The Dead Gut
The Dead Gut
Aug. 15, 2024
Some pathologies are true can't-miss diagnoses. Let's get into one such condition with EMRA*Cast host Will Smith and EM guru Matthew DeLaney. In this episode you will learn a very simple and comprehensive workup for mesenteric ischemia.
Host
Will Smith, MD
Emergency physician in Northern California
Graduate, Nuvance Health/Vassar Brothers Medical Center Residency
@WTSmithMD | wtsmithmd
EMRA*Cast Episodes
Guest
Matthew DeLaney, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Host of ERCast
Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine
University of Alabama at Birmingham
OVERVIEW
There are a handful of pathologies that we as emergency docs absolutely can't miss, and a dead gut is one of them. We have been taught certain buzzwords or laboratory markers that help us clue in the diagnosis on board exams or during the ITE, but it isn't that simple in real life. Dr. Matthew DeLaney takes us through a very simple and comprehensive workup for mesenteric ischemia that makes it easy to understand and helps avoid important pitfalls.
TAKE-HOME POINTS
- Pain out of proportion isn't a thing…so stop it!
- If it's not on the differential, it can't be diagnosed
- A lactic acid won't rule mesenteric ischemia in or out; it can be used as a prognostic indicator, but nothing more
- Don't be afraid to order imaging, but make sure it's the correct one!
- Once you have the diagnosis, call any and everyone who can help you.
