SAEM Clinical Images Series: Painful Red Eye

The patient is a 60-year-old male with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia who presents to the Emergency Department after one day of sudden onset right eye pain associated with nausea and vomiting. He notes progressively blurring vision and vision loss in his right eye since the onset of the pain. His wife noted redness of his sclera and urged him to go the emergency department. He can now only sense light and shadows with his right eye. He denies traumatic injury or any history of serious ophthalmological pathology. He wears corrective eyeglasses and does not use contacts. He has no other complaints at this time.

Vitals: BP 149/83; HR 107; R 17; T 98.9°F; O2 sat 100 on room air.

General: Appears to be in pain and uncomfortable.

HEENT: As shown. Extraocular movements are intact. The right pupil is fixed and dilated with a relative afferent pupillary defect. There is no sign of traumatic injury.

Neck: There are no carotid bruits auscultated.

Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmur.

Neurologic: Normal other than the abnormal findings of the right eye.

Imaging: POCUS of the right eye is performed, image as shown.

Ultrasound shows retinal detachment with subretinal hemorrhage and associated choroidal detachment.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs due to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) due to outflow obstruction of the aqueous humor. Patients with a shallower angle between the iris and the cornea in the anterior chamber are predisposed to this condition. This is characterized clinically by severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and multicolored halos around lights. If left untreated, this can result in optic neuropathy and vision loss. The diagnosis of acute angle-closure glaucoma is confirmed with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained via tonometry. Normal IOPs are between 10 and 21 mmHg. The pressure in this patient’s right eye was 47 mmHg. Slit-lamp microscope exam showed a shallow anterior chamber, corneal edema, fixed dilated pupil, and conjunctival injection around the limbus (ciliary flush). Uncommonly, retinal and choroidal detachment may cause secondary acute angle-closure glaucoma, as seen in this case. Treatment includes medical and surgical interventions to reduce IOP, address underlying causes, and manage associated pain and nausea.

Take-Home Points

  • Retinal detachments are seen as a “V”-shaped hyperechoic and freely moving membrane tethered to the optic disc on ultrasound.

  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an ocular emergency. Delays in treatment can result in optic neuropathy and permanent vision loss.

  • Stenberg RT, Nelson J, Rabinowitz J, Simon EL. Spontaneous Hyphema and Vitreous Hemorrhage Causing Secondary Glaucoma in a Patient on Apixaban. J Emerg Med. 2023;64(3):359-362. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.12.021
  • Jersey A, Perice L, Li N, Johnson J, Dulani T. Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Secondary to Vitreous Hemorrhage Diagnosed with the Aid of Point-of-Care Ultrasound. J Emerg Med. 2020 Dec;59(6):e235-e237. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.08.015. Epub 2020 Sep 29. PMID: 33004244.
  • Chen SN, Ho CL, Ho JD, Guo YH, Chen TL, Chen PF. Acute angle-closure glaucoma resulting from spontaneous hemorrhagic retinal detachment in age-related macular degeneration: case reports and literature review. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2001 May-Jun;45(3):270-5. doi: 10.1016/s0021-5155(00)00382-8. PMID: 11369377.



By |2026-03-10T21:17:06-07:00Mar 20, 2026|Ophthalmology, SAEM Clinical Images|

SAEM Clinical Images Series: Perioral Facial Swelling

The patient is a 40-year-old male with no significant past medical history who presents to the Emergency Department with perioral rash and swelling. He had been in his normal state of health the day before and woke up in the morning with an itchy rash around his mouth. He denies lip, tongue, or intraoral swelling, throat itching or sensation of throat swelling, trouble swallowing, or swelling or itching of any other part of his face. The rash has not changed locations nor has it spread beyond the perioral area. He noted a similar episode once or twice before in his life, which had improved with taking diphenhydramine. He denies the presence of a rash or itching on any other part of his body, wheezing, shortness of breath, GI symptoms, or dizziness. He denies any exposure to new foods or medications, and he has not been exposed to ACE inhibitors nor ARBs. He has no other complaints at this time.

Vitals: BP 141/97; HR 88; R 19; T 98.2°F; O2 sat 98% on room air.

General: Awake and alert, no distress, speaking in a clear voice.

HEENT: As shown in the images provided. There is no oropharyngeal swelling. There is no stridor.

Respiratory: Clear to auscultation, no wheezes.

Skin: There is no rash or swelling elsewhere on the patient’s body.

