Name that Diagnosis!

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

cardiac catherization (not done in the ED)

Myocardial infarction (MI)

Troponin

EKG

Congestive heart failure (CHF)

Elevated BNP

Chest X-Ray

Atrial fibrillation

EKG/ECG

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

CTA of the chest (CT with IV contrast of the chest)

Pneumonia (PNA)

Chest X-Ray

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

This is not diagnosed in the ED. It usually based on established history of COPD (confirmed my pulmonologist) We usually see patients with acute COPD exacerbations.

Asthma

Clincally, usually based on established history of asthma. We usually see patients wtih acute asthma attacks

Ischemic CVA

Clinically - However a CT scan of the head is typically done to first rule out a brain bleed. From there the ED doc will consult with a stroke specialist who will commonly recommend CT of the HEAD with IV contrast dye (this may vary depending on your site!)

Hemorrhagic CVA

CT of the head ; LP may be required in some cases

Transient ischemic attack

Clinically - Coorelation between FND symptoms now improved/resolved and lack of any acute residual FND on exam. CT imaging will be done to ensure there is not active bloackage

Meningitis

Lumbar puncture (LP)

Appendicitis

CT* Abdomen/pelvis with PO Contrast dye

*Will likely differ in pediatric patients

Cholecystitis / Cholelithiasis

RUQ Ultrasound

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinalysis

Pyelonephritis

1. Clinically via CVA Tenderness and confirmed UTI

OR

2. CT A/P without contrast

Ectopic pregnancy

Transvaginal ultrasound

Spinal cord injury

CT Scan of cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar spine

Fracture

X-Ray of injured area

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

CTA of the abdomen/pelvis (CTA means CT angiogram = CT with IV contrast)

Aortic dissection

CTA of the chest (CTA means CT angiogram = CT with IV contrast)

Sepsis

Definitively via blood cultures. Preliminary labs will be done but they don't definitevely diagnose sepsis

Cellulitis

Clinically via exam - erythema, induration, calor

Abscess

Clinically via exam - erythema, induration, calor, + FLUCTUANCE

Anemia

CBC: Low hemoglobin and hematocrit

Thrombocytopenia

CBC: Low platelet count

Leukocytosis

CBC: High WBC count

STEMI

EKG

NON-STEMI

Troponin

Pancreatitis

Elevated lipase and/or amylase

Pneumothorax

Chest X-Ray