UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Calcium Affect on ECG

Keywords: ECG, Calcium, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Calcium's main effect on the ECG appears to be on the duration of the ST segment, such that: 1. Hypercalcemia shortens the ST segment, producing also a short QTc. 2. Hypocalcemia prolongs the ST segment, producing also a long QTc. As an aside, there are only three conditions in which a short QTc is typically noted: hypercalcemia, digitalis toxicity, and a recently described syndrome that causes sudden death--"the short QT syndrome" (in which the QTc may be < 300ms...that's REALLY short!). As another aside, there are only two conditions that prolong the QTc via prolongation of the ST segment--hypocalcemia and hypothermia.

Title: TRALI - Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: Transfusion, Lung, Injury (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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TRALI - Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury * TRALI has now emerged as the primary cause of transfusion-associated mortality, surpassing infectious complications and ABO mismatch * TRALI is defined as new ALI in a patient receiving, or having just received (within the past 6 hours), a blood product transfusion * All plasma-containing products have been implicated (FFP and platelets are the top offenders) * Clinically, patients present with dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxia * CXR findings are consistent with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema * There is no unique treatment for TRALI; most patients have resolution within 96 hours * AVOID diuretics as these patients are often volume depleted Reference: 1. Looney MR. Newly recognized causes of acute lung injury: transfusion of blood products, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and avian influenza. Clin Chest Med 2006;27:591-600.

Title: Pacer Cordis

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: Pacer, Cordis, transvenous (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Make sure the Cordis is the right size when floating a pacing wire * At some point in your career, you may need to "float" a transvenous pacing wire * When inserting the wire, you need to make sure you have the right size Cordis * In general, a pacing wire should be inserted through a 6F Cordis (0.198 mm) * Many introducer kits have a 7.5F Cordis (0.2475mm) that is used for insertion of a PAC * Blood loss, infection, and air embolism are risks that can occur when the Cordis catheter used is too large Reference: 1. Marcucci L, ed. Avoiding common ICU errors. Philadelphia; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007:275-6.

Title: Venous Air Embolism

Category: Airway Management

Keywords: Air, Embolism, Catheter (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Recognize the signs of venous air embolism when inserting a central venous catheter * Although rare, a feared complications of CVC insertion is venous air embolism (VAE) * Conditions that increase the risk of VAE are detachment of catheter connections, failure to occlude the needle hub during insertion, hypovolemia, and upright positioning of the patient * Clinically, VAE presents with acute dyspnea, cough, chest pain, altered mental status, tachypnea, tachycardia, and/or hypotension * Treatment includes placing the patient in a left lateral decubitus position, reverse Trendelenburg, and providing 100% oxygen via NRB * Also consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy * Aspiration of air, as recommended in some textbooks, is rarely successful Reference: Mirski MA. Lele AV. Fitzsimmons L. Toung TJ. Diagnosis and treatment of vascular air embolism. Anesthesiology 2007;106(1):164-77.

Title: Plateau Pressure

Category: Airway Management

Keywords: Plateau, Peak, Pressure, airway (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Use plateau pressure, rather than peak inspiratory pressure, as a means of assessing the risk of barotrauma * One mechanism (of many) by which mechanical ventilation can induce acute lung injury in patients with ARDS is overdistention of the alveoli * 2 common parameters used to assess airway pressures are plateau pressure (Pplat) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) * Pplat approximates small airway and alveolar pressures more closely than PIP * ARDSnet trial demonstrated a reduction in the number of ventilator days and mortality when Pplat was maintained < 30 cm H2O. References: 1. ARDS Network. Ventilation with lower tidal volumes as compared with traditional tidal volumes for acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. NEJM 2000;342:1301-8. 2. Marcucci L, ed. Avoiding common ICU errors. Philadelphia; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007:275-6.