Non-contributory

Upon further questioning, the patient admitted to applying an “instant hair dye shampoo” to his facial hair the day before presentation. Review of the product ingredients revealed para-phenylenediamine. He later recalled that his previous episodes of peri-oral swelling had occurred after exposure to the same product. Para-phenylenediamine can be found in commercial black and dark brown hair dyes, as well as in henna tattoos. Reactions can range from local erythema and contact dermatitis to bullous dermatitis and significant edema in severely affected patients. Symptoms may appear similar to angioedema and may only be distinguished after careful history identifies hair dye or henna exposure. Initial management is to remove the offending dye or henna with thorough washing. Topical steroids or a short course of oral steroids can be used for severe symptoms. Prevention of exposures in sensitized individuals remains the most important tenet of care. Hair dyes recommend consumers test the dye on a small patch of skin prior to using it, which has been proven to help identify those who will develop a reaction.

Take-Home Points

  • Para-phenylenediamine is a compound found in henna and hair dye that is commonly responsible for adverse skin reactions, but may be under recognized when used for facial hair.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis from this compound may show a range of clinical skin findings and sometimes may mimic angioedema.

  • Mukkanna KS, Stone NM, Ingram JR. Para-phenylenediamine allergy: current perspectives on diagnosis and management. J Asthma Allergy. 2017 Jan 18;10:9-15. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S90265. PMID: 28176912; PMCID: PMC5261844.
  • Krasteva M, Cristaudo A, Hall B, Orton D, Rudzki E, Santucci B, Toutain H, Wilkinson J. Contact sensitivity to hair dyes can be detected by the consumer open test. Eur J Dermatol. 2002 Jul-Aug;12(4):322-6. PMID: 12095875.



SAEM Clinical Images Series: Green Foot

The patient is a 59-year-old male with a history of prior DVT, atrial fibrillation, HTN, alcohol use and COPD who presents to the Emergency Department with chest pain, dyspnea, and left lower extremity swelling and pain. He had a prior hospital admission two weeks ago for leg swelling and cellulitis. He was previously prescribed oral gentamicin and topical mupirocin for concerns of foot infection, which he has been compliant with taking. He has been working long hours as a construction worker, but knows of no chemical exposure to his feet and denies walking barefoot. He has had no fever and denies any other complaints at this time.

Vitals: BP 151/69; HR 93; R 18; T 97.7°F; O2 sat 95% room air.

General: No acute distress.

Respiratory: Mild wheezes bilaterally.

Extremities: Mild bilateral lower extremity swelling, worse on left compared to right. Left foot discolored as shown in the image – when asked, the patient states the discoloration started initially on the great toenail and progressed to the sole of the foot.

CBC: WBC: 10.2; Hgb: 12.7

Na: 130

ESR: 6

CRP: 0.8

CXR: Mild pulmonary edema.

Foot X-ray: No acute findings, old Lisfranc injury.

Ultrasound: Negative for DVT.

Green foot syndrome is a rarely diagnosed Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection secondary to chronic skin moisture of the feet, identified from the greenish discoloration of skin. The green discoloration is due to pyocyanin and pyoverdine, giving the skin a bluish-green color. Symptoms can also include pruritus, pain, malodor, and paresthesias. Our patient was admitted to the hospital with dermatology consultation, who recommended vinegar soaks, gentamicin cream, and 0.3% ciprofloxacin solution. Other case studies have reported successful treatment by removing the inciting agent and keeping skin dry, acidic soaks such as benzoyl peroxide, and/or oral fluoroquinolones. Green foot syndrome has been reported in soldiers wearing combat boots for long hours and in patients during prolonged cast use. The moist environment of damp skin in boots provides an ideal environment for P. aeruginosa to grow. Our patient often wore construction boots with 2 pairs of socks for long hours at work, which made him susceptible to this infection.

Take-Home Points

  • When patients present with lower extremity complaints, always carefully assess the feet; this patient’s initial complaint was not skin discoloration.

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can cause a greenish discoloration to feet chronically kept in moist conditions, such as frequent and extended shoe or cast use.

