Prevalence of COVID-19 Mimics in the Emergency Department.

Objective Due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and symptoms, it is difficult to distinguish COVID-19 from mimics. A common pitfall is to rush to make a diagnosis when encountering a patient with COVID-19-like symptoms. The present study describes a series of COVID-19 mimics using an outpatient database collected from a designated COVID-19 healthcare facility in Tokyo, Japan. Methods We established an emergency room (ER) tailored specifically for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 called the "COVID-ER." In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients who visited the COVID-ER from February 1 to September 5, 2020. The outcomes included the prevalence of COVID-19, admission, potentially fatal diseases and final diagnosis. Results We identified 2,555 eligible patients. The median age was 38 (interquartile range, 26-57) years old. During the study period, the prevalence of COVID-19 was 17.9% (457/2,555). Non-COVID-19 diagnoses accounted for 82.1% of all cases. The common cold had the highest prevalence and accounted for 33.0% of all final diagnoses, followed by gastroenteritis (9.4%), urinary tract infections (3.8%), tonsillitis (2.9%), heat stroke (2.6%) and bacterial pneumonia (2.1%). The prevalence of potentially fatal diseases was 14.2% (298/2,098) among non-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Several potentially fatal diseases remain masked among the wave of COVID-19 mimics. It is imperative that a thorough differential diagnostic panel be considered prior to the rendering of a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Abnormal pulmonary function and imaging studies in critical COVID-19 survivors at 100 days after the onset of symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The long-term repercussions of critical COVID-19 on pulmonary function and imaging studies remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the pulmonary function and computed tomography (CT) findings of critical COVID-19 patients approximately 100 days after symptom onset. METHODS: We retrospectively extracted data on critical COVID-19 patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation during hospitalization from April to December 2020 and evaluated their pulmonary function, residual respiratory symptoms and radiographic abnormalities on CT. RESULTS: We extracted 17 patients whose median age was 63 (interquartile range [IQR], 59-67) years. The median lengths of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation were 23 (IQR, 18-38) and 9 (IQR, 6-13) days, respectively. At 100 days after symptom onset, the following pulmonary function abnormalities were noted in 8 (47%) patients: a diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (%DLCO) of <80% for 6 patients (35%); a percent vital capacity (%VC) of <80% for 4 patients (24%); and a forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1%) of <70% for 1 patient (6%) who also presented with %DLCO and %VC abnormalities. Twelve (71%) patients reported residual respiratory symptoms and 16 (94%) showed abnormalities on CT. CONCLUSIONS: Over 90% of the critical COVID-19 patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation continued presenting with abnormal imaging studies and 47% of the patients presented with abnormal pulmonary function 100 days after symptom onset. The extent of the residual CT findings might be associated with the degree of abnormal pulmonary function in critical COVID-19 survivors.

Two Cases of Post-intubation Laryngotracheal Stenosis Occurring after Severe COVID-19.

We experienced two cases of post-intubation laryngotracheal stenosis (PILS) occurring in patients after acute coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in a relatively narrow time period. The patients required mechanical ventilation for 9 days in one and 28 days in the other. In both cases, the patients were discharged but later developed symptoms of cough and dyspnea, which were later diagnosed as PILS. Persistent cough and dyspnea are common symptoms in both PILS and the recovery phase of severe COVID-19. For this reason, PILS should be considered in the differential diagnosis post-COVID-19 patients. In addition, the prevalence of PILS may be greater than that of other critical diseases in severe COVID-19 patients.

[Diaphragmatic Injury Due to Blunt Trauma Diagnosed by a Diagnostic Thoracoscopy;Report of a Case].

We performed an exploratory thoracoscopy for a suspected diaphragm injury caused by a blunt-force chest trauma. A male patient in his fifties involved in a traffic accident and was transported by ambulance to our hospital. Upon arrival, his vital signs were stable, however, he was diagnosed as having fractures of the right tibia and fibula, multiple rib fractures and a slight right hemothorax. The limb fracture was treated by emergency surgery and the chest trauma was managed by chest drainage. Since injury of the diaphragm by fragment of the right 10th rib was suspected with chest computed tomography(CT), an exploratory thoracoscopy was performed after orthopedic surgery, and a laceration of the diaphragm without herniation was successfully closed.

Body temperature change and outcomes in patients undergoing long-distance air medical transport.

