Computed Tomography Imaging in Aortic Dissection.

Emergency physicians often rely on a "triple-rule-out" computed tomography (CT) where image acquisition is timed to obtain image quality equivalent to dedicated coronary CT angiography, pulmonary CT angiography, and thoracic aorta CT angiography. This case highlights the importance of obtaining CT angiography dedicated to the aorta in the setting of high clinical suspicion for aortic disease if initial CT pulmonary angiogram is negative for aortic disease.

Dispatcher assessments for agonal breathing improve detection of cardiac arrest.

Aim Of Study: To determine if a new protocol can increase the detection of agonal respirations by emergency medical dispatchers and thus the presence of cardiac arrest.

Methods: This is a prospective before and after study performed in a large metropolitan city. Cases were identified by review of all cardiac arrests called into a central medical control office.