Many Faces of Chest Pain Ian Mcleod, MS, Med, PA-C, ATC Northern Arizona University ASAPA Spring Conference 2019 Disclosures

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Many Faces of Chest Pain Ian Mcleod, MS, Med, PA-C, ATC Northern Arizona University ASAPA Spring Conference 2019 Disclosures Many Faces of Chest Pain Ian McLeod, MS, MEd, PA-C, ATC Northern Arizona University ASAPA Spring Conference 2019 Disclosures • I have no financial disclosures to report Objectives • Following the presentation attendees will be able to: • Develop a concise differential diagnosis for patients with chest pain including cardiac and non-cardiac causes. • Describe key clinical characteristics and management of the following chest pain etiologies: angina, embolism, gastroesophageal reflux, costochondritis, costochondral dysfunction, anxiety and pneumonia. • Discuss appropriate use of diagnostic studies utilized in the evaluation of patients presenting with chest pain. Chest Pain – Primary Care Setting • ~1.5% of all visits are for chest pain • Musculoskeletal 35-50% • Gastrointestinal 10-20% • Cardiac 10-15% • Pulmonary 5-10% • Psychogenic 1-2% Chest Pain Differentials • Cardiac • Pulmonary • Stable angina • Pneumonia • Acute coronary syndrome • Pulmonary embolism • Pericarditis • Spontaneous pneumothorax • Aortic dissection • Psych • MSK • Panic disorder • Costochondritis • Tietze syndrome • Costovertebral joint dysfunction • GI • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) • Medication induced esophagitis Setting the stage • Non-traumatic • Acute chest pain • Primary care setting • H&P • ECG • CXR Myocardial Ischemia Risk Factors • Increasing age • Male sex • Chronic renal insufficiency • Diabetes Mellitus • Known atherosclerotic disease → coronary or peripheral • Early family history of coronary artery disease • 1st degree male relative < 55 y/o • 1st degree female relative < 65 y/o • ASCVD risk calculator Myocardial Ischemia – Pain Characteristics • Pain descriptors • Uncharacteristic / unlikely • Deep (retrosternal) • Sharp, knife-like, stabbing • Poorly localized → center or left sided • Change with respiration or body • Oppressive position • Pressure • Provoked / worsened with chest wall • Heaviness palpation • Tightness • Constriction • Radiation • Neck • Jaw • Shoulder • Arms Myocardial Ischemia – Pain Characteristics • Stable angina • Gradual onset and offset • Precipitated by exertion and relieved by rest • Emotional stress • Cold • Sublingual nitroglycerin • Acute coronary syndrome → unstable angina or AMI • Angina at rest • New-onset angina • ↑ angina severity or ↑ duration Myocardial Ischemia – Associated Symptoms • Dyspnea • Atypical presentations→ • Nausea and vomiting females, dementia, older patients • Diaphoresis • Absence of chest pain • Presyncope • Epigastric discomfort • Palpitations • Dyspnea • Indigestion • Nausea and vomiting • Weakness • Pleuritic chest pain Barstow C, et al. 2017 Myocardial Ischemia – Diagnostic Testing • Electrocardiogram • ST Elevation MI (STEMI) • ST segment elevation at the J-point in 2 contiguous leads with the cut-points: • ≥1 mm in all leads other than leads V2-V3 • Leads V2-V3: • ≥2 mm in men ≥40 years • ≥2.5 mm in men <40 years • ≥1.5 mm in women regardless of age • Non-ST Elevation MI (NSTEMI) • Horizontal or downsloping ST-depression ≥0.5 mm in two contiguous leads and/or • T inversion >1 mm in two contiguous leads with prominent R wave Limb and Chest Lead “Views” of the Heart Myocardial Injury – ST Segment Elevation • Zone of injury does not repolarize completely so it remains more positive than surrounding tissue leading to ST segment elevation Myocardial Ischemia – ST Segment Depression • ST segment depression • Area of ischemia is more negative than surrounding tissue Myocardial Ischemia – T Wave Inversion • T wave inversion because ischemic tissue does not repolarize normally • ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) • ST elevations across the precordium (V1-V5) with reciprocal ST