In the Emergency Department, the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) relies initially on a patient’s history and the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Establishing the diagnosis of AMI in the left bundle branch block (LBBB) is difficult and can result in delay of definitive treatment. In 1996, Sgarbossa found 3 ECG criteria to evaluate for AMI in patients with LBBB. Continue reading “Criteria for Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Left Bundle Branch Block”
The classification or index of heart failure severity in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was proposed by Killip and Kimball aiming at assessing the risk of in-hospital death and the potential benefit of specific management of care provided in Coronary Care Units (CCU). Continue reading “Killip-Kimball Classification for Acute Myocardial Infarction”
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Continue reading “Case Definition for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)”
The Berlin definition, proposed in 2012, breaks with tradition by establishing three risk strata that are based on the degree of hypoxemia as assessed at a minimum positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).
Continue reading “Berlin Definition of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)”
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by brief spinning sensations, usually lasting less than 1 minute, which are generally induced by a change in head position with respect to gravity.
Guidelines for urinary indices whereby established Acute Renal Failure (ARF) can be distinguished from renal vasoconstriction with intact tubular function (prerenal azotemia).
Continue reading “Guidelines for Urinary Indices in Acute Renal Failure (ARF)”
Acute: Subtle low signal (hypointense) on T1, often difficult to see at this stage, and high signal (hyperintense) on spin density and/or T2-weighted and proton density-weighted images starting 8 h after onset; should follow vascular distribution. Mass effect maximal at 24 h, sometimes starting 2 h after onset, even in the absence of parenchymal signal changes. No parenchymal enhancement with paramagnetic contrast agent. Territorial intravascular paramagnetic contrast enhancement of “slow-flow” arteries in hyperacute infarcts; at 48 h, parenchymal and meningeal enhancement can be expected.
Continue reading “Diagnostic Criteria of Infarction in MRI of the Brain in Acute Stroke”
Computed tomography (CT) is widely used for early evaluation of acute strokes. Most importantly, CT excludes acute hemorrhage or other diseases mimicking ischemia. Continue reading “Diagnostic Criteria of Infarction in CT Imaging of the Brain in Acute Stroke”
A DNR order may be written any time that two of the following clinical criteria are present and the prognosis has become clear for and shared whenever possible between physician(s), patient, and family (or appropriate surrogate).
Continue reading “Clinical Criteria for Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders in Acute Stroke”
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