International Journal of Emergency Medicine (Oct 2024)

When flank pain leads to fainting: a case of a ruptured angiomyolipoma diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound

  • Noman Ali,
  • Max Mudrik,
  • Jordan Chenkin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00733-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Abstract Background Acute flank pain is a common presentation in the Emergency Department (ED). Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has emerged as an invaluable tool in the evaluation of acute flank pain and provides real-time images resulting in the early identification of the underlying pathology. Case Report Here we report a case of a young lady presented to the ED with a complaint of right flank pain followed by a syncopal episode. The diagnosis of ruptured angiomyolipoma was made using a PoCUS and an immediate consult to interventional radiology and urology was provided. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of PoCUS in assessing patients presented to the ED with acute flank pain. Its incorporation into clinical practice promises to revolutionize the approach to renal emergencies, emphasizing its important role in delivering timely and effective care.

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