depressions inferiorly (II, III, aVF) • Concerning for proximal left anterior descending (LAD) lesion causing ischemia • Episode of chest pain at rest in a patient with unstable angina • ST-segment depression above 1 mm is present in leads V4 to V6 • Chest pain and ST-segment depression disappeared promptly after the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin Acute Pericarditis • M>F • 20 to 50 y/o MC • Causes • Idiopathic (presumed viral) • Infectious • Viral / Bacterial / Fungal / TB / HIV • Non-infectious • Connective tissue disease / autoimmune disorders • Malignancy • Cardiac disorder • Renal failure (uremia) • Radiation • Medication adverse reaction • Trauma Acute Pericarditis – History • Sudden onset of retrosternal chest pain (>95%) • Sharp and pleuritic • ↑ coughing, inspiration and / or swallowing • ↑ lying supine • ↓ sitting and leaning forward • +/- radiating pain → similar to MI • Prolonged duration • +/- Preceding viral syndrome (URI or GI) • +/- Fever • +/- Dyspnea Pericarditis – Physical Exam • Pericardial friction rub • Scratching or grating sound • Highly specific • Loudest left sternal border • Increases with leaning forward • +/- Fever (>100.4°F) • +/- Tachypnea • +/- Tachycardia Yelland, MJ. Outpatient evaluation of the adult with chest pain. In: UpToDate, Aronson, MD (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2018. Acute Pericarditis – Diagnostic Studies • ECG • Diffuse concave ST elevation • PR depression • Blood work • CBC → leukocytosis if infectious • ESR / CRP → elevated • Cardiac troponin → elevation indicates myopericarditis • Additional bloodwork based upon suspected causes • CXR → typically normal Acute Pericarditis – Electrocardiogram Imazio, M. Acute pericarditis: Clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation. In: UpToDate, LeWinter, M (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2017. Acute Pericarditis – Treatment • High-risk features that necessitate hospital admission • Fever > 100.4°F • Subacute course • Hemodynamic compromise (cardiac tamponade) • Large pericardial effusion • Immunocompromised • Current anticoagulant therapy • Elevated cardiac biomarkers • Failure to clinically improve with 7 days of appropriate NSAID therapy Acute Pericarditis – Treatment • Idiopathic (presumed viral) • Ibuprofen 600 to 800 mg TID or Taper when symptom • Aspirin 650 to 1000 mg TID or free & CRP normalizes • Indomethacin 25 to 50 mg TID • Plus colchicine 0.5 mg QD if < 70 kg or BID if >70 kg x 3 months • Bacterial • Vancomysin 30 mg/kg/day and • Ceftriaxone 3 mg/kg/day • Pericardiocentesis • Restrict from exertional activities until symptoms resolve and labs normalize Aortic Dissection • Acute severe / sharp chest and back pain • +/- ripping or tearing quality • UE peripheral pulses and blood pressures may be diminished or unequal • Surgical emergency Costochondritis • MC cause of MSK anterior chest pain • F=M • > 40 y/o • Idiopathic – hx of preceding illness with coughing or recent strenuous exercise is common • Inflammation of costochondral or chondrosternal junction • Unilateral • 90% > 1 level • 2nd – 5th ribs most common Mayo Clinic Costochondritis – History & Physical Exam • Sharp, aching or pressure like pain • Anterior • May radiate laterally • ↑ deep breathing, coughing, sneezing and laughing • ↑ upper body movements • Reproduction of pain with palpation • No overlying discoloration or swelling • ROM restriction uncommon Mayo Clinic Tietze Syndrome • Rare • F=M • < 40 y/o • Idiopathic – hx of preceding illness with coughing • Inflammation of costochondral or costosternal junction • Unilateral • 70% 1 level only • 2nd – 3rd ribs most common Tietze Syndrome – History & Physical Exam • Sharp, aching or pressure like pain • Anterior • May radiate laterally • ↑ deep breathing, coughing, sneezing and laughing • ↑ upper body movements • Reproduction of pain with palpation • Swelling overlying the involved joints • ROM restriction uncommon Costochondritis & Tietze Syndrome – Treatment • Analgesics • NSAIDs • APAP • Activity modification • Variable course • Weeks to months • Rare to exceed a year • Chest wall tenderness has a tendency to linger • Refractory cases → lidocaine/corticosteroid injection Costovertebral Dysfunction • F>M • Recent history of restricted chest posture • Rib hypomobility / “subluxation” • Functional disruption of the costovertebral and costosternal articulations • Alteration of rib mechanics with inspiration and expiration Costovertebral Dysfunction – History • Sharp stabbing pain • Present upon waking • Unilateral • Anterior and posterior → “feels like a knife is being stabbed through my chest” • May radiate laterally along dermatomal distribution • ↑ deep breathing → subconscious alteration of inspiratory effort • ↑ coughing, sneezing and laughing • ↑ trunk movements Costovertebral Dysfunction – Physical Exam • Reproduction of pain with palpation • PA mobilization of adjacent vertebra • ↑ pain • Hypomobility • Protective muscle spasm • Restricted trunk range of motion • Extension, ipsilateral rotation and ipsilateral flexion → limited by pain • Opposite movements → limited by tightness • Sudden reduction in pain with physical exam → rib relocation Costovertebral Dysfunction – Management • Pharmacologic • Analgesics • NSAIDs or • APAP • Muscle relaxants • Manual therapy • Physical therapy • Chiropractic therapy • Massage therapy GERD • Reflux esophagitis • Abnormal LES function • Reflux of stomach contents into esophagus • Prolonged exposure to gastric acid • Contributing factors • Hiatal hernia • Obesity • Pregnancy (30 to 50%) and exogenous estrogen • Diet and medications Mayo Clinic GERD – History & Physical Exam • Heartburn • Alarm symptoms • Retrosternal burning or squeezing • Anemia • ↑ lying down, bending over • Loss of weight • MC postprandial • +/- nocturnal pain • Anorexia • +/- exacerbation due to emotional • Recent onset of progressive stress symptoms
Recommended publications
  • Treatment of a Female Collegiate Rower with Costochondritis: a Case Report
    Treatment of a female collegiate rower with costochondritis: a case report Terry L. Grindstaff 1, James R. Beazell2, Ethan N. Saliba1, Christopher D. Ingersoll3 1Curry School of Education and Department of Athletics, University of Virginia, USA, 2University of Virginia- HEALTHSOUTH, USA, 3Central Michigan University, USA Rib injuries are common in collegiate rowing. The purpose of this case report is to provide insight into examination, evaluation, and treatment of persistent costochondritis in an elite athlete as well as propose an explanation for chronic dysfunction. The case involved a 21 year old female collegiate rower with multiple episodes of costochondritis over a 1-year period of time. Symptoms were localized to the left third costosternal junction and bilaterally at the fourth costosternal junction with moderate swelling. Initial interventions were directed at the costosternal joint, but only mild, temporary relief of symptoms was attained. Reexamination findings included hypomobility of the upper thoracic spine, costovertebral joints, and lateral ribs. Interventions included postural exercises and manual therapies directed at the lateral and posterior rib structures to improve rib and thoracic spine mobility. Over a 3-week time period pain experienced throughout the day had subsided (visual analog scale – VAS 0/10). She was able to resume running and elliptical aerobic training with minimal discomfort (VAS 2/10) and began to reintegrate into collegiate rowing. Examination of the lateral ribs, cervical and thoracic spine should be part of the comprehensive evaluation of costochondritis. Addressing posterior hypomobility may have allowed for a more thorough recovery in this case study. Keywords: Costochondritis, Joint mobilization, Rib, Thoracic spine Chest and rib injuries have a high prevalence (26%) self-limiting condition2 allowing individuals to among female rowers.1–3 Pain which is localized to continue athletic participation as symptoms allow.
