Sodium polystyrene sulfonate versus sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for the treatment of hyperkalemia in the emergency department.

Background: Hyperkalemia accounts for over 800,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States each year, and has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality likely due to fatal cardiac dysrhythmias. Previous studies have demonstrated reductions in mortality when potassium levels are normalized in the ED. Cation exchange resins, such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), may be administered as a means of definitively eliminating potassium from the body.

Massive Ureterolithiasis.

The authors present the case of a 40-year-old male who visited the emergency department with left-sided flank pain. He was found to have a 12 mm ureteropelvic stone and was provided parenteral analgesia before being admitted to the hospital for urology consultation. The presentation and diagnosis of his case along with treatment options against a backdrop of related studies are discussed.

Triquetrum Fracture with Pisiform Dislocation.

The authors present a case of a triquetrum fracture and pisiform dislocation diagnosed in the emergency department. The patient described wrist pain with no other complaints. However, after a plain radiograph in the emergency department, a minimally displaced avulsion fracture of the triquetrum and subtle pisiform dislocation was detected.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome in a Postmenopausal Female.

This study reports the case of a 53-year-old postmenopausal woman and explores her unique experience with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). PCS is a relatively newly recognized entity and is still a diagnosis of exclusion. We analyze the presenting symptoms and imaging findings on CT and ultrasonography.