
Core EM - Emergency Medicine Podcast
Core EM Emergency Medicine Podcast
Latest episodes

24 snips
Apr 8, 2019 • 13min
Episode 160.0 – Measles
In this episode, we discuss the recent measles outbreak and how ED providers can best prepare to treat this almost vanquished foe.
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Measles_Final_Cut.mp3
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Tags: Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics
Show Notes
Episode Produced by Audrey Bree Tse, MD
References:
CDC Measles for Health Care Providers. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.html#lab.
Gladwin M, Trattler B. Orthomyxo and Paramyxoviridae. In: Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple. 4th ed. Miami, FL: MedMaster, Inc; 2009: 240-243.
Hussey G, Klein M. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Vitamin A in Children with Severe Measles. N Engl J Med. 1990; 323: 160-164.doi: 10.1056/NEJM199007193230304.
Nir, Sarah Mailin and Gold, Michael. “An Outbreak Spreads Fear: Of Measles, of Ultra-Orthodox Jews, of Anti-Semitism.” New York Times [New York City] 03/29/2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/29/nyregion/measles-jewish-community.html
A massive thanks to:
Shweta Iyer, MD: NYU Langone 3rd year Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow.
Jennifer Lighter, MD: Assistant Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, NYU School of Medicine.
Michael Mojica, MD: Associate Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center.
Michael Phillips, MD: Chief Hospital Epidemiologist, NYU Langone Medical Center.
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Mar 22, 2019 • 6min
Episode 159.0 – Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
In this episode, we discuss acute decompensated heart failure and how to best manage these dyspneic patients in the ED.
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_ADHF.mp3
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Tags: Cardiology, Respiratory
Show Notes
Features that increase the probability of heart failure. (Wang 2005)
B-lines seen in pulmonary edema.
Positioning of ultrasound probe in BLUE protocol. (Lichtenstein 2008)
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Mar 8, 2019 • 6min
Episode 158.0 – Boxer’s Fracture
In this episode, we discuss Boxer's fractures and how to best manage them in the ED.
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Boxer_s_Fracture_eq.m4a
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Tags: Orthopedics, Trauma
Podcast Video
https://youtu.be/UreET5eLHas
Show Notes
Background:
40% of all hand fractures
A metacarpal fracture can occur at any point along the bone (head, neck, shaft, or base)
“Boxer’s” fractures classically at neck
Most common mechanism: direct axial load with a clenched fist
Most common metacarpal injured is the 5th
A majority of these injuries are isolated injuries, closed and stable
Examination:
Ensure that this is an isolated injury
May note a loss of knuckle contour or shortening
A thorough evaluation of the skin is important
Patients may also have fight bites and require irrigation and antibiotics
Tender along the dorsum of the affected metacarpal
Evaluate the range of motion as the commonly seen shortening results in extension lag
For every 2 mm of shortening there is going to be a 7 degree decrease in ability to extend the joint
Check rotational alignment of digits with the MCP and PIP at 50% flexion.
Partially clench their fist and ensure that the axis of each digit converges near the scaphoid pole / mid wrist
Deformity is often seen due to the imbalance of volar and dorsal forces
Dorsal angulation
AP, lateral and oblique views should be obtained on XR
The degree of angulation is estimated with the lateral view
NB: Normal angle between the metacarpal head and neck is 15 degrees
Management:
Most may be splinted with an ulnar gutter splint
Must be closed, not significantly angulated, and not malrotated
When splinting, place the wrist in slight extension, MCP (knuckles) at 90 degrees and the DIP and PIP in a relaxed, slightly flexed position
A closed reduction is indicated if there is significant angulation
“20, 30, 40” rule
If angulation is more than:
20 in the middle finger metacarpal
30 in the ring finger metacarpal
40 in the pinky finger metacarpal
Analgesia with a hematoma block or ulnar nerve block
Reduction technique: https://www.aliem.com/2013/01/trick-of-trade-reducing-metacarpal/
Referral:
May have mild deformity or decreased functionality and strength in hand grip after this injury
Emergent evaluation if:
Open fracture
Neurovascular compromise
Follow up:
Refer to hand specialist
Within 1 week if fractures of 4thand 5thmetacarpals with angulation
3 to 5 days if the 2ndand 3rd metacarpalsare affected
Immobilized for three to four weeks in splint
Healing may take up to six weeks
Take Home Points:
This is one of the most common fractures we will see as emergency physicians
When evaluating these patients, ensure that this are no other more severe, life-threatening injuries, and pay particular attention to the skin exam so that you do not miss a fight-bite
Reductions may be required if there is significant angulation, which is guided by the 20, 30, 40 rule
Finally, emergent specialist evaluation is indicated if there is an open fracture or evidence of neurovascular compromise
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Aug 13, 2018 • 3min
Episode 157.0 – Farewell
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_Episode_157_0_Final_Cut.m4a
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Jul 30, 2018 • 6min
Episode 156.0 – Updates in Community Acquired Pneumonia
This week we dive into a recent article highlighting a major update in the treatment of community acquired pneumonia (CAP)
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_Episode_156_0_Final_Cut.m4a
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Tags: CAP, Macrolides, Pulmonary
Show Notes
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REBEL EM: Update in Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Treatment – Macrolide Resistance
Moran GJ, Talan, DA; Pneumonia, in Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al (eds): Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, ed 8. St. Louis, Mosby, Inc., 2010, (Ch) 76: p 978-89.
