Ep 222 Imaging Decisions in Emergency Medicine

Ep 222 Imaging Decisions in Emergency Medicine

Author: Dr. Anton Helman August 25, 2026 Duration: 48:36
When to image, when to wait, and what to do when the ideal test isn’t available are often far more nuanced than they appear. In this EM Cases episode, Dr. Amit Shah joins Anton to tackle some of the toughest everyday imaging decisions: How much should cumulative radiation exposure influence our decision to order another CT? In suspected appendicitis, when is it safe to wait for ultrasound rather than obtain CT overnight? Can the emerging traumatic brain injury biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1 help avoid CT, particularly in rural and remote settings? And in suspected cauda equina syndrome, how can PVR and CT lumbar spine be combined to risk-stratify patients when MRI isn’t immediately available—and when should a reassuring PVR or CT not reassure us? Plus, practical shared decision-making strategies, the role of the “tincture of time,” and much more... Please consider a donation to EM Cases to support ongoing high-quality Free Open Access Medical Education: https://emergencymedicinecases.com/donation/

Hosted by Canadian emergency physician Dr. Anton Helman, Emergency Medicine Cases is a trusted audio resource that feels like having a seasoned colleague by your side during a complex shift. Each episode dives deep into the nuanced, high-stakes decisions that define emergency care, moving beyond textbook summaries to explore the real-world application of the latest evidence and clinical wisdom. You’ll hear detailed discussions with leading specialists, breaking down challenging presentations, diagnostic pitfalls, and cutting-edge treatments. This podcast is designed for the practicing clinician who wants to refine their approach, whether they’re managing a critical trauma, an ambiguous abdominal pain, or a puzzling pediatric fever. The conversations are thorough and grounded, offering practical takeaways you can use immediately. For those who want to engage further, extensive show notes, quizzes, and supplementary videos are available online to solidify your learning. Tune in to stay sharp, confident, and current in the fast-paced world of emergency medicine.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 50

Emergency Medicine Cases
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