Guidance for clinical practice using emergency and point-of-care ultrasonography.

Owing to the miniaturization of diagnostic ultrasound scanners and their spread of their bedside use, ultrasonography has been actively utilized in emergency situations. Ultrasonography performed by medical personnel with focused approaches at the bedside for clinical decision-making and improving the quality of invasive procedures is now called point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). The concept of POCUS has spread worldwide; however, in Japan, formal clinical guidance concerning POCUS is lacking, except for the application of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) and ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation. The Committee for the Promotion of POCUS in the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) has often discussed improving the quality of acute care using POCUS, and the "Clinical Guidance for Emergency and Point-of-Care Ultrasonography" was finally established with the endorsement of JAAM. The background, targets for acute care physicians, rationale based on published articles, and integrated application were mentioned in this guidance. The core points include the fundamental principles of ultrasound, airway, chest, cardiac, abdominal, and deep venous ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, and the usage of ultrasound based on symptoms. Additional points, which are currently being considered as potential core points in the future, have also been widely mentioned. This guidance describes the overview and future direction of ultrasonography for acute care physicians and can be utilized for emergency ultrasound education. We hope this guidance will contribute to the effective use of ultrasonography in acute care settings in Japan.

Compression-associated injuries using CLOVER3000 device in non-survivor patients of OHCA: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: The incidence of compression-associated injuries from using the CLOVER3000, a new mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device, is not well studied in the context of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Thus, we aimed to compare compression-associated injuries between CLOVER3000 and manual CPR. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective, cohort study used data from the medical records of a tertiary care center in Japan between April 2019 and August 2022. We included adult non-survivor patients with non-traumatic OHCA who were transported by emergency medical services and underwent post-mortem computed tomography. Compression-associated injuries were tested using logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, bystander CPR performance, and CPR duration. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients (CLOVER3000, 42.3%; manual CPR, 57.7%) were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of compression-associated injuries was similar between the two groups (92.5% vs. 94.54%; adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06-1.44]). The most common injury was anterolateral rib fractures with a similar incidence between the two groups (88.7% vs. 88.9%; AOR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.38 to 2.78]). The second most common injury was sternal fracture in both groups (53.1% vs. 56.7%; AOR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.36-1.30]). The incidence rates of other injuries were not statistically different between the both groups. CONCLUSION: We observed a similar overall incidence of compression-associated injuries between the CLOVER3000 and manual CPR groups on small sample size.

Success rate of anterior shoulder dislocation reduction by emergency physicians: a retrospective cohort study.

Aim: Emergency physicians (EPs) often treat anterior shoulder dislocation, but epidemiology of anterior shoulder dislocation in the emergency department of Japan remains unclear. In this study, we clarified the success rate of anterior shoulder reduction performed by EPs. Methods: This single-center cohort study included patients with anterior shoulder dislocation for whom the EP performed initial reduction. The period was from January 2006 to March 2021 and we used the electronic medical record data of the tertiary care hospital. Our primary outcome was the success rate of the shoulder reduction performed by EP. The secondary outcome was to compare the success of reduction with the failure of the reduction. Results: In total, 293 eligible patients were identified. Of these patients, 244 were included in this study. The success rate of the shoulder reduction performed by EP was 92.2% (225/244). EPs failed in successfully performing reduction in 19 (7.8%) cases of anterior shoulder dislocations. The failure group was older (P = 0.017), had a higher frequency of fall down in the mechanism of dislocation (P = 0.019), used intravenous analgesics more frequently (P = 0.004), used peripheral nerve blocks more frequently (P = 0.006), and had fewer patients who did not use drugs (P = 0.002). We could not perform statical adjustment because the sample size was small. Conclusion: The success rate of the shoulder reduction performed by EPs was 92.2%. Older age might be associated with failure of shoulder reduction.

Displaced anterior pelvic fracture on initial pelvic radiography predicts massive hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Massive hemorrhage is often associated with unstable pelvic fractures with posterior ring injury. Initial pelvic radiography alone may not detect these posterior lesions. We examined whether the presence of an anterior pelvic fracture on initial pelvic radiography alone may identify patients who are at a high risk of major hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 288 patients with pelvic fractures were admitted to the Fukui Prefectural Hospital during an 11-year period. After excluding 33 patients who were in cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival and nine with concomitant abdominal organ injuries requiring emergency laparotomy, 246 eligible patients were retrospectively reviewed. Anterior pelvic fractures were defined as displacement of the obturator ring, obturator ring with laterality, or displacement of the pubic symphysis on pelvic radiography. RESULTS: Massive hemorrhage was identified in 106 of 246 patients. Patients with massive hemorrhage had a higher frequency of anterior pelvic fractures on pelvic radiography and higher frequency of posterior pelvic fractures on computed tomography than those without massive hemorrhage. Logistic regression analysis identified displacement of the obturator ring by ≥5mm, obturator ring with laterality of ≥5mm, and displacement of the pubic symphysis by ≥4mm on pelvic radiography as predictors of massive pelvic hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggested that the presence of displaced anterior lesions of the pelvic ring on pelvic radiography alone, without the use of computed tomography during the initial treatment stage, may promptly identify patients at high risk of massive pelvic hemorrhage who require intervention for hemorrhage control.

