Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma

Early identification of bladder diverticula in pre-hospital settings using screening sonography: A case report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Sergio Miravent 1
Carla Gomes 2
Andreea Basescu 3
Ana Martins 3
Manuel Duarte Lobo 4
Rui Pedro Almeida 3

1 Basic Emergency Service of Vila Real de Santo António, Local Health Unit of Algarve; Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Department, School of Health, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal

2 evante Family Health Unit and Basic Emergency Service of Vila Real de Santo António, Local Health Unit of Algarve, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal

3 Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Department, School of Health, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal

4 edical Imaging and Radiotherapy Department, Dr. Lopes Dias School of Health, Polytechnic University of Castelo Branco, Local Health Unit of Northeast, Castelo Branco, Portugal

https://doi.org/10.34172/jept.2025.02
Abstract
Objective: Bladder diverticula, while not exceptionally rare in clinical practice, presents a significant diagnostic challenge, particularly in remote pre-hospital emergencies where technological limitations and the absence of specialized medical expertise prevail. This report aims to emphasize the role of screening ultrasound in the pre-hospital setting,
Case Presentation: A patient experiencing severe lower abdominal pain presented at a basic emergency service (BES) for the third time presenting the same symptoms. Renal and pelvic ultrasound screening was performed, revealing suspected bladder distention and adjacent fluid-filled cavities, consistent with multiple bladder diverticula. Subsequently, the patient was referred to a referral central hospital for management by medical experts. Comprehensive evaluation confirmed the findings of the BES.
Conclusion: The results of the screening ultrasound enabled the BES team to initiate clinical interventions to mitigate the patient’s discomfort. Screening ultrasound was crucial in identifying imaging markers that provided the physician with clinical data for correct and prompt patient orientation.

Keywords

Diverticulum
Emergency
Screening
Ultrasound
Urinary retention
Subjects
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Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 77-81

  • Receive Date 02 September 2024
  • Revise Date 13 January 2024
  • Accept Date 25 February 2025

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