Journal of Urgent Care Medicine

Worsening, General Weakness and Immobility in an IV Drug User

Urgent message: Spinal epidural abscesses are a rare condition that can be fatal if untreated. Populations most at risk include the elderly, diabetics, and IV drug users. The most common cause of an epidural abscess is the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Savannah Chavez, MD; Jordan Miller, DO; J. Chika Morah, MD INTRODUCTION Incidence of spinal epidural abscesses ranges from 0.2 to 2.8 cases per 10,000 per year, with a peak incidence occurring in patients between 60 …

Rhabdomyolysis in the Urgent Care: An Unexpected Case of Myalgias

Urgent message: Rhabdomyolysis has a wide range of presentations, from asymptomatic to life-threatening. The most dramatic presentation can result in acute renal failure, electrolyte imbalances, and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Jordan Miller, DO, Ari Leib, MD, and Andre Bonnet, DO EPIDEMIOLOGY Approximately 26,000 cases of rhabdomyolysis are reported in America yearly, with 10% to 50% progressing to acute renal failure.1,2 Mortality rates range from 7% to 80% and are higher in patients who develop multiorgan …

Reducing Morbidity and Mortality Due to MRSA in the Urgent Care Setting

Urgent message: Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in the community—one that can lead to a range of infections, including abscess and sepsis. Invasive methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) infections have decreased in the healthcare setting; however, at the same time, community-acquired infections have increased. Delayed treatment increases morbidity and mortality. Jordan Miller, DO and Ari Leib, MD AN ILLUSTRATIVE CASE A 40-year-old female presented to an urgent care center with the chief complaint of a …

A 30-Year-Old Female with Headaches of Increasing Frequency

Urgent message: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) occurs when a blood clot forms in the venous sinuses within the brain, preventing drainage of blood. It can cause blood cells to break down and leak into the brain tissues, forming a hemorrhage. This can result in stroke. CVST affects about 5 people in 1 million per year. Aasia Ferdous, DO and Jordan Miller, DO CASE PRESENTATION A 30-year-old female presented to urgent clinic with a headache …

A 44-Year-Old Man with Cough of Several Weeks’ Duration

Urgent message: Lung cancer—the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States—may first present with relatively benign symptoms and findings, such as those seen in urgent care. A pulmonary nodule may be the first manifestation of lung cancer in tobacco users. Early diagnosis and intervention, as well as ensuring a patient has appropriate and timely access to follow-up, is a critical measure in decreasing mortality. Introduction Lung cancer is the second most common …