    [Show full text]
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
    ObSTruCTIve Sleep ApneA provider’s guide to diagnose and code sleep apnea Sleep apnea is a common disorder that by When reviewing these symptoms it is helpful definition is characterized by a reduction in to clarify the history with the patient’s sleeping normal breathing during hours of sleep, often partner, when available. The most useful symptom related to the collapse of the soft tissues in the for identifying patients with OSA is nocturnal back of the throat. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) choking or gasping. Snoring alone is not a is the most common sleeping disorder. It has been diagnostic predictor for OSA. However, the lack diagnosed in 3 to 7% of Americans. It is estimated of snoring and/or presence of apnea reduce the that 20% of the entire American population has not likelihood of an OSA diagnosis. been diagnosed. Quantification of the patient’s perception Independent risk factors for of daytime sleepiness and/or fatigue is an important historical finding. This can be developing OSA include: determined by using the Epworth Sleepiness › Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) Scale (epworthsleepinessscale.com). A score of 10 supports the hypothesis of excessive daytime › African – American race sleepiness, which should prompt the clinician to › Male gender have the patient tested for OSA. › Advancing age › Cranio – facial anomalies The physical examination should focus on: Smoking › 1. Review of the oral airway, specifically: › Controlled substance use and alcohol intake the size of the uvula and tonsils, and › Chronic medical conditions such as: the presence of nasal septal deviation end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Hemoptysis in Children
    R E V I E W A R T I C L E Hemoptysis in Children G S GAUDE From Department of Pulmonary Medicine, JN Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Correspondence to: Dr G S Gaude, Professor and Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, J N Medical College, Belgaum 590 010, Karnataka, India. [email protected] Received: November, 11, 2008; Initial review: May, 8, 2009; Accepted: July 27, 2009. Context: Pulmonary hemorrhage and hemoptysis are uncommon in childhood, and the frequency with which they are encountered by the pediatrician depends largely on the special interests of the center to which the child is referred. Diagnosis and management of hemoptysis in this age group requires knowledge and skill in the causes and management of this infrequently occurring potentially life-threatening condition. Evidence acquisition: We reviewed the causes and treatment options for hemoptysis in the pediatric patient using Medline and Pubmed. Results: A focused physical examination can lead to the diagnosis of hemoptysis in most of the cases. In children, lower respiratory tract infection and foreign body aspiration are common causes. Chest radiographs often aid in diagnosis and assist in using two complementary diagnostic procedures, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and high-resolution computed tomography. The goals of management are threefold: bleeding cessation, aspiration prevention, and treatment of the underlying cause. Mild hemoptysis often is caused by an infection that can be managed on an outpatient basis with close monitoring. Massive hemoptysis may require additional therapeutic options such as therapeutic bronchoscopy, angiography with embolization, and surgical intervention such as resection or revascularization. Conclusions: Hemoptysis in the pediatric patient requires prompt and thorough evaluation and treatment.
    [Show full text]
  • Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Home
    Technology Assessment Program Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Home Final Technology Assessment Project ID: PULT0717 2/4/2020 Technology Assessment Program Project ID: PULT0717 Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Home (with addendum) Prepared for: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 www.ahrq.gov Contract No: HHSA290201500013I_HHSA29032004T Prepared by: Mayo Clinic Evidence-based Practice Center Rochester, MN Investigators: Michael Wilson, M.D. Zhen Wang, Ph.D. Claudia C. Dobler, M.D., Ph.D Allison S. Morrow, B.A. Bradley Beuschel, B.S.P.H. Mouaz Alsawas, M.D., M.Sc. Raed Benkhadra, M.D. Mohamed Seisa, M.D. Aniket Mittal, M.D. Manuel Sanchez, M.D. Lubna Daraz, Ph.D Steven Holets, R.R.T. M. Hassan Murad, M.D., M.P.H. Key Messages Purpose of review To evaluate home noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in adults with chronic respiratory failure in terms of initiation, continuation, effectiveness, adverse events, equipment parameters and required respiratory services. Devices evaluated were home mechanical ventilators (HMV), bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP) devices, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. Key messages • In patients with COPD, home NIPPV as delivered by a BPAP device (compared to no device) was associated with lower mortality, intubations, hospital admissions, but no change in quality of life (low to moderate SOE). NIPPV as delivered by a HMV device (compared individually with BPAP, CPAP, or no device) was associated with fewer hospital admissions (low SOE). In patients with thoracic restrictive diseases, HMV (compared to no device) was associated with lower mortality (low SOE).