Small tube thoracostomy (20-22 Fr) in emergent management of chest trauma.

BACKGROUND: The optimal tube size for an emergent thoracostomy for traumatic pneumothorax or hemothorax is unknown. Both small catheter tube thoracostomy and large-bore chest tube thoracostomy have been shown to work for the nonemergent management of patients with traumatic pneumothorax or hemothorax. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of a small chest tube with that of a large tube in emergent thoracostomy due to chest trauma. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in clinical outcomes including tube-related complications, the need for additional tube placement, and thoracotomy, with the replacement of large tubes with small tubes. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with chest trauma requiring tube thoracostomy within the first 2h from arrival at our emergency department over a 7-year period was conducted. Charts were reviewed for demographic data and outcomes including complications and initial drainage output. Small chest tubes (20-22 Fr) were compared with a large tube (28 Fr). Our primary outcome was tube-related complications. Secondary outcomes included additional invasive procedures, such as additional tube insertion and thoracotomy. RESULTS: There were 124 tube thoracostomies (small: 68, large: 56) performed in 116 patients. There were no significant differences between the small- and large-tube groups with regard to age, gender, injury mechanism, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and injury severity score. Both groups were similar in the posterior direction of tube insertion, initial drainage output, and the duration of tube insertion. There was no significant difference in the primary outcomes of tube-related complications, including empyema (small: 1/68 vs. large: 1/56; p=1.000) or retained hemothorax (small: 2/68 vs. large: 2/56; p=1.000). Secondary outcomes, including the need for additional tube placement (small: 2/68 vs. large: 4/56; p=0.408) or thoracotomy (small: 2/68 vs. large: 1/56; p=1.000), were also similar. CONCLUSION: For patients with chest trauma, emergent insertion of 20-22 Fr chest tubes has no difference in the efficacy of drainage, rate of complications, and need for additional invasive procedures compared with a large tube (28 Fr).

Point-of-care Lung Ultrasound.

The evaluation of the lung has usually been considered off-limits for ultrasound, because ultrasound energy is rapidly dissipated by air. Lung ultrasound is not useful for the evaluation of the pulmonary parenchyma and the pleural line. However ultrasound machines have become more portable, with decreased start-up time, while simultaneously providing improved image quality and ease of image acquisition. Additionally, lung ultrasound is highly accurate for the diagnosis of pneumothorax, hemothorax. pleural effusions, pulmonary edema (cardiogenic or noncardiogenic), interstitial syndrome, and pneumonia. These factors make lung ultrasound suitable for operating rooms, intensive care units, and emergency departments. Adequate interpretation of lung ultrasonographic findings, including artifacts, requires some training and experience. Since lung ultrasound abnormalities, however, are well defined and easy to recognize, learn and reproduce, operator dependence is minimal. So let's try lung ultrasound! In this article, the author will discuss the examination method for adequate lung ultrasonographic images, lung ultrasonographic findings and signs, leading to the diagnosis.

Characteristics and diagnostic pitfalls of spontaneous visceral artery dissection in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous visceral artery dissection (VAD) is a rare disease that mainly occurs in the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery. However, VAD has been detected more frequently in the past several years because of the increasing use of computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of abdominal symptoms. A prompt diagnosis and referral to a specialist should be made, because VAD occasionally causes critical bowel ischemia. However, there is no well-established management approach. We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the characteristics and prognoses of patients diagnosed with VAD. METHODS: We retrospectively examined data on patients who visited the Emergency Department (ED) at Fukui Prefectural Hospital, and were diagnosed with VAD using enhanced CT scanning from April 2004 to March 2015. All data were collected from the hospital's electronic medical records. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, comorbidity, risk factors, imaging findings, and treatment of patients. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were identified (superior mesenteric artery: 40 patients, celiac artery: 16 patients). The median age of the patients was 54 years (range, 32-86 years) and 89.3% were men. The majority of the patients complained of abdominal pain (37 patients, 66%). Thirty-nine of the patients (69.6%) were hospitalized. All hospitalized patients received conservative treatment initially. Three patients received endovascular therapy, and 2 patients received surgery. No fatal cases were observed. Twenty-eight patients presented with ED at their initial visit, and 8 cases (29%) were undiagnosed on their initial visit by emergency physicians, though enhanced CT scans were obtained. CONCLUSION: Patients with VAD often present with sudden onset abdominal pain. Most patients were managed successfully with conservative treatment. No fatal cases were observed; however, some cases were missed, even with an enhanced CT scan. It is necessary to include VAD among the differential diagnoses of acute abdominal pain. Patients with VAD should be referred to a specialist, because this disease occasionally causes critical bowel ischemia, necessitating surgical intervention.

