Rhabdomyolysis
Overview Definition Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome marked by muscle necrosis, resulting in the release of toxic intracellular muscle constituents into the circulation (especially myoglobin). Etiology Pathophysiology Muscle injury Renal injury Clinical Presentation Signs and symptoms Additional clues Diagnosis Management Clinical Relevance References
Airway Obstruction
Overview Definition Airway obstruction is a blockage of the airways, which impedes air flow and effective respiration. Anatomic classification Epidemiology Etiology Upper airway obstruction and CAO (large airway obstruction): Lower airway obstruction (small airway obstruction): Pathophysiology Mechanisms Chronic and subacute Acute Clinical Presentation Chronic and subacute Acute Diagnosis History History can be obtained from a […]
Foreign Body Aspiration
Overview Epidemiology Etiology Foreign bodies (FBs) aspirated vary based on age. Pathophysiology Signs and symptoms Diagnosis Most cases involve materials not visible on radiographs (e.g., food, wood, and plastic). In these cases, characteristics of the lung appearance may suggest a foreign body. Computed tomography (CT) or bronchoscopy can confirm suspicion. Management Airway obstruction requires immediate […]
Penetrating Chest Injury
Overview Definition A penetrating chest injury (PCI) can be defined as any trauma that violates the chest wall in an area bordered superiorly by the lower neck and inferiorly by the lower costal margin. Epidemiology Etiology Mechanism of injury categorized by object’s velocity: Pathophysiology Penetrating object’s ability to produce tissue damage is dependent on the […]
Blunt Chest Trauma
Overview Definition Blunt chest trauma is injury and consequential pathology arising from application of significant kinetic forces to the chest that do not cause penetration of the thoracic cavity. Epidemiology Etiology Classification Pathophysiology The chest wall is composed of: The chest wall’s function is to absorb trauma and protect underlying vulnerable structures from damage: Initial […]
Genitourinary Trauma
Overview Anatomic divisions Upper genitourinary (GU) tract: Lower GU tract: Epidemiology Etiology Blunt injuries: Penetrating injuries: Injuries to the Upper GU Tract Renal injuries Pathophysiology: Clinical presentation: Diagnosis: Management: Ureteral injuries Mechanisms: Symptoms: Diagnosis: Management: Complications Injuries to the Lower GU Tract Anatomy Bladder injuries Extraperitoneal: Intraperitoneal: Urethral injuries Symptoms: Anterior urethral injuries: Posterior urethral […]
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation The symptoms of CO poisoning are varied and nonspecific. The severity of the clinical presentation of CO poisoning depends on the amount of CO in the inhaled air, the duration of the exposure, and the general state of health of the affected individual. Mildly to moderately intoxicated individuals Severely intoxicated individuals […]
Burns
Overview Definition Burns are acute traumatic injuries to the skin or underlying tissue caused by exposure to thermal energy, chemicals, electrical discharge, or radiation. Epidemiology Etiology Classification Burns are described using 2 identifiers—degree and severity: Thermal burn degree Table: Degrees of thermal burns Degree of burn Characteristics Symptoms Healing Superficial burn (1st degree) Limited to […]
Compartment Syndrome
Overview Definition Compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs when increased pressure in a closed muscle compartment exceeds the pressure to perfuse the compartment, resulting in muscle and nerve ischemia. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation General signs and symptoms Mnemonic The 6 Ps of compartment syndrome: Leg compartment syndromes Forearm compartment syndromes Other compartment syndromes […]
Frostbite
Overview Definition Frostbite is injury to tissue resulting from cold exposure at temperatures below 0°C (32°F). Frostbite exists on the severe end of a spectrum, with frostnip and pernio at the milder end. Epidemiology Clinical classification Table: Clinical classification of frostbite phases Phase Symptoms Signs Early Cold, pain, paresthesia Deceptively few: discoloration, waxy/stiff tissue texture […]