    [Show full text]
  • Costochondritis
    Department of Rehabilitation Services Physical Therapy Standard of Care: Costochondritis Case Type / Diagnosis: Costochondritis ICD-9: 756.3 (rib-sternum anomaly) 727.2 (unspecified disorder of synovium) Costochondritis (CC) is a benign inflammatory condition of the costochondral or costosternal joints that causes localized pain. 1 The onset is insidious, though patient may note particular activity that exacerbates it. The etiology is not clear, but it is most likely related to repetitive trauma. Symptoms include intermittent pain at costosternal joints and tenderness to palpation. It most frequently occurs unilaterally at ribs 2-5, but can occur at other levels as well. Symptoms can be exacerbated by trunk movement and deep breathing, but will decrease with quiet breathing and rest. 2 CC usually responds to conservative treatment, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. A review of the relevant anatomy may be helpful in understanding the pathology. The chest wall is made up of the ribs, which connect the vertebrae posteriorly with the sternum anteriorly. Posteriorly, the twelve ribs articulate with the spine through both the costovertebral and costotransverse joints forming the most hypomobile region of the spine. Anteriorly, ribs 1-7 articulate with the costocartilages at the costochondral joints, which are synchondroses without ligamentous support. The costocartilage then attaches directly to the sternum as the costosternal joints, which are synovial joints having a capsule and ligamentous support. Ribs 8-10 attach to the sternum via the cartilage at the rib above, while ribs 11 and 12 are floating ribs, without an anterior articulation. 3 There are many causes of musculo-skeletal chest pain arising from the ribs and their articulations, including rib trauma, slipping rib syndrome, costovertebral arthritis and Tietze’s syndrome.
    [Show full text]
  • Silent Reflux (Also Called LPR Or EOR)
    Silent reflux (also called LPR or EOR) This leaflet explains what your condition is, why it happens, what the symptoms are and how it can be managed. If there is anything you don’t understand or if you have any further questions please talk to your doctor or nurse. What is silent reflux? Everyone has juices in the stomach which are acidic and digest and break down food. At the top of the stomach there is a muscular valve which closes to prevent food and stomach juices escaping upwards into the gullet. If this muscular valve (oesophageal sphincter) does not work very well, the stomach juices can leak backwards into the gullet, causing reflux or symptoms of indigestion (heartburn). However, in some people, small amounts of stomach juice can spill even further back into the back of your throat, affecting the throat lining and your voice box (larynx) and causing irritation and hoarseness. This is known as laryngo pharyngeal reflux (LPR) or extra oesophageal reflux (EOR). Its common name is 'silent reflux' because many people do not experience any of the classic symptoms of heartburn or indigestion. Silent reflux can occur during the day or night, even if a person hasn't eaten anything. Usually, however, silent reflux occurs at night. What are the symptoms of silent reflux? The most common symptoms are: • A sensation of food sticking or a feeling of a lump in the throat. • A hoarse, tight or 'croaky' voice. • Frequent throat clearing. • Difficulty swallowing (especially tablets or solid foods). • A sore, dry and sensitive throat. • Occasional unpleasant "acid" or "bilious" taste at the back of the mouth.
    [Show full text]
  • Sputum Collection Instructions Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
    Sputum Collection Instructions Sputum is mucus or phlegm coughed up from your lungs (not spit, saliva, or nasopharyngeal discharge). Sputum samples are used to diagnose active tuberculosis (TB) and to monitor the effectiveness of TB treatment. Step 1 • Drink plenty of water the night before collection. Best time of day to collect sputum is when you first wake. • Do not eat, drink or smoke before coughing up sputum from the lungs. • Rinse (do not swallow) the mouth with water before sputum is collected to minimize residual food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs that might contaminate the specimen. Step 2 • Go away from other people either outside or beside an open window before collecting the specimen. This helps protect other people from TB germs when you cough. • Take the plastic tube with you. The collection tube is very clean. Do not open it until you are ready to use it. Carefully open the plastic tube. Step 3 • Take several deep breaths. • Cough hard from deep inside the chest three times to bring sputum up from your lungs. • Spit the sputum into the tube carefully. Try not to touch the rim of the container. • Repeat until you have 1 – 2 tablespoons of sputum in the tube. • Replace the cap tightly on the plastic tube. • Wash and dry the outside of the tube. • Write date of collection in the proper box on the lab slip. Step 4 • Place the primary specimen container (usually a conical centrifuge tube) in the clear plastic baggie that has the biohazard symbol imprint. • Place the white absorbent sheet in the plastic baggie.
