scholarly journals LO86: Overutilization of computed tomography as a first-line investigation for patients presenting with suspected recurrent nephrolithiasis in the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S57-S58
Author(s):  
J. Himelfarb ◽  
J.S. Lee ◽  
D. Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Renal Colic ◽  
Eligible Patient ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Choosing Wisely ◽  
System Level ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
History Of

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) has increasingly been used as a standard initial investigation for patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with suspected nephrolithiasis. Compared to ultrasound, CT has increased system-level costs, ionizing radiation exposure and frequently does not alter management. For these reasons, Choosing Wisely (CW) recommends avoiding CT imaging of otherwise healthy patients younger than age 50 years presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated renal colic that have a known history of nephrolithiasis or ureterolithiasis. We aimed to evaluate the degree of utilization of CT imaging for this subgroup of patients in a tertiary care centre ED. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients younger than 50 years who visited Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre ED for six months between December 2015 and May 2016 with renal colic symptoms and a history of nephrolithiasis. Demographic data, relevant past medical history, clinical presentation, lab values, urology consultation, ED treatments administered, diagnostic imaging orders and dispositions were recorded for each eligible patient. Results: Out of 130 reviewed patient charts, 73 patients were identified with a previous history of nephrolithiasis and a presentation consistent with uncomplicated renal colic. 54 patients received ultrasound, KUB x-ray, or no imaging. The other 19 (26.0%) of these patients received an abdominal/pelvic CT with an indication of looking for renal or ureteral stones. Of the patients that received CT, none demonstrated significant findings warranting hospital admission or leading to identifiable changes in ED management. Five (26.3%) of these 19 patients had received a total of three to four CTs for renal colic during past Sunnybrook ED visits, while one had previously received 13 CTs. Conclusion: CT scans are often used as an initial diagnostic modality for suspected renal colic despite a Choosing Wisely recommendation to restrict the use of CT scans in a target population and infrequent changes in management after obtaining a CT. These findings highlight the need for quality improvement strategies to decrease CT utilization in this patient population with suspected renal colic.

scholarly journals Trends in Emergency Department Computed Tomography Usage for Diagnosis of Peritonsillar Abscess

2021 ◽  
pp. 014556132098499
Author(s):  
Ryan Nesemeier ◽  
Shawn Jones ◽  
Kevin Jacob ◽  
Elizabeth Cash ◽  
Julie Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Peritonsillar Abscess ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Acute Tonsillitis ◽  
P Values ◽  
Presenting Symptoms

Objectives: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep neck space infection and a frequent cause for otolaryngology consultation. Patients often undergo computed tomography (CT) scan for confirmation in addition to physical examination. Our aims were to determine whether patients unnecessarily undergo CT scans in the emergency department (ED) when presenting with sore throat and identify physical examination characteristics that predict PTA. Methods: The electronic medical records of all patients (>18 years) presenting to an ED between June 2014 and June 2015 with a primary diagnosis of acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, or PTA were reviewed for presenting symptoms and diagnostic imaging use. Results: Four hundred eight patients met inclusion criteria; 21 were diagnosed with PTA, including 13 based on history and physical alone. A total of 21 CT scans were ordered, 11 (52.3%) of which did not demonstrate abscess. Soft palatal fullness, uvular deviation, drooling, and muffled voice were all significantly associated with increased CT usage (all P values <.02). Rising subjective pain scores were associated with increased use of CT imaging ( P = .029). Multivariable analyses revealed that soft palatal fullness, uvular deviation, and drooling were all significant predictors of PTA (all P values <.001). Conclusions: Patients with severe symptoms of PTA, including uvular deviation, drooling, and soft palatal fullness, were most likely to undergo CT imaging. Given the high likelihood of PTA, patients presenting with these symptoms could forego CT imaging, reducing exposure to ionizing radiation.

scholarly journals P136: Increasing access to computed tomography scanning in the emergency department and its effect on patient outcomes

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S113
Author(s):  
M. Watson ◽  
C. Richard ◽  
N. Fortino ◽  
T. Lyon ◽  
R. Ohle
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Computed Tomography Scanning ◽  
The Impact