Blunt thoracic aortic injury with small pseudoaneurysm may be managed by nonoperative treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of nonoperative management of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) was evaluated in patients with pseudoaneurysm. METHODS: A retrospective review was done for patients with BTAI at Fukui Prefectural Hospital during a 9-year period. Charts were reviewed for age, gender, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale for each body area, initial type of aortic injury, site of aortic injury, type of definitive management, complications, and outcomes. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with BTAI were treated at Fukui Prefectural Hospital. Of 18 patients with pseudoaneurysm, seven patients were hemodynamically unstable and four patients died because of associated injuries; there were no aortic-related deaths. All 14 surviving patients were followed up for an average of 40.9 months. Only two patients with pseudoaneurysm required operative management because of the progression of the pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm/normal aortic diameter ratio of those with any intervention was higher than that of those with nonoperative management. CONCLUSIONS: BTAI with pseudoaneurysm can be managed nonoperatively, with about 10% risk of progression to require surgical repair.

Elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein after minor trauma during pregnancy may predict adverse fetal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the relationship between minor trauma during pregnancy and elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein level. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of pregnant patients admitted to Fukui Prefectural Hospital with trauma during a 10-year period. Charts were reviewed for maternal age, gestational age, injury characteristics, Injury Severity Score, the presence of abdominal pain, systolic pressure and heart rate on arrival, fetal hemoglobin level, and maternal serum α-fetoprotein (MSAFP) concentration on arrival. RESULTS: Fifty-one pregnant patients with any trauma were treated at Fukui Prefectural Hospital. All patients were hemodynamically stable and had minor trauma. An adverse pregnancy outcome occurred in three patients (5%). One patient's fetus had a left kidney injury. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in two patients. The time from injury to fatal death was 180 minutes in one patient and 18 hours in the other patient. The mean ± SD fetal hemoglobin was 0.57% ± 0.88%. The mean ± SD MSAFP was 511 ng/mL ± 1,263 ng/mL. Three patients with adverse pregnancy outcome had a high MSAFP of greater than 1,000 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: High level of MSAFP may be a predictor of poor fetal outcome following trauma during pregnancy regardless of the severity of the trauma or the mother's hemodynamic status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level V.

Time to pelvic embolization for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures may affect the survival for delays up to 60 min.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the relationship between survival and time from arrival to angiography for hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic trauma. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients admitted to Fukui Prefectural Hospital with pelvic fractures during a 7.5-year period. Charts were reviewed for age, injury characteristics, injury severity score, systolic blood pressure and heart rate on arrival, base deficit, and the lactate concentration on arrival, transfusion requirement, fracture pattern, the time from hospital arrival to angiography, and the time spent in the angiography suite. RESULTS: Of a total of 140 patients, 68 patients underwent pelvic angiography and embolization. Of the patients, 24 patients were hemodynamically unstable. The average injury severity score was 41.7. Of the patients, 17 had major ligamentous disruption. The average time from hospital arrival to angiography suite was 76 min. Of the hemodynamically unstable 24 patients, there were 12 deaths (50%). Patients who were embolized within 60 min of arrival had a significantly lower mortality rate (16 vs. 64%; p=0.04). There was no embolization-related complication and repeat angiography was not required in all patients. CONCLUSION: Earlier pelvic embolization within 60 min may affect the survival of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fracture.

[Dural arteriovenous fistula manifesting as subarachnoid hemorrhage at the craniocervical junction. A case report].

A 65-year-old man suddenly developed severe headache, vertigo, and sensory disturbance of the right side. On the CT, a high density round mass was identified in the dorsal portion of the pons. The patient's level of consciousness decreased one hour later. A repeat CT showed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus. Angiography demonstrated a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) at the craniocervical junction. The main feeding artery was the left C2 radicular artery, and the fistula was drained by a leptomeningeal vein that proceeded upward and had a venous ectasia in its distal portion. Transarterial embolization could not be performed because the feeding artery could not be cannulated using a microcatheter. 3D-CT angiography showed a single draining vein at the anterior portion of the left vertebral artery. Four weeks later, ventricular drainage was instituted following surgical disruption of the arteriovenous fistula's draining vein. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete obliteration. In the present case, surgical clipping of the draining vein was safe and effective; surgical resection of the DAVF or cautery of the surrounding dura was not necessary. Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was as useful as the Doppler technique.