    [Show full text]
  • Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation
    Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation &&&&&&&&&&&&&& Urinary Tract Infection With Trichomonas vaginalis in a Premature Newborn Infant and the Development of Chronic Lung Disease David J. Hoffman, MD vaginal bleeding with suspected abruption resulted in delivery of Gerard D. Brown, DO the infant by Cesarean section. The Apgar scores were 1, 5, and 9 Frederick H. Wirth, MD at 1, 5, and 10 minutes of life, respectively. Betsy S. Gebert, CRNP After delivery, the infant was managed with mechanical Cathy L. Bailey, MS, CRNP ventilation with pressure support and volume guarantee for Endla K. Anday, MD respiratory distress syndrome. She received exogenous surfactant We report a case of a low-birth-weight infant with an infection of the urinary tract with Trichomonas vaginalis, who later developed cystic chronic lung disease suggestive of Wilson-Mikity syndrome. Although she had mild respiratory distress syndrome at birth, the extent of the chronic lung disease was out of proportion to the initial illness. We speculate that maternal infection with this organism may have resulted in an inflammatory response that led to its development. Journal of Perinatology (2003) 23, 59 – 61 doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7210819 CASE PRESENTATION A 956-g, appropriate-for-gestational-age, African–American female was delivered by Cesarean section following 27 5/7 weeks of gestation in breech presentation after a period of advanced cervical dilatation and uterine contractions. Her mother was a 20-year-old gravida 5, para 2022 woman whose prenatal laboratory data were significant for vaginal colonization with Streptococcus agalactiae, treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis, and a history of cocaine and marijuana usage confirmed by urine toxicology.
    [Show full text]
  • 96-2314: DOROTHY G. ULRICH and U.S. POSTAL SERVIC
    U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board ____________ In the Matter of DOROTHY G. ULRICH and U.S. POSTAL SERVICE, POST OFFICE, Pass Christian, Miss. Docket No. 96-2314; Submitted on the Record; Issued July 17, 1998 ____________ DECISION and ORDER Before MICHAEL J. WALSH, GEORGE E. RIVERS, WILLIE T.C. THOMAS The issue is whether appellant has met her burden of proof in establishing that she sustained osteoarthritis, costochondritis, floating rib syndrome or rib impingement syndrome beginning September 12, 1995 causally related to factors of her federal employment. On December 18, 1995 appellant, then a former part-time flexible distribution clerk, filed an occupational disease claim, alleging that she sustained osteoarthritis, plantar fascitis, costochondritis, floating ribs syndrome, rib impingement syndrome, shoulder arthritis and second degree cystocele and that these conditions were related to her performance of duties as a part-time flexible distribution clerk. Appellant indicated that she first became aware of these conditions in November 1994 and became aware they were work related on January 11, 1995. Appellant was terminated from her position effective September 22, 1995. On February 5, 1996 the employing establishment controverted appellant’s claim, asserting that she had failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between the claimed conditions and factors of her federal employment. In a decision dated June 18, 1996, the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs accepted appellant’s claim for temporary aggravation of bilateral plantar fascitis and temporary aggravation of shoulder arthritis only. In a decision dated June 19, 1996, the Office reiterated the accepted conditions and found that appellant had not established that the claimed conditions of osteoarthritis in the legs, arms, wrists and hips, costochondritis, floating rib syndrome or rib impingement syndrome were related to or aggravated by her federal employment.