Background: There is growing concern about emergency physicians overuse of computed tomography (CT). In an attempt to ensure appropriate ordering many hospitals implement strict protocols for ordering of CT scans in the emergency department (ED) that include approval of all scans by a board-certified radiologist, and a reduced access to CT overnight. Aim Statement: The aim of this study is to review the impact of RAD ED – direct access to CT ordering by ED physicians, 24hr CT technologist and third-party reporting on CT scans overnight. Our objectives were to assess the effect on; 1) ED length of stay, 2) number of CT scans ordered and 3) admission rates. Measures &amp; Design: We conducted a prospective pilot before &amp; after study at a single tertiary-care emergency department between February 1st, 2018 and July 31st, 2018. Inclusion criteria were adult patients presenting to the emergency department and undergoing CT for any of the following: face, neck, spine, upper and lower extremities, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Exclusion criteria were those undergoing CT head for stroke or trauma. Evaluation/Results: A total of 924 patients met our criteria, 352 before and 568 after implementation. Comparison of the patient populations demonstrate very similar characteristics in both groups; (49% male, average age 56 years, CTAS 2(40%) and 3(47%). Results demonstrate that an additional 216 scans were performed in post-implementation group. This equates to an increase of 61%. ED length of stay averaged 5.6 hours pre-implementation and 4.7 hours post-implementation. This corresponds to a significant reduction in length of stay of approximately 0.9 hours (p &lt; 0.01). Collection is currently ongoing for factors that we will adjust for a multivariate analysis, including admission rates. Discussion/Impact: RAD ED led to a significant increase in CT ordering and decrease in ED length of stay. We believe that this project provides important information to clinicians and patients with regards to overall CT utilization, ED wait times, follow up visits for CT scanning and admission rates. It is also important for administrators to help decide if these new rules are leading to improved efficiency, and to help estimate their financial impact.

scholarly journals A141 SPONTANEOUS ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION: AN UNREPORTED COMPLICATION OF LYMPHOCYTIC ESOPHAGITIS

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 128-129
Author(s):  
A LAGROTTERIA ◽  
A W Collins ◽  
A Someili ◽  
N Narula
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Proton Pump Inhibitor ◽  
Proton Pump ◽  
Esophageal Perforation ◽  
Distal Esophagus ◽  
Chest Discomfort ◽  
History Of ◽  
Lymphocytic Esophagitis

Abstract Background Lymphocytic esophagitis is a new and rare clinicopathological entity. It is a histological pattern characterized by lymphocytic infiltrate without granulocytes. Its etiology and clinical significance remains unclear. The clinical manifestations are typically mild, with reflux and dysphagia the most commonly reported symptoms. Aims We describe a case report of spontaneous esophageal perforation associated with lymphocytic esophagitis. Methods Case report Results A previously well 31-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute food impaction. His antecedent symptoms were acute chest discomfort and continuous odynophagia following his most recent meal, with persistent globus sensation. The patient had no reported history of allergies, atopy, rhinitis, or asthma. A previous history of non-progressive dysphagia was noted after resuscitation. Emergent endoscopy revealed no food bolus, but a deep 6 cm mucosal tear in the upper-mid esophagus extending 24 to 30 cm from the incisors. Chest computed tomography observed small volume pneumoperitoneum consistent with esophageal perforation. The patient’s recovery was uneventful; he was managed conservatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and a soft-textured diet. Endoscopy was repeated 48 hours later and revealed considerable healing with only a residual 3-4cm linear laceration. Histology of biopsies taken from the mid and distal esophagus demonstrated marked infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes. There were no eosinophils or neutrophils identified, consistent with a diagnosis of lymphocytic esophagitis. Autoimmune indices including anti-nuclear antibodies and immunoglobulins were normal, ruling out a contributory autoimmune or connective tissue process. The patient was maintained on a proton pump inhibitor (pantoprazole 40 mg once daily) following discharge. Nearly six months following his presentation, the patient had a recurrence of symptoms prompting representation to the emergency department. He described acute onset chest discomfort while eating turkey. Computed tomography of the chest redemonstrated circumferential intramural gas in the distal esophagus and proximal stomach. Conclusions Esophageal perforation is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of what had been considered and described as a relatively benign condition. From isolated dysphagia to transmural perforation, this case significantly expands our current understanding of the clinical spectrum of lymphocytic esophagitis. Funding Agencies None

Abstract 115: Predictors Of A Positive Stress Test Among Patient Presenting To The Emergency Department With Chest Pain

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Taraka V Gadiraju ◽  
Jahnavi Sagi ◽  
Dev Basu ◽  
Srikanth Penumetsa ◽  
Michael Rothberg
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Pseudorandom Number Generator ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Final Multivariable Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of