  • García-Martínez FJ, López-Martín I, Castellanos-González M, Segurado-Rodríguez MA. Green foot ulcers. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2017 Oct;35(8):536-537. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.10.010. Epub 2015 Nov 26. PMID: 26627144.
  • Spernovasilis N, Psichogiou M, Poulakou G. Skin manifestations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2021 Apr 1;34(2):72-79. doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000717. PMID: 33492004.
  • Wu DC, Chan WW, Metelitsa AI, Fiorillo L, Lin AN. Pseudomonas skin infection: clinical features, epidemiology, and management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011 Jun 1;12(3):157-69. doi: 10.2165/11539770-000000000-00000. PMID: 21469761.
  • Sloan B, Meffert JJ. “Boot foot” with pseudomonas colonization. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;52(6):1109-1110. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.01.105
  • Park, Y., & Bae, J. (2013). Green foot syndrome: A case series of 14 patients from an armed forces hospital. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 69(4), e198-e199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2013.05.012
  • Lee SH, Cho SB. Cast-related green foot syndrome. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009;34(7):2008-2009. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2009.03317.x
  • Macgregor DM. An unusual presentation of immersion foot. Br J Sports Med. 2004 Aug;38(4):E11. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2003.007385. PMID: 15273204; PMCID: PMC1724852.



SAEM Clinical Images Series: Connect the Dots

The patient is a 39-year-old female with past medical history of polysubstance use disorder and seizures who presents to the Emergency Department complaining of bilateral leg pain, primarily in her joints. She states that she was seen by her PCP today and was given a shot of Toradol, but she reports that her pain has continued to worsen to the point that she has difficulty ambulating. She states that two days ago she developed pruritic blisters on her feet and her feet began to swell. She reports the blisters have worsened and have spread to her hands and forearms as well as her calves and thighs. She denies ever having similar symptoms in the past. She reports some subjective fevers and chills as well as cough and congestion, but denies sore throat, chest pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dysuria, vaginal bleeding, or vaginal discharge. She denies any recent travel and denies any animal exposure other than her mother’s dog but there are no fleas that she knows of. She denies any recent insect bites. She states that she has been sexually active with one male partner over the last six months and that she has tested negative for STIs in the last two months. She has no other complaints at this time.

Vitals: BP 121/77; HR 107; R 22; T 100.8°F; O2 sat 98% room air.

General: Appears mildly uncomfortable but no acute distress.

HEENT: Normal, no signs of pharyngitis.

Respiratory: Clear to auscultation bilaterally.

Cardiovascular: Tachycardia without murmur.

Abdomen: Non-tender, no masses.

Extremities: There are no signs of trauma. Full range of motion but complaints of joint pain with moving her legs and with walking.

Skin: Relevant findings as shown. Discrete, tender, erythematous macules and vesicles on the bilateral feet, calves, forearms and a singular vesicle of the right1st digit

Urinalysis: Small amount of bacteria

This patient has disseminated gonococcal infection.

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) is a serious complication of untreated gonorrhea, potentially leading to severe complications such as septic arthritis, pustular skin lesions, tenosynovitis, and in rare cases, endocarditis or meningitis. DGI is characterized by fevers, polyarticular joint pain, and skin lesions. The diagnosis of disseminated gonorrhea should be considered in any patient presenting with polyarticular joint pain or swelling in the setting of petechial or pustular skin lesions, especially in high risk populations. The skin lesions of disseminated gonorrhea most commonly appear on the distal extremities, and may involve the palms and soles. Patients may also present with acute septic arthritis without an obvious source. Patients with gonoccocal bacteremia may show signs of perihepatitis, meningitis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis. Disseminated gonococcal infection results from the hematogenous spread of N gonorrhoeae, and typically develops within 3 weeks of primary mucosal infection. Patients with disseminated gonoccocal infection should be admitted for intravenous antibiotics (ceftriaxone). Any sexual partners should be treated as well.

Take-Home Points

  • Consider disseminated gonorrhea when you have a patient with polyarticular joint pain/swelling with pustular skin lesions.

  • Complications of DGI may be severe; admission and aggressive treatment with intravenous antibiotics is warranted.

  • Tang et al. Characterizing the rise of disseminated gonococcal infections in California, July 2020-July 2021. Clin Infect Dis. January 2023;76(2):194-200.
  • Wang CH, Lu CW. Images of the month 2: Disseminated gonococcal infection presenting as the arthritis-dermatitis syndrome. Clin Med (Lond). 2019 Jul;19(4):340-341. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.19-4-340. PMID: 31308120; PMCID: PMC6752240.



SAEM Clinical Images Series: Modern Pirate

ecchymosis

The patient is a 72-year-old male with multiple medical problems who presents to the Emergency Department complaining of dyspnea on exertion. The patient also complains of bruising that has developed on his right leg. He states that he previously had a similar episode for which she was admitted to the hospital and had warfarin discontinued due to thrombocytopenia. He also reports that he has been unable to eat or drink much lately due to gum swelling and tenderness, and states that when he begins chewing he feels as though his teeth are going to fall out. When asked about his usual diet, the patient states that he primarily eats raisin bran crunch and grits and that he does not really eat fruits or vegetables. He denies any chest pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, or any other complaints.