    [Show full text]
  • Chest Pain in Pediatrics
    PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 0031-3955/99 $8.00 + .OO CHEST PAIN IN PEDIATRICS Keith C. Kocis, MD, MS Chest pain is an alarming complaint in children, leading an often frightened and concerned family to a pediatrician or emergency room and commonly to a subsequent referral to a pediatric cardiologist. Because of the well-known associ- ation of chest pain with significant cardiovascular disease and sudden death in adult patients, medical personnel commonly share heightened concerns over pediatric patients presenting with chest pain. Although the differential diagnosis of chest pain is exhaustive, chest pain in children is least likely to be cardiac in origin. Organ systems responsible for causing chest pain in children include*: Idiopathic (12%-85%) Musculoskeletal (15%-31%) Pulmonary (12%-21%) Other (4%-21%) Psychiatric (5%-17%) Gastrointestinal (4'/0-7%) Cardiac (4%4%) Furthermore, chest pain in the pediatric population is rareZy associated with life-threatening disease; however, when present, prompt recognition, diagnostic evaluation, and intervention are necessary to prevent an adverse outcome. This article presents a comprehensive list of differential diagnostic possibilities of chest pain in pediatric patients, discusses the common causes in further detail, and outlines a rational diagnostic evaluation and treatment plan. Chest pain, a common complaint of pediatric patients, is often idiopathic in etiology and commonly chronic in nature. In one study,67 chest pain accounted for 6 in 1000 visits to an urban pediatric emergency room. In addition, chest pain is the second most common reason for referral to pediatric cardiologist^.^, 23, 78 Chest pain is found equally in male and female patients, with an average *References 13, 17, 23, 27, 32, 35, 44, 48, 49, 63-67, 74, and 78.
    [Show full text]
  • Respiratory Insufficiency in Patients with ALS at Or Near the End of Life
    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motor neuron disease causing progressive paralysis and eventual death, usually from respiratory failure. Treatment for ALS is focused primarily on optimal symptom manage- ment because there is no known cure. Respiratory symptoms that occur are related to the disease process and can be very distressing for patients and their loved ones. Recommendations on the management of respira- tory insufficiency are provided to help guide clinicians caring for patients with ALS. Hospice and Palliative Care Feature The Management of Andrea L. Torres, APN, CNP Respiratory Insufficiency in Patients With ALS at or Near the End of Life 186 Home Healthcare Nurse www.homehealthcarenurseonline.com Copyright © 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Introduction 2007). By the time most patients are definitively Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastat- diagnosed, they are often already in an advanced ing motor neuron disease characterized by pro- stage of the disease (Wood-Allum & Shaw, 2010). gressive muscle weakness eventually leading to Life expectancy is typically 3-5 years from the paralysis and death. The onset typically occurs onset of symptoms (Elman et al., 2007). in late middle age, with men slightly more af- fected than women (Wood-Allum & Shaw, 2010). Palliative Care Approaches for ALS Patients The majority of cases of ALS have no known Due to the progressive nature of ALS, early pal- cause; about 10% of ALS cases are linked to a fa- liative care is an essential component in the milial trait (Ferguson & Elman, 2007). Treatment treatment plan, and should begin as soon as the is primarily focused on optimal symptom man- diagnosis of ALS is confirmed (Elman et al., 2007).
    [Show full text]
  • CT Children's CLASP Guideline
    CT Children’s CLASP Guideline Chest Pain INTRODUCTION . Chest pain is a frequent complaint in children and adolescents, which may lead to school absences and restriction of activities, often causing significant anxiety in the patient and family. The etiology of chest pain in children is not typically due to a serious organic cause without positive history and physical exam findings in the cardiac or respiratory systems. Good history taking skills and a thorough physical exam can point you in the direction of non-cardiac causes including GI, psychogenic, and other rare causes (see Appendix A). A study performed by the New England Congenital Cardiology Association (NECCA) identified 1016 ambulatory patients, ages 7 to 21 years, who were referred to a cardiologist for chest pain. Only two patients (< 0.2%) had chest pain due to an underlying cardiac condition, 1 with pericarditis and 1 with an anomalous coronary artery origin. Therefore, the vast majority of patients presenting to primary care setting with chest pain have a benign etiology and with careful screening, the patients at highest risk can be accurately identified and referred for evaluation by a Pediatric Cardiologist. INITIAL INITIAL EVALUATION: Focused on excluding rare, but serious abnormalities associated with sudden cardiac death EVALUATION or cardiac anomalies by obtaining the targeted clinical history and exam below (red flags): . Concerning Pain Characteristics, See Appendix B AND . Concerning Past Medical History, See Appendix B MANAGEMENT . Alarming Family History, See Appendix B . Physical exam: - Blood pressure abnormalities (obtain with manual cuff, in sitting position, right arm) - Non-innocent murmurs . Obtain ECG, unless confident pain is musculoskeletal in origin: - ECG’s can be obtained at CT Children’s main campus and satellites locations daily (Hartford, Danbury, Glastonbury, Shelton).
    [Show full text]