Digital Commons Network^™

A Manual For Ultrasound Guided Intravenous Access: Allay Your Fears, Alleviate With Humor, Approach With Confidence, Michael Dong, Md

The Medicine Forum

“Hey, can you help get IV access on a patient? The nurses have tried many times already.”

If this message fills your heart with trepidation, it may be because you do not have a systematic approach to ultrasound guided intravenous catheter (IV) placement or any prior training in this procedure. At our institution, after failed nursing attempts, the responsibility for obtaining IV access may fall on the physician. Early in the year, this physician may be an intern who has limited experience with IV access, let alone ultrasound guided IV placement. They may have previously undergone a brief training course …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Evaluation Of Pneumonia, Michael Dong, Md, Frances Mae West, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presenting with fever, hypoxia, productive cough, and leukocytosis can be diagnosed with pneumonia without any imaging findings. However, we often rely on X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging to support the clinical diagnosis. Ultrasound is an effective imaging modality for identifying pneumonia without delay and radiation risks.^1,2 A meta-analysis by Ye et al. in 2015 found that ultrasound diagnosis of pneumonia had a pooled sensitivity of 0.95 and a pooled specificity of 0.9, which is superior to X-ray imaging which had a pooled sensitivity of 0.77 and a similar pooled specificity of 0.9.³ This study used …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Lung And Ivc Examination Of A Volume Overloaded Patient, Michael Dong, Md, Frances Mae West, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presents with dyspnea, hypoxia, and lower extremity edema. Their history is notable for recent high salt intake and non-compliance with diuretics, and their lungs have rales bilaterally. Clinically, we can diagnose a heart failure exacerbation with pulmonary edema. However, we often rely on X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging to support the clinical diagnosis and explore the etiology of the hypoxia and dyspnea to narrow the differential. Ultrasound is an effective modality for identifying pulmonary edema and pleural effusions while at the same time ruling out other etiologies such as pneumonia and pneumothorax. With bedside point of care …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Examination Of A Pericardial Effusion, Michael Dong, Md, Frances Mae West, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presents with pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and a recent viral illness. They have no prior cardiac or pulmonary history. Their X-ray on admission demonstrates no pulmonary findings and an enlarged cardiac silhouette, and their EKG is low voltage with electrical alternans. Ultrasound is an effective modality for identifying pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade while at the same time evaluating for other causes, such as heart failure. Often patients with symptomatic pericardial ef fusion present with non-specific symptoms. While a “formal” transthoracic echocardiogram remains the gold standard for diagnosis, a bedside point of care ultrasound (POCUS) cardiac evaluation can …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Examination Of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure, Michael Dong, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md, Frances Mae West, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presents with dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, and lower extremity edema. They have a prior history of coronary artery disease and reported episodes of chest pain three months ago. They did not seek medical evaluation at the time and have had no chest pain recently. In this setting, there is a high clinical suspicion of heart failure with concern for ischemic heart disease. The gold standard for diagnosis of heart failure is a formal transthoracic echocardiogram. Bedside point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a tool that can provide essential information without delay in diagnosis.

A Case Of Suspected Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Louis Kishfy, Md, Justin Bilello, Md, Monjur Ahmed, Md, Elizaveta Flerova, Md

The Medicine Forum

Amphetamines are a well-established cause of liver injury though the typical presentation is that of illicit drug abuse rather than liver injury occurring in a prescribed setting.¹ Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant medications used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The authors were only able to find a single case of lisdexamfetamine-related drug-induced liver injury (DILI) occurring in the pediatric population in their review of the literature. Here we present a case of suspected lisdexamfetamine DILI in an adult patient.