Vitals: All vital signs are normal.
General: Pleasantly interactive in no acute distress.
HEENT: Key findings are shown in the image provided.
Respiratory: Clear to auscultation, no increased work of breathing.
Extremities/Skin: Diffuse ecchymosis and petechiae are present. Bruising to the right foot and ankle as shown. Bilateral legs with significant petechiae diffusely. Hair as shown.

CBC: WBC 10.4 Hgb 7.8 Plt 98,000

RBC Morphology abnormal- Moderate Anisocytosis, Slight Poikilocytes
Moderate Polychromasia, Slight Elliptocytes, Slight Hyopchromia

CMP: Albumin 2.5, Total Protein 5.4

Scurvy results in multiple symptoms including gingivitis with bleeding, periodontal disease, loss of dentition, mucocutaneous petechiae, ecchymosis, hyperkeratosis, and corkscrew hairs. Scurvy is due to Vitamin C deficiency and resultant impaired collagen biosynthesis. Petechiae, ecchymosis, follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular hemorrhages, corkscrew hairs, gingival bleeding, arthralgias, skin discoloration, impaired wound healing, koilonychias, and splinter hemorrhages may all be seen in patients with scurvy. These findings are primarily derived from inability to synthesize collagen due to lack of ascorbic acid, which is used as an electron donor to catalyze proline and lysine into hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. Ascorbic acid also prevents epigenetic DNA hypermethylation, which is essential in the synthesis of certain collagen types.

Take-Home Points

  • A thorough dietary history can help identify patients at risk for vitamin deficiencies and other diagnoses caused by malnutrition.
  • Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C deficiency and results in impaired collagen synthesis, leading to multiple potential abnormal physical exam findings such as gingivitis with bleeding, severe periodontal disease, loss of dentition, mucocutaneous petechiae, ecchymosis, hyperkeratosis, and corkscrew hairs.

  • Gandhi M, Elfeky O, Ertugrul H, Chela HK, Daglilar E. Scurvy: Rediscovering a Forgotten Disease. Diseases. 2023 May 26;11(2):78. doi: 10.3390/diseases11020078. PMID: 37366866; PMCID: PMC10296835.
  • Léger D. Scurvy: reemergence of nutritional deficiencies. Can Fam Physician. 2008 Oct;54(10):1403-6. PMID: 18854467; PMCID: PMC2567249.

By |2026-02-19T12:33:13-08:00Feb 23, 2026|SAEM Clinical Images, Uncategorized|

SAEM Clinical Images Series: A Mucous Membrane Mystery

eye

The patient is a healthy 14-year-old male without past medical history who presents to the Emergency Department with oral lesions, eye swelling, intermittent fevers, and pain with urination. Over the past 10 days he has been seen by his PCP and at an outside ED for a cough, sore throat, fevers, and oral pain. Three days ago he was seen by his PCP, had a positive rapid strep test, and was started on amoxicillin. His oral lesions and lip swelling have been progressively worsening over the past 2 days. Monospot testing was also performed yesterday and is negative. Today he was seen again by his PCP for new pain with urination and was sent to the ED for concern for Kawasaki disease. The patient has had decreased oral intact due to his pain, but otherwise has no other complaints.

Vitals: BP 124/88 HR 112 R 28 T 100.2 F O2sat 94% room air.
HEENT: Relevant findings are shown in the images provided. Tonsillar exudate is present. No meningismus. Voice is normal.
Respiratory: Coarse breath sounds with diffuse wheezing.
Cardiovascular: Tachycardic, no murmurs, no rubs.
Skin: No rash. Negative Nikolsky sign. No palmar desquamation.
Lymph: Cervical lymphadenopathy is present
Genitourinary: See image provided.

CBC, CMP, Urinalysis: negative

COVID/Flu/RSV: negative

Mycoplasma NAAT: positive.

CRP: 13.5 mg/L

ESR: 48 mm/Hr

This child has RIME (reactive infections mucocutaneous eruption), a rare post-infectious cause of mucositis in children and adolescents.

