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Introduction: Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy after mild traumatic brain injury is unusual and prognostically significant due to unclear mechanisms and recovery challenges. We present a case of isolated oculomotor nerve palsy following minor head trauma, shedding light on this unusual occurrence.Case Report: A 24-year-old male experienced severe vision loss and right-sided oculomotor nerve palsy after a motor vehicle collision. Initial imaging showed a hemorrhagic focus in the left posterior fossa and a contusion in the corpus callosum, yet no direct cause for the nerve palsy was found. Partial recovery was observed after 12 months.Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of maintaining a heightened suspicion for occult intracranial findings, especially when the initial non-contrast computed tomography was inconclusive. Timely clinical assessment and appropriate radiological investigations by emergency physicians are crucial for improving the prognosis.

Introduction: Wellens’ syndrome represents an important, at times overlooked, spectrum of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery occlusion, spontaneous reperfusion, and impending reocclusion. Once considered pathognomonic for a thromboembolic coronary event, an increasing number of clinical scenarios have been demonstrated to result in pseudo-Wellens’ syndrome, each requiring unique forms of assessment and management. Case Report: We describe two clinical presentations in which myocardial bridging (MB) of the LAD led to clinical and electrophysiologic presentations of a pseudo-Wellens’ syndrome. Conclusion: These reports represent a rare cause of pseudo-Wellens’ syndrome attributed to MB of the LAD. Transient ischemia secondary to myocardial compression of the traversing LAD leads to intermittent angina and electrocardiogram changes that are typical in patients presenting with Wellens’ syndrome secondary to an occlusive coronary event. As with other previously reported pathophysiologic mechanisms that have been shown to mimic Wellens’ syndrome, myocardial bridging should be considered in patients presenting with a pseudo-Wellens’ syndrome.

Introduction: Psychosis associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been previously, but infrequently, reported in the literature. We present a rare case of COVID-19-associated severe psychosis and suicide attempt in an 80-year-old male with no personal or known family history of psychiatric disease. Our patient’s symptoms appeared to be longer lasting than most other reported cases in the available literature. Case Report: After a COVID-19 diagnosis, our patient experienced fluctuating, long-lasting psychiatric symptoms over a six-month period. During this time, he was unable to function independently. Suggested mechanisms involve a multifactorial combination of neuroinflammation and increased societal stress due to the direct and indirect effects of the virus, respectively.Conclusion: More research is needed to help identify risk factors, prognostic indicators, and a standard of care for psychosis associated with COVID-19.

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia is commonly seen in the emergency department (ED), and the cause can be complex and variable.Case Report: We present a case of a female without known medical history who presented to the ED for generalized weakness and was found to have severe anemia in the setting of chronic lice infestation.Conclusion: Severe and chronic pediculosis can cause chronic blood loss and be an unusual and rare cause of iron deficiency anemia. In the setting of anemia and hypotension unresponsive to fluid resuscitation, consideration should be given to early packed red blood cell transfusion and subsequent investigation of causes of severe anemia.

Introduction: Takotsubo or stress cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction seen in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.Case Report: We describe a case of stress cardiomyopathy diagnosed in the emergency department (ED) using point-of-care ultrasound associated with traumatic hand amputation. The patient suffered a near-complete amputation of the right hand while using a circular saw, subsequently complicated by brief cardiac arrest with rapid return of spontaneous circulation. Point-of-care ultrasonography in the ED revealed the classic findings of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, including apical ballooning of the left ventricle and hyperkinesis of the basal walls with a severely reduced ejection fraction. After formalization of the amputation and cardiovascular evaluation, the patient was discharged from the hospital in stable condition 10 days later.Conclusion: Emergency physicians should be aware of the possibility of stress cardiomyopathy as a cause for acute decompensation, even in isolated extremity trauma.

Introduction: Necrotizing mediastinitis is a rare complication following a dental procedure. It is frequently lethal and requires prompt diagnosis with advanced imaging, administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, and early surgical consultation.Case Report: A 19-year-old, otherwise healthy male presented to the emergency department with chest pain, muffled voice, and facial and neck swelling six days following dental extraction. He was found to have a retropharyngeal abscess causing necrotizing mediastinitis and septic shock. The patient was started on broad-spectrum antimicrobials, required 10 surgical procedures, and experienced a prolonged hospitalization.Conclusion: Consider necrotizing mediastinitis in patients presenting with chest pain and signs of retropharyngeal infection after dental procedures. Prompt imaging, antimicrobial therapy, and surgical consultation is critical in treating this frequently fatal disease.

