aortic hematoma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide valuable and unique diagnostic clues.     

Emergency department diagnosis of pediatric hip effusion and guided arthrocentesis using point-of-care ultrasound

Children with complaints of hip pain, a painful limp, or refusal to weight bear commonly present to the Emergency Department (ED). The ability to use point-of-care ultrasound in the ED to diagnose a hip joint effusion and to guide arthrocentesis can be helpful to facilitate diagnosis and management of these children. The capsular-synovial thickness of the hip is measured from the anterior bony cortical surface to the posterior surface of the iliopsoas muscle at the concavity of the femoral neck. A capsular-synovial thickness > 5 mm, or > 2 mm difference compared to the asymptomatic contralateral hip are the described sonographic criteria for hip joint effusion in children. We report on the use of point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose hip effusion and to guide arthrocentesis in a series of pediatric patients presenting with hip pain to the ED.