Diagnosis of a Case of Suspected COVID-19 Using Telemedicine Technology in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing worldwide pandemic infection. Healthcare workers must utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control prevention techniques given the high risk of transmission and potential morbidity associated with COVID-19. We present a case report highlighting the strengths and potential applications of telemedicine technology in a patient's evaluation during an ongoing emerging, novel infectious disease. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with complaints of fever. His presentation coincided with a recent declaration of a pandemic caused by COVID-19 and a known exposure. Telemedicine evaluation was performed using InTouch Provider® software (InTouch Health, Goleta, CA, USA). The treating clinician was able to interact with the patient entirely through observations via web camera. COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction testing was ordered and was performed by a dedicated triage nurse. The patient was deemed stable for discharge given his normal vital signs and well appearance. Approximately 72 hours after discharge from the ED, the patient was contacted with positive COVID-19 swab results. CONCLUSIONS We present the first known case report highlighting use of telemedicine to diagnosis COVID-19 in a patient present in the ED. With the appropriate systems in place, this method of evaluating the patient helped to limit clinician exposure, decrease risk of transmission to key personnel, and assisted with preserving PPE supplies. Use of telemedicine affords multiple benefits in the effective diagnosis, evaluation, and potential prevention of spread of COVID-19.

A Case of 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Cardiac Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery vasospasm after administration of fluorouracil (5-FU) is a rare complication. Commonly presenting as chest pain during or shortly after 5-FU infusions, vasospasm can place patients at risk for ventricular dysrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, and infarction. Although not fully understood, any 5-FU cardiotoxicity seems to be multifactorial, and patients with coronary artery disease and renal dysfunction may be at particular risk. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old woman with no prior cardiovascular disease history presented with sudden-onset chest pain after initial administration of 5-FU continuous infusion therapy. The patient subsequently developed ventricular fibrillation arrest and underwent successful electrocardioversion. Coronary angiography was unremarkable for coronary stenosis or vasospasm. The presumed etiology was secondary to 5-FU cardiac toxicity. The patient was re-challenged with 5-FU therapy and developed repeat chest pain. The 5-FU was completely stopped and the patient's symptoms resolved, with no further dysrhythmic events 9 months after initial presentation. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Patients who develop chest pain during or after 5-FU infusion should warrant strong consideration for admission and continuous cardiac monitoring for potential ventricular dysrhythmias and cardiac ischemia.