Prolonged fevers and illnesses are frequent reasons for pediatric ED visits. Children and adolescents can be more prone than adults to a variety of immune-mediated and other inflammatory reactions such as Kawasaki disease, serum sickness like reactions, erythema or urticaria multiforme, SJS/TEN, MISC, among others. RIME is a relatively recently described post-infectious condition characterized by mucositis in at least two mucus membranes, with or without an area of cutaneous eruption. It was previously called mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM), and mycoplasma is the most common trigger, though the designation RIME implies that other common infectious agents (covid, influenza, and other viral and bacterial pathogens) have been identified as causal agents. Management is supportive, including treatment of the underlying illness (in this case, treatment of mycoplasma). Corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory agents may be used in more severe cases.

Take-Home Points

  • RIME is a reaction primarily involving mucosal surfaces that is often associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in pediatric populations.
  • Treatment of RIME involves treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae with azithromycin and supportive care including hydration and appropriate consultations for wound management as needed.

  • Lofgren D, Lenkeit C. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae-Induced Rash and Mucositis: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Spartan Med Res J. 2021 Aug 30;6(2):25284. doi: 10.51894/001c.25284. PMID: 34532621; PMCID: PMC8405277.
  • Meyer Sauteur PM, Theiler M, Buettcher M, Seiler M, Weibel L, Berger C. Frequency and Clinical Presentation of Mucocutaneous Disease Due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection in Children With Community-Acquired Pneumonia. JAMA Dermatol. 2020 Feb 1;156(2):144-150. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.3602. PMID: 31851288; PMCID: PMC6990853.
  • Rehmus, W. E., Phillips, J., & Flegel, L. (2023). In Pediatric Dermatology (pp. 274–274). essay, UBC LIBRARY. Retrieved January 6, 2025,.

By |2026-02-06T12:12:18-08:00Feb 20, 2026|SAEM Clinical Images, Uncategorized|

SAEM Clinical Images Series: An Unusual Appearing Umbilicus

umbilicus

The patient is a 70-year-old female with a remote history of breast cancer who presents to the Emergency Department with family due to frequent falls and disorientation. Her family reports that she previously walked independently. However, over the last several months, she has had worsening weakness and has become wheelchair-bound. Nonetheless, she frequently attempts to walk and loses her balance, leading her to falling. She is brought in today due to another fall along with worsening confusion over the past few weeks. The family does not believe the patient suffered any significant injury today, but brings here in due to her worsening condition. The patient has no complaints at this time.

Vitals: All vital signs are normal.
General: The patient is disheveled, but in no acute distress.
HEENT: No signs of trauma. Normal exam.
Respiratory: Clear to auscultation bilaterally.
Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm without murmur.
Abdomen: Non-tender, moderately distended, bowel sounds present. The umbilicus appears unusual- see image provided.This area in the umbilicus is a firm raised nodular density that appears crusted-over. There is no organomegaly present.
Neurologic: Patient is oriented to person and family. She has diffuse weakness and poor effort, but there are no focal deficits noted.
Skin: Relevant findings as shown.

Underlying malignancy with metastasis to the umbilicus.

This patient’s umbilical abnormality is consistent with Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule, which is a metastatic lesion from an intra-abdominal or pelvic malignancy. This finding is named for Sister Mary Joseph Dempsey, a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, who first recognized the association between periumbilical nodules and metastatic intra-abdominal malignancies. The most common culprit is gastric malignancy, but Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule may also be seen in ovarian, endometrial, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. As part of our patient’s traumatic workup, a CT abdomen/pelvis was performed, which revealed a large retroperitoneal mass encasing the aorta and iliac arteries, extensive lymphadenopathy, a markedly enlarged uterus, and multiple soft-tissue implants including the one within the umbilicus. Imaging was also notable for a cirrhotic liver with multiple hypodense lesions. During her hospitalization, she underwent lymph node biopsy, which revealed small cell carcinoma concerning for high-grade neuroendocrine cancer. The prognosis for patients with Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule is generally poor, as this finding indicates advanced cancer that is already metastatic.

Take-Home Points

  • Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule is a rare but serious physical exam finding that is concerning for advanced metastatic cancer.
  • A thorough physical exam is important in all patients presenting to the ED- more may be missed by not looking than by not knowing.

  • Dar IH, Kamili MA, Dar SH, Kuchaai FA. Sister Mary Joseph nodule-A case report with review of literature. J Res Med Sci. 2009 Nov;14(6):385-7. PMID: 21772912; PMCID: PMC3129082.
  • Abu-Hilal M, Newman JS. Sister Mary Joseph and her nodule: historical and clinical perspective. Am J Med Sci. 2009;337(4):271-273. doi:10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181954187

By |2026-02-06T11:36:28-08:00Feb 16, 2026|SAEM Clinical Images|
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