BACKGROUND: Short-distance air medical transport for adult emergency patients does not significantly affect patients' body temperature and outcomes. This study aimed to examine the influence of long-distance air medical transport on patients' body temperatures and the relationship between body temperature change and mortality. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients transferred via helicopter or plane from isolated islands to an emergency medical center in Tokyo, Japan between April 2010 and December 2016. Patients' average body temperature was compared before and after air transport using a paired t-test, and corrections between body temperature change and flight duration were calculated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multivariable logistic regression models were then used to examine the association between body temperature change and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 1253 patients, the median age was 72 years (interquartile range, 60-82 years) and median flight duration was 71 min (interquartile range, 54-93 min). In-hospital mortality was 8.5%, and average body temperature was significantly different before and after air transport (36.7 °C versus 36.3 °C; difference: -0.36 °C; 95% confidence interval, -0.30 to -0.42; p < 0.001). There was no correlation between body temperature change and flight duration (r = 0.025, p = 0.371). In-hospital death was significantly associated with (i) hyperthermia (>38.0 °C) or normothermia (36.0-37.9 °C) before air transport and hypothermia after air transport (odds ratio, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.63; p = 0.009), and (ii) winter season (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.27; p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Physicians should consider body temperature change during long-distance air transport in patients with not only hypothermia but also normothermia or hyperthermia before air transport, especially in winter.

Persistent Vegetative State after Diabetic Ketoacidosis Triggered by an Overdose of Psychotropic Agents.

A 28-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus was admitted for shock and coma due to diabetic ketoacidosis. Despite aggressive treatment and management of the patient's underlying clinical issues, the patient remained in a comatose state. Further investigations revealed an excess consumption of psychotropic agents; however, there was no evidence of an insulin overdose. Physicians should be aware that, in patients who are highly dependent upon insulin, an overdose of psychotropic agents can lead to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Internal Mammary Artery Injury without Chest Wall Fractures after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Case Report.

High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for survival from cardiac arrest. However, various chest compression-associated injuries have been reported. Internal mammary artery (IMA) injury is one of the rare complications after CPR, and most of cases include rib and sternum fractures. In this report, we describe a rare case of IMA injury without chest wall fractures after CPR. An 85-year-old man with a history of acute myocardial infarction 2 weeks prior visited to our hospital for sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). After admission, sustained VT requiring CPR occurred several times. Emergency coronary angiogram revealed 90% stenosis at the left anterior descending artery. Hence, emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed. During the PCI, blood gas analysis showed decreasing serum hemoglobin levels. Contrast computed tomography revealed hemothorax and extravasation at the branch of the right IMA without chest wall fractures. The patient's deteriorating hemodynamic condition precluded thoracotomy or embolization to stop the bleeding. The patient died on the next day of hospitalization. IMA injury can occur after CPR, regardless of chest wall fractures and can be fatal without early diagnosis. For an emergency physician, IMA injury should be considered as a cause of unknown anemia after CPR.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus with remarkable elevation of serum pancreatic enzymes.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus progresses extremely rapidly and is accompanied by ketoacidosis. Patients with the disease present at emergency departments with non-specific symptoms, including fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Here, we present a case of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus where the patient was initially misdiagnosed with gastroenteritis and acute pancreatitis. A 50-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with coma and shock. She had presented with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and thirst from 5 days before admission, and had been misdiagnosed with gastroenteritis by her primary care physician. Upon examination, metabolic acidosis and remarkable elevation of pancreatic exocrine enzymes were found (amylase 4322 IU/L, lipase 1046 IU/L). Acute pancreatitis was initially suspected because of the high pancreatic enzyme levels and abdominal pain. However, her plasma glucose level was markedly elevated at 1357 mg/dL. The patient was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus. Computed tomography showed no radiological evidence of acute pancreatitis. In conclusion, fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus is often referred to hospital with flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms and elevation of serum pancreatic enzymes. Physicians must be sure not to misdiagnose it as gastroenteritis or acute pancreatitis.

Giant Iliopsoas Abscess Caused by Morganella Morganii.