Title: Cyanide toxicity

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Cyanide, itroprusside, hypotension (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Be alert for cyanide toxicity when using sodium nitroprusside * Toxicity from sodium nitroprusside can be seen in as little as 2-4 hours with rates > 4.0 mcg/kg/min * Patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction are at greatest risk * Clinical signs of toxicity include altered mental status (agitation, restlessness), tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, and eventually hypotension * The classic anion-gap metabolic acidosis is a pre-terminal event - do not wait for this to develop to raise suspicion of toxicity! Reference: Marcucci L, ed. Avoiding common ICU errors. Philadelphia; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007:148-9.

Title: Critical Illness Neuromyopathy (CINM)

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: Neuropathy, steroids, sepsis, neuromuscular (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Critical Illness Neuromyopathy (CINM) * CINM is the most common peripheral neuromuscular disorder encountered in the ICU * CINM may contribute to delayed weaning and prolonged ventilation * Risk factors for CINM include SIRS/MODS, sepsis, and hyperglycemia (corticosteroid use still controversial) * Current mainstay of management is directed at prevention * EM take home point -> Judicious use of medications associated with the development of CINM (aminoglycosides, neuromuscular blocking agents) Reference: De Jonghe B, Lacherade JC, Durand MC, et al. Critical illness neuromuscular syndromes. Crit Care Clin 2007;23:55-69. (compliments of Dr. Winters)

Title: Fungal Infections

Category: Critical Care

Keywords: Fungal, Infection, antifungal (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Fungal Infections * Fungal isolates are an increasingly common source of bloodstream infections in critically ill patients * Mortality ranges from 20% to 60% in some series * 50% are non-albicans species (C.glabrata, C.parapsilosis, C.tropicalis, and C. krusei) * Risk factors include ventilated patients, TPN, high APACHE scores, abdominal surgery, and prolonged ICU stays * Think of fungal infections in the septic patient with hypothermia and bradycardia * Newer antifungal agents such as voriconazole and caspofungin have improved efficacy against n

Title: Helpful clues to distinguishing pericarditis vs. STEMI

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Pericarditis, STEMI, ECG (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Helpful clues to distinguishing pericarditis vs. STEMI Pericarditis: PR depression in multiple leads, PR elevation > 2 mm in aVR; friction rub (specific though not sensitive) Remember that PR depression mainly only shows up in viral pericarditis, not other types STEMI: horizontal or convex upwards (like a tombstone) STE, ST depression in any lead aside from aVR and V1, STE in III > II

Title: Infective endocarditis (IE)

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Endocarditis, treatment, vancomycin (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Infective endocarditis (IE) The most common overall cause of IE is Streptococcus viridans. The most common cause of IE in injection drug users is Staphylococcus aureus. The most common cause of IE in patients with prosthetic valves is also Staphylococcus species; in the first two months postop coag-negative Staphylococcus predominates, and after that the most common causes are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, and enterococcus. In treating IE of prosthetic valves and/or in injection drug users, the addition of rifampin to the standard regimen of nafcillin/vancomycin + gentamycin is often recommended in order to add additional gram positive coverage.

Title: Cardiac Output After Age 35

Category: Cardiology

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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After the age 35, cardiac output decreases by approximately 1% per year. That means that elderly patients are at much higher risk for CHF, especially when they are stressed in some way. CHF can develop in the elderly as a result of any stype of infection or other non-cardiac insult. If decompensated CHF is diagnosed in an elderly patient, don't forget to evaluate the patient carefully for potential non-cardiac causes.

Title: Blunt Chest Trauma

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Chest, Trauma, Aortic, murmur (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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The most common valvulopathy after blunt chest trauma is acute aortic insufficiency. These patients will present with a new diastolic murmur. Stability depends on the degree of AI. On the other hand, if a chest trauma patient presents with a new systolic murmur, think about acute septal rupture. These patients are much more often unstable, or may die before arrival. These diagnoses may be missed in the unstable patient because physicians focus on the abdomen in the unstable patient. Pay attention to the heart sounds also!

