Emergency Neurological Life Support: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a neurological emergency because it may lead to sudden neurological decline and death and, depending on the cause, has treatment options that can return a patient to normal. Because there are interventions that can be life-saving in the first hour of onset, SAH was chosen as an Emergency Neurological Life Support protocol.     

Predictors of quality of life and functional impairment in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is the 10th leading cause of disability among health conditions; yet, relatively little research has focused on quality of life (QOL) and functional impairment in OCD. The present study extended existing work by examining correlates and predictors of QOL and functional impairment in 96 treatment-seeking OCD patients (in intensive outpatient and residential settings). In a model including OCD symptoms and related phenomena, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, two main findings emerged: (a) depressive symptoms predicted both QOL and functional impairment, and (b) contamination symptoms predicted functional impairment. These findings are discussed in terms of the implications for studying QOL and functional impairment in OCD. Future research should investigate the factors that predict changes in QOL and functional impairment following treatment.     

The King laryngeal tube: a mimic of esophageal intubation in the emergency department

The King Airway is a temporary airway device used primarily in the pre-hospital setting and typically exchanged for an endotracheal tube upon arrival to the emergency department. Since this usually occurs before imaging, many radiologists are unfamiliar with the King Airway. This lack of familiarity can have important consequences for the patient and treating team. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the King Airway among radiologists, emphasize appropriate positioning, and review the imaging complications of incorrect positioning.     

Sensing the immune microenvironment to coordinate T cell metabolism,differentiation & function

Mounting an adaptive immune response is bioenergetically demanding. As a result, T cell activation coincides with profound changes in cellular metabolism that must be coordinated with instructive signals from cytokine and costimulatory receptors to generate an immune response. Studies examining the intimate link between metabolism and immune function have revealed that different types of T cells have distinct metabolic profiles. Data is emerging that place mTOR, an evolutionarily conserved serine-threonine kinase, as a central integrator of these processes. In this review, we will discuss the role of mTOR in determining both CD4 and CD8 T cell metabolism, differentiation, and trafficking.     

Ileal dysgenesis coexisting with multiple enteric duplication cysts in a child—MR enterography, CT, and Meckel scan appearances

There are numerous causes of iron deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal tract bleeding in children. While a very thorough history may elucidate common etiologies, such as cow’s milk protein-induced colitis and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, other less frequent causes often present a diagnostic challenge. We present the MR enterography (MRE), CT and Meckel scan findings of ileal dysgenesis coexisting with multiple enteric duplication cysts in a young child who presented with chronic iron deficiency anemia, recurrent gastrointestinal tract bleeding and unexplained bowel perforation. In this case, MRE was able to identify and characterize each individual lesion and directly guide appropriate surgical management.