64-detector CT angiography within 24 hours after carotid endarterectomy and correlation with postoperative stroke.

Object: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) carries a small but not insignificant risk of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), most frequently observed within 24 hours of surgery, which can lead to the need for urgent vascular imaging in the immediate postoperative period. However, distinguishing expected versus pathological postoperative changes may not be straightforward on imaging studies of the carotid artery early after CEA. The authors aimed to describe routine versus pathological anatomical findings on CTA performed within 24 hours of CEA, and to evaluate associations between these CTA findings and postoperative stroke/TIA.

Does prolonged length of stay in the emergency department affect outcome for stroke patients?

Introduction: Conflicting data exist regarding the association between the length of stay (LOS) of critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED) and their subsequent outcome. However, such patients are an overall heterogeneous group, and we therefore sought to study the association between EDLOS and outcomes in a specific subgroup of critically ill patients, namely those with acute ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (AIS/TIA).

Methods: This was a retrospective review of adult patients with a discharge diagnosis of AIS/TIA presenting to an ED between July 2009 and February 2010.

Evaluation of national institute of allergy and infectious diseases/food allergy and anaphylaxis network criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis in emergency department patients.

Background: Diagnostic criteria were proposed at the Second Symposium on the Definition and Management of Anaphylaxis convened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (NIAID/FAAN). Validation is needed before these criteria can be widely adapted into clinical practice.

Objective: Our aim was to retrospectively assess the diagnostic accuracy of the NIAID/FAAN criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis in emergency department (ED) patients.

Anaphylaxis in emergency department patients 50 or 65 years or older.

Background: Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction commonly managed in the emergency department (ED). Data describing patients 50 or 65 years or older with anaphylaxis are limited.

Objective: To describe the presentation and management of patients with anaphylaxis who were 50 or 65 years or older and to compare these findings with those of younger patients.

Mayo International Spine Symposium 2010.

This annual 5-day Continued Medical Education event featured the latest in new treatment strategies and techniques for orthopedists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, primary care providers and other professionals involved in treating patients with spinal disorders. This year's program content focused on: minimally invasive surgery, motion-preservation surgery, nonoperative spine care, value (quality/cost) and maintenance of certification self-assessment examination.