Objectives: Patients frequently present to the hospital with chest pain. Once myocardial infarction is ruled out based on EKG and cardiac enzymes, most patients undergo stress testing, but only few patients have a positive test. In ambulatory practice, age, sex and symptomatology can establish pretest probability of the coronary disease. However, there are no studies evaluating the predictors of a positive stress test in the emergency department (ED). We assessed predictors for a positive stress test in patients presenting to our hospital with chest pain. Methods: This is a case-control study conducted on a subset of patients admitted to our tertiary care center with chest pain between 2007 and 2009, and who had an inpatient stress test (n=1474). Using chart review, we identified 87 patients, whose stress tests were positive (abnormals), defined as presence of ischemia on EKG and/or imaging modalities. We then used a pseudorandom number generator to select 194 patients whose stress test results were normal (normals) for comparison. Clinical features of chest pain and CAD risk factors were abstracted from the medical record for comparison. A bivariable screening process was used to identify characteristics for inclusion in a multivariable predictive model. Sex and age were maintained in the model for face validity, and remaining covariates were removed in ascending order of their z-statistics until only those with a two-sided p-value of <0.10 remained. Stata 12.1 (Copyright 2011, StataCorp LP) was used for all analyses. Results: Patients with an abnormal stress test were older and more likely to be male and to have a history of vascular disease. Although patients with abnormal stress test were more likely to have history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and current or ex-smoking, this difference was not statistically significant. Over half of the patients presented with non-cardiac chest pain and there was no significant difference in the chest pain characteristics between patients who had a normal and an abnormal stress test result. In the final multivariable model, when compared to the normals, abnormals were four times as likely to have a history of revascularization (OR 4.13, 95% CI 2.11, 8.09) and twice as likely to have a history of hyperlipidemia (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.18, 3.79). They were also more likely to have an EKG suggestive of ischemia at presentation (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.03, 3.53). Specificity of the model was 89%; sensitivity was 43%, and the c-statistic for the final multivariable model was 0.76, suggesting fair to good discrimination. Conclusions: Among patients presenting to the ED with chest pain, a past history of revascularization and hyperlipidemia and an EKG suggestive of ischemia may independently predict the likelihood of an abnormal stress test. Further validation of this model on an external dataset is necessary.

scholarly journals Findings of Non-enhanced Abdominal Computed Tomography for Pain Management of Acute Renal Colic Patients in the Emergency Department

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Renal Colic ◽  
Repeated Administration ◽  
Pain Medication ◽  
Ureteral Stones ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Acute Renal Colic ◽  
Enhanced Computed Tomography

Study Objectives: To identify non-enhanced computed tomography (NECT) findings related to repeated requirement of painkiller, hospitalization and revisits within 5 days of discharge among acute renal colic patients. Patients and methods: A retrospective observational study was performed for all patients (age > 18 years) with acute renal colic who visited the emergency department (ED) between 2012 and 2015. NECT findings of acute ureterolithiasis (size, location, hydronephroureter, perinephric infiltrations and soft-tissue rim sign) were analysed for their relationships to repeated administration of painkiller, hospitalization and ED revisit. Results: Of total 862 patients enrolled, 305 (35.4%) required repeated administration of pain medication. In the NECT findings, hydronephroureter was more prevalent in the repeated administration of painkiller group (61.3% vs. 53.7%), but did not show independent relationship. Sixty-eight (7.9%) were hospitalized and 44 (5.1%) returned to the ED. The significant findings associated with hospitalization were hydronephroureter (OR [Odd Ratio] 1.92, 95%CI [Confidence Intervals] 1.04–3.54) and mid (5–7 mm) / large-size (> 7mm) ureteral stones (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.49–4.76 and OR 4.78, 95% CI 1.80–12.70). The soft-tissue rim signs (OR 2.16, 95%CI 1.07–4.37) and proximal/mid location of stones (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.26–8.20 and OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.19–5.37) were independently associated with ED revisit. Conclusions: Among the NECT findings of acute ureterolithiasis, hydronephroureter and stones > 5 mm in size were independently associated with the need of hospitalization. The soft-tissue rim sign and proximal/mid location of stones were independently associated with ED revisit within 5 days.

Managing Incidentalomas Safely: Do Computed Tomography Requisitions Tell Us What We Need to Know?

