Introduction: In the late 20th century, emergency medicine in resource-limited settings functioned without the benefit of rapid diagnostic imaging, internet-based reference tools, or laboratory automation. In such environments, the primary diagnostic instrument was the physician’s clinical intuition, sharpened by longitudinal observation and intensive study of foundational medical texts. Case Series Summary: This retrospective review analyses 10 diverse clinical mysteries encountered in an under-resourced Emergency Department between 1985 and 1990.
The series spans various specialities, including: Environmental & Tropical Medicine: Identifying pharyngeal leech infestation (#5) and African Trypanosomiasis (#9). Toxicology: Recognising lead poisoning from radiator-fermented alcohol (#10) and tardive dyskinesia from long-term neuroleptics (#2). Atypical Presentations: Diagnosing acute…