Timely recognition and management of life-threatening conditions are essential in emergency medicine. However, diagnosing such conditions can be challenging, particularly when symptoms are nonspecific or atypical. This case underscores the value of digital tools, such as VisualDx, in augmenting intelligence and optimizing patient outcomes in the Emergency Department setting.
The Case:
A 46-year-old Black female presented to the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania’s Emergency Department with complaints of body aches, fatigue, mild headache, and a recent fever at home. Given the widespread viral activity, including heightened COVID-19 and influenza levels, the initial focus was on ruling out common infectious causes. Despite a reassuring workup, the presence of a diffuse faint red rash in a patient with darker skin prompted the ED resident to turn to DermExpert, VisualDx’s AI-powered feature, for further evaluation.
After DermExpert analyzed an image of the patient’s lesion and considered the relevant findings, it offered up “meningococcemia” as a significant consideration, contrary to the initial clinical impression of a well-appearing patient. Heightened vigilance prompted by VisualDx’s suggestion led to extended observation and monitoring. Subsequent clinical deterioration, characterized by hypotension, tachycardia, worsening rash, and altered mental status, necessitated aggressive intervention, including IV antibiotics.
A lumbar puncture confirmed gram-negative bacterial meningitis, and the patient was promptly transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for advanced management. The timely diagnosis accelerated by VisualDx’s guidance was recognized as a “Save of the Month” by the residency program and shared as a learning case within the department.
Non-dermatologists improved accuracy 88% when using DermExpert
The Value of VisualDx:
Meningococcemia, although rare, poses a significant threat to patient health, demanding prompt recognition and intervention to mitigate adverse outcomes. VisualDx’s AI-powered lesion identification feature and algorithmic approach facilitated consideration of this life-threatening diagnosis, prompting timely intervention and optimizing patient care.
The uses of VisualDx in the emergency department are innumerable. I use it to help narrow the differential diagnosis of a rash, of course, but also to educate patients. They love seeing their rash on the phone with a diagnosis. It reassures them that we’ve made the right diagnosis.
—Emergency medicine physician and VisualDx user
The integration of VisualDx’s DermExpert app into clinical practice played a pivotal role in identifying and diagnosing meningococcemia in a patient presenting with nonspecific symptoms in the Emergency Department. By augmenting diagnostic acumen and prompting consideration of uncommon diagnoses, VisualDx enhances patient safety and contributes to improved outcomes in emergency medicine.