Answer: VizD Image Challenge Week of 7/16/2007

Congratulations to RunningGirl - she is the first person to submit the correct answer to this week's VizD. Thank you to everybody who participated, there were many correct submissions but I can only pay one person a week!

To view RunningGirl's answer, click here

RunningGirl is the winner of $10.

Recap:
A 24-year-old man is brought to your Emergency Department after being stabbed in his chest. His heart rate is 125 beats per minute, respiratory rate is 33 breaths per minute, and blood pressure is 85/50 mm Hg. Breath sounds are decreased on the right. You note the findings seen in the images below.

(click on image to enlarge)
Questions:
1. What is the presumed clinical diagnosis?
2. What is the immediate treatment?
3. What is the definitive treatment?

Answers:
1. Tension pneumothorax
-JVD (seen in image), tachycardia, hypotension
2. Needle decompression
3. Thoracostomy tube (chest tube)






The next VizD will be posted on Monday July 23.

VizD is a weekly contest of an interesting or pathognomonic image from emergency medicine. Its goal is to integrate learning into a fun and relaxed environment. All images are original and are posted with the consent of the patient. For more information please refer to the following link.