BACKGROUND While uncommon, iliopsoas abscesses can become the underlying cause of a fever of unknown origin. Even in such cases, it is considered rare for an iliopsoas abscess to extend into the subcutaneous space. CASE REPORT A 74-year-old woman with a history of schizophrenia was referred to our hospital with a high-grade fever. The patient was unaware of her febrile status prior to admission. There was no previous hospital admission. Examination revealed a non-tender mass in the lower right back that the patient had been aware of for approximately 1 month. Initially, we considered a subcutaneous abscess; however, computed tomography (CT) detected a large mass in the right retroperitoneum, which extended into the adjacent subcutaneous space. Surgical drainage was performed. M. morganii was detected in fluid evacuated from the abscess and in a urine culture. Blood cultures were negative. A repeat enhanced CT revealed a right renal abscess with staghorn calculus. This iliopsoas abscess was considered to be due to a renal abscess. The combination of a minimally aggressive bacterial species and the absence of disease awareness resulted in uncontrolled abscess growth in this case. Surgical drainage and salvage nephrectomy was subsequently performed, and she was discharged to a nursing home. CONCLUSIONS M. morganii can lead to massive abscess formation without an underlying immunocompromised status. Iliopsoas abscesses can surreptitiously extend into the subcutaneous space; therefore, not all abscesses observable from the surface are necessarily subcutaneous in origin.

Hemorrhagic giant cystic lymphangioma of the liver in an adult female.

An 18-year-old woman who presented with epigastric pain was diagnosed with rupture of a hepatic tumor and transported to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 13-cm, low-density giant mass in the left hepatic lobe and high-density ascites, indicating abdominal bleeding from the liver tumor. The patient underwent emergent celiac angiography, and the left hepatic artery, which was believed to feed the tumor, was embolized. After the patient's condition stabilized, she underwent left hepatic lobectomy. In addition, the enlarged lymph nodes of the hepatoduodenal ligament were dissected. On microscopic examination, immunohistochemical staining revealed that both the liver cyst and the enlarged lymph node were positive for the endothelial marker CD31 and lymphangial marker D2-40. The patient was pathologically diagnosed with cystic lymphangioma of the liver. She has now been followed up for almost 4 years after surgery without any sign of recurrence.

[Clinical analysis of delayed hemothorax due to diaphragmatic injury treated by emergent video-assisted thoracic surgery].

We encountered 5 cases of delayed massive hemothorax due to diaphragmatic injury. Delayed hemothorax presented 2∼11 days after injury, with lower rib fractures seen all cases. We performed emergent video-assisted thoracic surgery with mini-thoracotomy for all patients. Lacerations could be clearly visualized in the diaphragm after evacuation of blood clots, which were then sutured. In four cases, the sharp edges of the broken ribs were thought to have caused the diaphragmatic lacerations. The mean blood loss volume was 2,905 ml, and all patients required blood transfusions. However, homeostasis was achieved after surgery, and all patients had an uneventful postoperative course. Although, delayed hemothorax is relatively uncommon, it needs to be considered a lethal condition.

Non-operative management of blunt liver injury: a new protocol for selected hemodynamically unstable patients under hypotensive resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate our new protocol for performing non-operative management for selected unstable patients under hypotensive resuscitation using improved diagnostic imaging techniques. METHODS: This retrospective study included 77 consecutive patients with blunt liver injury. They were divided into two groups: those treated before and those treated after the revision. Under the new protocol, we attempted to manage the patients non-operatively, usually with angioembolization, including those whose shock improved with fluid resuscitation and continuous loading, permitting the maintenance of a target systolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg. The outcomes of the two groups were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: While comparing the groups, although there was no change in the liver-related morbidity and mortality rates, the urgent and overall laparotomy rates and transfusion requirements in 24 h significantly decreased after the protocol revision. While comparing the subgroups of high-grade injury (AAST Grades 3-5), the overall laparotomy rates and transfusion requirements in 24 h significantly decreased after the protocol revision. CONCLUSIONS: All the selected unstable patients were successfully managed non-operatively after the protocol revision. The decrease in laparotomy rates and transfusion requirements confirmed the feasibility of our new protocol for these selected patients.

[High-age thoracic impalement injury treated by conservative therapy].

Thoracic impalement injury is uncommon mechanism of injury. We describe a case treated successfully by non-surgical management. An 87-year-old male got impalement injury in his room by a part of stepladder on right anterior chest wall. He was found to be alert and hemodynamically stable, so computed tomography (CT) scan was performed. Chest CT showed right-sided hemopneumothorax and pulmonary contusion, but no cardiac and great vessels injury. We discussed about performing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), but selected non-surgical treatment including chest drainage at that time, because of low possibilities of massive bleeding and apprehension of postoperative complication resulting from patient's high age. He had uneventful recovery and was discharged on foot 13 days after admission.