Introduction: The perforation of a cecal diverticulum is a rare and challenging condition for the emergency physician.Case Report: A 47-year-old man with a past surgical history of bilateral inguinal hernia repair presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute abdominal pain of three days’ duration. Pain was localized to the right lower quadrant (RLQ), with anorexia as the only associated symptom. Upon arrival to the ED, his exam demonstrated focal RLQ tenderness to palpation, rebound tenderness, and guarding. Labs did not show any elevation in inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, or lipase. Computed tomography showed no evidence of acute appendicitis, colitis, or hernia recurrence. After morphine and reassessment, the patient still had a focal peritoneal exam in the RLQ. Surgical consultation was obtained and recommended additional non-opioid analgesia as well as serial abdominal exams. After several repeat abdominal exams, there was no change in the focality of the patient’s pain. Surgery was reconsulted and opted to take the patient to the operating room for exploratory laparoscopy with “appendicitis” as the presumptive diagnosis. Pathology report revealed a perforated cecal diverticulum that was adherent to the abdominal wall. The patient did well and was discharged on his third postoperative day.Conclusion: This case further underlines that even in the era of sensitive imaging tools, the diagnostic value of a targeted physical exam with clinical re-evaluation can never be overestimated.

Introduction: Pheochromocytoma, a neuroendocrine tumor that secretes catecholamines, can present with episodic sweating, diaphoresis, headaches, and hypertension, as well as cardiac and pulmonary involvement. In a pregnant patient, it must be differentiated from preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality in the developed world, which can similarly present with hypertension and multiorgan involvement. Both conditions require early diagnosis and treatment to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.Case Report: We discuss the case of a pregnant patient at approximately 24 weeks’ gestation presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath who was found to have a left adrenal mass and hypertensive urgency. The patient acutely decompensated during the course of evaluation. She ultimately suffered pregnancy loss and multiorgan failure requiring percutaneous heart pump placement and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy for support before fully recovering. The adrenal mass was confirmed to be a pheochromocytoma after excision and contributed to the development of hypertensive emergency with multiorgan failure.Conclusion: Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is a rare condition but must remain on the differential until ruled out to improve patient outcomes as much as possible. Obtaining blood pressure control is imperative to reducing maternal and fetal mortality. Preeclampsia is similarly serious, and early diagnosis is essential for adequate management of the condition until delivery can occur.

Introduction: Abdominal pain and flank pain cause a significant proportion of emergencydepartment (ED) visits. The diagnosis often remains unclear and is frequently associated withrepeat visits to the ED for the same complaint. A rare cause of left upper abdominal and flank painis compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery known asnutcracker syndrome. Diagnostic findings on ultrasound include increased left renal vein diameterproximal and peak blood flow velocity increase distal to the superior mesenteric artery. We describesuch a patient presenting to an ED repeatedly with severe pain mimicking renal colic before the finaldiagnosis and intervention occurred.Case Report: A 16-year-old female, long-distance runner presented four times complaining ofintractable left upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the left flank after exercise. On each visiturinalysis revealed proteinuria and hematuria, and on two visits abdominal computed tomographyrevealed no kidney stone or dilatation of the collecting system. Ultimately, she was referred tovascular surgery where Doppler ultrasonography was used to diagnose left renal vein compression. Transposition of the left renal vein improved Doppler diameter and flow measurements andeliminated symptoms.Conclusion: Emergency physicians must maintain a large list of possible diagnoses during theevaluation of abdominal and flank pain with a repetitive and uncertain etiology. Nutcracker syndromemay mimic other causes of abdominal and flank pain such as renal colic and requires appropriatereferral.

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is accepted as an important tool for evaluatingpatients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea1 and undifferentiated shock.2Identifying the etiology and type of shock is time-critical since treatments vary based on thisinformation. Clinicians typically rely on the history, exam, and diagnostics tests to identify theetiology of shock. In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory anddiagnostic studies. The use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.Additionally, POCUS can aid in the diagnosis of rarer tropical diseases that can be important causesof shock in resource-limited settings.Case Report: We discuss a case of a pediatric patient who presented to an ED in Cusco, Peru, withacute dyspnea and shock. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to expedite the diagnosis of a rupturedpulmonary hydatid cyst, guide proper management of septic and anaphylactic shock, and expeditedefinitive surgical intervention.Conclusion: In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory anddiagnostic studies, the use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.

Introduction: Pott’s puffy tumor (PPT) is a rare clinical disease characterized by forehead swelling from a subperiosteal abscess coupled with frontal bone osteomyelitis. It is often associated with severe complications and poor outcomes if left undiagnosed; thus, rapid recognition is crucial. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may provide an alternative pathway to diagnosis. It can be performed rapidly at the bedside and assist in early screening of patients, identifying those with high suspicion for PPT and prioritizing imaging and consultation.Case Report: A 59-yghb ar-old-male presented to the emergency department for evaluation of a “lump” on his forehead. He recently had a bifrontal craniotomy to de-bulk a polyp burden in an effort to manage his recurrent sinusitis. To further characterize the mass, a POCUS examination was performed by the treating emergency physician. The examination found a subcutaneous, hypoechoic fluid collection extending superficially along the frontal bone. A discontinuity in the surface of the frontal bone was visualized through which the collection appeared to extend. Given the heightened concern for PPT based on the POCUS examination findings, otolaryngology service was consulted and the patient was admitted for further imaging and treatment.Conclusion: Pott’s puffy tumor is a rare diagnosis that has the potential for life-threatening complications. Timely diagnosis is imperative. Point-of-care ultrasound can easily be used to help identify patients with suspicion for PPT in the acute care setting and influence patient management with regard to obtaining further imaging and plans for early consultation.