Title: Rapid Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Afib, Atrial Fibrillation, Treatment (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Rapid Atrial Fibrillation Treatment 50% of patients with new AF spontaneously convert within 48 hours AF > 48 hours --> chances of spontaneous conversion decreases and chance of embolization increases significantly Most EM texts and lecturers still recommend diltiazem as first line medication for early rate control Patients in whom beta blockers are preferred: AMI, thyrotoxicosis, or if patient is already on BBs NEVER combine IV beta blockers and IV calcium channel blockers --> synergistic effect will cause hemodynamic compromise; start with one type of medication and stay with it

Title: Cardiovascular trauma

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Cardiovascular, CXR, ECG, rupture (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Cardiovascular trauma Up to 40% of traumatic aortic ruptures/disruptions in patients surviving to the ED will be associated with normal-looking mediastinums on CXR. Therefore, a CTA or angiogram should be ordered purely based on a good mechanism of sudden deceleration.

Title: GI Bleed and Myocardial Ischemia

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: GI Bleed, Myocardial Ischemia, ECG (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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GI Bleed and Myocardial Ischemia Myocardial ischemia or infarction occurs in up to 20% of patients with significant UGI bleeds. For reasons that are uncertain, the majority of these patients have "silent" MIs (i.e. no pain). It's also unclear whether these patients develop MI purely because of hypoperfusion or because the stress causes a plaque to rupture and thrombose. Whenever you have a patient with a massive UGIB, get an ECG early, regardless of whether or not the patient is having chest pain, and if it's concerning, get cardiology involved early as well. anecdote--I've seen 2 patients with STEMI in the presence of an UGIB, one at Mercy and one at UMMS; neither had chest pain; both got transfused, seen by GI, and went cath within several hours; the takeaway--get both consultants involved EARLY!

Title: Ventricular dysrhythmias in pregnanc

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Dysrhythmia, Pregnancy, Treatment, Procainamide (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Ventricular dysrhythmias in pregnancy Amiodarone should be considered a last choice in pregnancy. It is the only class D antiarrhythmic, and even short infusions can be associated with fetal hypothyroidism, IUGR, fetal bradycardia, and prematurity. Lidocaine or procainamide are preferred. Also, cardioversion/defibrillation/pacing is considered safe in any stage of pregnancy.

Title: Non-ACS causes of elevation troponins

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Troponin, cause, Non-ACS (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Non-ACS causes of elevation troponins: 1. acute PE 2. Stanford A aortic dissections 3. acute heart failure 4. strenuous exercise (e.g ultra-endurance activities) 5. cardiac toxins 6. ablation therapy/cardiversion 7. cardiac infiltrative diseases 8. post-heart transplant (may persist up to 3 mos) 9. cardiac contusion 10. sepsis 11. rhabdomyolysis

Title: AMI versus Aneurysm

Category: Cardiology

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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AMI versus Aneurysm For ECG distinction between AMI versus ventricular aneurysm, look for reciprocal changes and height of T-waves: 1. Reciprocal ST depression strongly favors AMI. 2. Large T-waves in leads with Q waves and STE is likely AMI. Ventricular aneurysm usually gives you "blunted" or flat T-waves in those leads.

Title: Dyspnea

Category: Cardiology

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
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Elderly are more likely to present with dyspnea (49% [the most common anginal equivalent]), diaphoresis (26%), nausea and vomiting (24%), and syncope (19%) as a primary complaint. The takeaway point: always get that ECG early in elderly patients with these complaints, even when CP is absent!

Title: Syncope

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Syncope, CHESS, San Francisco (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/14/2007 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
Click here to contact Amal Mattu, MD

Syncope Patients with syncope that are considered to be relatively low risk for complications clinically (i.e. those patients that are not clear-cut admissions) should be evaluated for the 5 CHESS criteria (from the San Francisco Syncope Rules). If they meet none of those criteria, then they are considered to be at very low risk for short-term adverse outcomes and they can be discharged for outpatient follow-up. If they do have any CHESS criteria, they are considered to be at higher risk and admission should be strongly considered. CHESS criteria: history of CHF, hematocrit < 30, ECG abnormalities, shortness of breath, presenting systolic pressure < 90.