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-391
Author(s):  
Matthew Walker ◽  
Joy Borgaonkar ◽  
Daria Manos
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Incidental Findings ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Patient Questionnaire ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
History Of ◽  
Patient’S History ◽  
History Of Cancer

Purpose Technological advancements and the ever-increasing use of computed tomography (CT) have greatly increased the detection of incidental findings, including tiny pulmonary nodules. The management of many “incidentalomas” is significantly influenced by a patient's history of cancer. The study aim is to determine if CT requisitions include prior history of malignancy. Methods Requisitions for chest CTs performed at our adult tertiary care hospital during April 2012 were compared to a cancer history questionnaire, administered to patients at the time of CT scan. Patients were excluded from the study if the patient questionnaire was incomplete or if the purpose of the CT was for cancer staging or cancer follow-up. Results A total of 569 CTs of the chest were performed. Of the 327 patients that met inclusion criteria, 79 reported a history of cancer. After excluding patients for whom a history of malignancy could not be confirmed through a chart review and excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer, dysplasia, and in situ neoplasm, 68 patients were identified as having a history of malignancy. We found 44% (95% confidence interval [0.32-0.57]) of the chest CT requisitions for these 68 patients did not include the patient's history of cancer. Of the malignancies that were identified by patient questionnaire but omitted from the clinical history provided on the requisitions, 47% were malignancies that commonly metastasize to the lung. Conclusions A significant number of requisitions failed to disclose a history of cancer. Without knowledge of prior malignancy, radiologists cannot comply with current guidelines regarding the reporting and management of incidental findings.

Pseudodiagnosis of Pseudoseizure

2020 ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Pat Croskerry
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Emergency ◽  
The Past ◽  
Autopsy Report ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Depression ◽  
Tomography Scan ◽  
Surprising Finding

In this case, a 35-year-old male is brought to a community hospital emergency department by ambulance having suffered an apparent seizure in the street. He is well known to the nurses and physician who see him. He has had several visits for seizures, and he has a history of depression. He has had electroencephalography studies and a computed tomography scan of his head in the past and has had assessments by both neurology and psychiatry. While he is in the department, he has an atypical seizure. There is a consensus among the ED staff that his seizures may be factitious. After a period of observation, he is discharged. Approximately 6 months later, the physician hears that the patient has died and tracks down his autopsy report, which had a surprising finding.

scholarly journals How do we manage emergency department patients diagnosed with transient ischemic attack?

CJEM ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (01) ◽  
pp. 20-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Perry ◽  
Jonathan Kerr ◽  
Cheryl Symington ◽  
Jane Sutherland
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
History Of ◽  
Emergency Department Patients ◽  
Ischemic Attack

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Multiple studies have demonstrated low rates of antithrombotic use, low neuroimaging rates, and high subsequent risk of stroke at 90 days following an emergency department (ED) diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA). This study assessed the use of antithrombotic medications, neuroimaging, and subsequent 90-day stroke rate for patients in a more recent cohort of ED patients discharged home with TIA.Methods:We conducted a 1-year historical cohort study of all patients discharged with a TIA at a tertiary care ED (census 60,000 visits/year), which was one of the four sites participating in one of the aforementioned studies. Data were extracted from paper and electronic records onto standardized data extraction forms. Clinical findings, medications, and tests were recorded.Results:A total of 211 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients had the following characteristics: the mean age was 71.2 years (SD 13.8 years), 56.9% were female, 53.1% had a history of hypertension, 26.5% had a history of ischemic heart disease, and 17.1% had a previous stroke. The most frequent neurologic deficit was unilateral weakness (53.6%), and most deficits lasted for more than 60 minutes (71.6%). Antithrombotic medications were used for 96.7% of patients at ED discharge. Neuroimaging was conducted in 94.3% of patients while in the ED. Our cohort had a 90-day stroke rate of 1.9%.Conclusions:This study established that most TIA patients receive neuroimaging in the ED and are started on or maintained on antithrombotic agents. Clinicians are encouraged to ensure that electrocardiography is done routinely and to involve Neurology in follow-up care.

Incarcerated inguinal hernia? No, acute pancreatitis

Open Medicine ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 770-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Ramia-Angel ◽  
Eloy Sancho ◽  
Rafael Lozoya ◽  
Andrej Gasz ◽  
Jose Santos
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Incarcerated Hernia ◽  
Intravenous Antibiotic ◽  
Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia ◽  
Testicular Pain ◽  
Inguinal Area ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right

AbstractA 62-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with a 2-day history of right testicular pain. The initial diagnosis was orchiepididymitis (later found to be mistaken), and intravenous antibiotic treatment was started. Twenty-four hours later, the patient had mild pain in the right inguinal area and right infra-abdominal area. We performed an inguinal ultrasound that showed an incarcerated mass of mixed echogenicity in the right inguinal area. Surgery was performed because we thought the patient had an inguinal incarcerated hernia. Two days after the surgical procedure, the patient began to have fever and erythema and pain in the back. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed an acute pancreatitis with a peripancreatic collection from the pancreas to right inguinal area. We have reviewed similar cases in the literature and note that, infrequently, an inguinal mass can be the first sign of mostly asymptomatic acute pancreatitis.

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