Haran JP et al. Macrolide resistance in cases of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in the emergency department. J Emerg Med 2018. PMID: 29789175
Mandell LA et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis 2007;44(Suppl 2):S27–72. PMID: 17278083
Arnold FW et al. A worldwide perspective of atypical pathogens in community-acquired pneumonia. AmJ Respir Crit Care Med 2007;175:1086–93. PMID: 17332485
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Jul 23, 2018 • 13min
Episode 155.0 – Journal Update
This week we discuss three recent articles looking at esmolol in refractory VF, c-spine clearance and antibiotics after abscess drainage
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_Episode_155_0_Final_Cut.m4a
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Tags: Cardiac Arrest, Cervical Spine, Esmolol, I+D, Infectious Diseases, Journal Club, MRSA, Refractory VF, Trauma
Show Notes
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REBEL EM: Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole for Uncomplicated Skin Abscesses
Bryan Hayes at ALiEM: Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 1 or 2 Tablets BID?
The SGEM: SGEM#164: Cuts Like a Knife
Core EM: Antibiotics in the Treatment of Smaller Abscesses
EM Nerd: The Case of the Pragmatic Wound
REBEL EM: Refractory ventricular fibrillation
Resus.ME: Esmolol for Refractory VF
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Jul 16, 2018 • 6min
Episode 154.0 – Femoral Shaft Fractures
This week we review femoral shaft fractures with a focus on assessment and analgesia
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_Episode_154_0_Final_Cut.m4a
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Tags: Femoral Nerve Blocks, Orthopedics
Show Notes
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Orthobullets Femoral Shaft Fracture
Rosen’s Emergency Medicine Concepts and Clinical Practice(link)
Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine(link)
Femoral Nerve Block video (link)
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Jul 9, 2018 • 10min
Episode 153.0 – Morning Report Pearls VI
Dive into thrilling insights from Bellevue's morning report series! Discover the vital signs to watch for in immunocompromised patients, particularly with end-stage renal disease. Learn about the urgency and treatment of Fournier's gangrene—a life-threatening infection that demands swift action. Explore the necessity of thorough evaluations for intoxicated patients, especially those with head trauma, alongside essential imaging practices. This podcast is packed with critical knowledge for emergency medicine!

Jul 2, 2018 • 14min
Episode 152.0 – Penetrating Neck Trauma
This week, we discuss penetrating neck trauma and some pearls and pitfalls in management.
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_Episode_152_0_Final_Cut.m4a
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Tags: Neck Trauma, Trauma
Show Notes
REBEL EM: Penetrating Neck Injuries
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Anatomic Landmarks
Clavicle/Sternum to Cricoid Cartilage
Cricoid Cartilage to the Angle of the Mandible
Superior to the Angle of the Mandible
Anatomic Structures in Zone
Proximal Common Carotid Artery
Carotid Artery
Vertebral Artery
Subclavian Artery
Vertebral Artery
Distal Carotid Artery
Vertebral Artery
Jugular Vein
Distal Jugular Vein
Lung Apices
Pharynx
Salivary and Parotid Glands
Trachea
Trachea
Cranial Nerves IX – XII
Thyroid
Esophagus
Spinal Cord
Esophagus
Larynx
Thoracic Duct
Vagus Nerve
Spinal Cord
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Spinal Cord
Hard + Soft Signs of Major Aerodigestive or Neurovascular Injury
Hard Signs
Soft Signs
Airway Compromise
Hemoptysis
Expanding or Pulsatile Hematoma
Oropharyngeal Blood
Active, Brisk Bleeding
Dyspnea
Hemorrhagic Shock
Dysphagia
Hematemesis
Dysphonia
Neurologic Deficit
Nonexpanding Hematoma
Massive Subcutaneous Emphysema
Chest Tube Air Leak
Air Bubbling Through Wound
Subcutaneous or Mediastinal Air
Vascular Bruit or Thrill
Crepitus
WTA Management Algorithm for Penetrating Neck Injury (Sperry 2013)
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Jun 25, 2018 • 5min
Episode 151.0 – Cauda Equina Syndrome
This week we discuss the difficult to diagnose and high morbidity cauda equina syndrome.
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Podcast_Episode_151_0_Final_Cut.m4a
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Tags: Back Pain, Cauda Equina
Show Notes
Take Home Points
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare emergency with devastating consequences
Early recognition is paramount as the presence of bladder dysfunction portends bad functional outcomes
The presence of bilateral lower extremity weakness or sensory changes should alert clinicians to the diagnosis. Saddle anesthesia (or change in sensation) and any bladder/bowel changes in function should also raise suspicion for the disorder
MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice though CT myelogram can be performed if necessary
Prompt surgical consultation is mandatory for all patients with cauda equina syndrome regardless of symptoms at presentation
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EM Cases: Best Case Ever 11: Cauda Equina Syndrome
OrthoBullets: Cauda Equina Syndrome
Radiopaedia: Cauda Equina Syndrome
Perron AD, Huff JS: Spinal Cord Disorders, in Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al (eds): Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, ed 8. St. Louis, Mosby, Inc., 2010, (Ch) 106: p 1419-30.
References
Lavy C et al. Cauda Equina Syndrome. BMJ 2009; 338: PMID: 19336488
Todd NV. Cauda equina syndrome: the timing of surgery probably does influence outcome. Br J Neurosurg 2005;19:301-6 PMID: 16455534
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