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is accepted as an important tool for evaluatingpatients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea1 and undifferentiated shock.2Identifying the etiology and type of shock is time-critical since treatments vary based on thisinformation. Clinicians typically rely on the history, exam, and diagnostics tests to identify theetiology of shock. In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory anddiagnostic studies. The use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.Additionally, POCUS can aid in the diagnosis of rarer tropical diseases that can be important causesof shock in resource-limited settings.Case Report: We discuss a case of a pediatric patient who presented to an ED in Cusco, Peru, withacute dyspnea and shock. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to expedite the diagnosis of a rupturedpulmonary hydatid cyst, guide proper management of septic and anaphylactic shock, and expeditedefinitive surgical intervention.Conclusion: In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory anddiagnostic studies, the use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.

Introduction: Abdominal pain and flank pain cause a significant proportion of emergencydepartment (ED) visits. The diagnosis often remains unclear and is frequently associated withrepeat visits to the ED for the same complaint. A rare cause of left upper abdominal and flank painis compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery known asnutcracker syndrome. Diagnostic findings on ultrasound include increased left renal vein diameterproximal and peak blood flow velocity increase distal to the superior mesenteric artery. We describesuch a patient presenting to an ED repeatedly with severe pain mimicking renal colic before the finaldiagnosis and intervention occurred.Case Report: A 16-year-old female, long-distance runner presented four times complaining ofintractable left upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the left flank after exercise. On each visiturinalysis revealed proteinuria and hematuria, and on two visits abdominal computed tomographyrevealed no kidney stone or dilatation of the collecting system. Ultimately, she was referred tovascular surgery where Doppler ultrasonography was used to diagnose left renal vein compression. Transposition of the left renal vein improved Doppler diameter and flow measurements andeliminated symptoms.Conclusion: Emergency physicians must maintain a large list of possible diagnoses during theevaluation of abdominal and flank pain with a repetitive and uncertain etiology. Nutcracker syndromemay mimic other causes of abdominal and flank pain such as renal colic and requires appropriatereferral.

Introduction: Pott’s puffy tumor (PPT) is a rare clinical disease characterized by forehead swelling from a subperiosteal abscess coupled with frontal bone osteomyelitis. It is often associated with severe complications and poor outcomes if left undiagnosed; thus, rapid recognition is crucial. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may provide an alternative pathway to diagnosis. It can be performed rapidly at the bedside and assist in early screening of patients, identifying those with high suspicion for PPT and prioritizing imaging and consultation.Case Report: A 59-yghb ar-old-male presented to the emergency department for evaluation of a “lump” on his forehead. He recently had a bifrontal craniotomy to de-bulk a polyp burden in an effort to manage his recurrent sinusitis. To further characterize the mass, a POCUS examination was performed by the treating emergency physician. The examination found a subcutaneous, hypoechoic fluid collection extending superficially along the frontal bone. A discontinuity in the surface of the frontal bone was visualized through which the collection appeared to extend. Given the heightened concern for PPT based on the POCUS examination findings, otolaryngology service was consulted and the patient was admitted for further imaging and treatment.Conclusion: Pott’s puffy tumor is a rare diagnosis that has the potential for life-threatening complications. Timely diagnosis is imperative. Point-of-care ultrasound can easily be used to help identify patients with suspicion for PPT in the acute care setting and influence patient management with regard to obtaining further imaging and plans for early consultation.

Introduction: Pheochromocytoma, a neuroendocrine tumor that secretes catecholamines, can present with episodic sweating, diaphoresis, headaches, and hypertension, as well as cardiac and pulmonary involvement. In a pregnant patient, it must be differentiated from preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality in the developed world, which can similarly present with hypertension and multiorgan involvement. Both conditions require early diagnosis and treatment to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.Case Report: We discuss the case of a pregnant patient at approximately 24 weeks’ gestation presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath who was found to have a left adrenal mass and hypertensive urgency. The patient acutely decompensated during the course of evaluation. She ultimately suffered pregnancy loss and multiorgan failure requiring percutaneous heart pump placement and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy for support before fully recovering. The adrenal mass was confirmed to be a pheochromocytoma after excision and contributed to the development of hypertensive emergency with multiorgan failure.Conclusion: Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is a rare condition but must remain on the differential until ruled out to improve patient outcomes as much as possible. Obtaining blood pressure control is imperative to reducing maternal and fetal mortality. Preeclampsia is similarly serious, and early diagnosis is essential for adequate management of the condition until delivery can occur.