Helpful Or Harmful? A Case Report Of Nutritional Supplements Causing Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Amman Bhasin, Md, Phoebe Chun, Md, Justin Bilello, Md, Manju Ambelil, Md, Dina L. Halegoua-Demarzio, Md

The Medicine Forum

Herbal supplement-induced liver injury represents a growing concern in the body of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) literature, with recent studies in mainland China, Iceland, and the United States reporting estimated rates of herb/dietary supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) between 1.16-6.38 per 100,000 (Björnsson et al., 2013; Shen et al., 2019; Vega et al., 2017). Notably, a recent 2020 study demonstrated an increasing prevalence of hepatotoxicity secondary to herbal and dietary supplements in the US and worldwide (Zheng et al., 2020). Recognizing the hepatotoxicity of various supplements is crucial, given the increasing usage of dietary and herbal supplements and the lack of …

End-Stage Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Resulting In Intestinal Pneumatosis, Justin Bilello, Md, Amman Bhasin, Md, Phoebe Chun, Md, Aaron Martin, Md

The Medicine Forum

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare gastrointestinal motility disorder that presents with symptoms, physical exam, and imaging findings of mechanical bowel obstruction without an anatomical obstruction. Multiple etiologies, including enteric or extrinsic neuropathic dysfunction, myopathic dysfunction, or dysfunction of the interstitial cells of Cajal, cause CIPO’s pathogenesis. The presentation of CIPO may be idiopathic or caused by underlying diseases. The most common presentation is abdominal pain, bloating, and distension. Here, we present a patient with an end-stage case of CIPO who failed medical therapy. Her distension progressed over a decade, requiring emergency surgery due to intestinal pneumatosis.

A Case Presentation Of Pericarditis Associated With Haemophilus Influenzae Bacteremia, Risa Goldberg, Md, Harrison Bell, Md

The Medicine Forum

Acute pericarditis, or inflammation of the pericardial sac, is a clinical condition which can often be attributed to a variety of underlying etiologies, including infection, autoimmune disease, trauma, and malignancy. While viral infections are commonly implicated in the etiology of pericarditis, bacteria known to be associated with pericarditis include staphylococcus species, streptococcal species, tuberculosis, and in children, Haemophilus influenzae.¹ Here we present a rare case of pericarditis in an adult male patient which occurred in association with Haemophilus influenzae bacteremia.

A Case Of Bartonella Endocarditis And Torrential Aortic Regurgitation Leading To Cardiac Arrest, Brandon Pecchia, Md, Ms, Sawyer Kieffer, Md

The Medicine Forum

Infective endocarditis can be difficult to diagnose, especially when blood culture-negative. We describe a case of a patient who presented with signs and symptoms of new, acute decompensated heart failure who was found to have culture-negative endocarditis, a large, mobile aortic valve mass, and torrential aortic regurgitation. Although the patient remained clinically stable during early admission and was planned for surgical correction of the valvular pathology, he suffered abrupt clinical decompensation which resulted in cardiac arrest. Postmortem serologies were found to be positive for Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana.

An Educational Case For Applying The Alveolar- Arterial Gradient In Hypoxemia: An Underutilized And Underappreciated Clinical Tool, Chioma Nwonu, Do, Michael Dong, Md, Daniel Kramer, Md

The Medicine Forum

The Alveolar-arterial gradient, commonly known as the A-a gradient, measures the difference in the oxygen concentration in the alveoli and the arteries across the capillary membrane in the lung. In an ideal system, the A-a gradient would be zero because there would be perfect equilibrium as oxygen diffuses and equalizes across the alveolar and arterial sides of the capillary membrane. However, there is a physiologic A-a gradient because of the differences in perfusion and ventilation in the apical and basilar regions of the lungs. Because this relationship exists, the changes in the A-a gradient have clinical utility in guiding the …

Achenbach Syndrome: A Classic Presentation Of A Not-So-Common Condition, Brandon Pecchia, Md, Ms

The Medicine Forum

Also called “acute idiopathic blue finger” or “paroxysmal finger hematoma,” Achenbach syndrome is a benign collection of findings that is often mistaken for more serious conditions. Characteristically presenting with discrete unexplained bruising or discoloration of the volar aspect of one or two fingers, it is a diagnosis that physicians should include on their differential given its innocuous course and excellent outcomes, without need for invasive testing or intervention. The purpose of this case report therefore is to increase awareness of this rare condition, especially among emergency department physicians and internists, in order to minimize the incidence of unnecessary testing, procedures, …

From The Chief Residents, Tina Boortalary, Md, Justin Robbins, Md, Svenja Schneider, Md

The Medicine Forum

As your Chief Residents, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on your incredible scholarly achievements over the past year. We have been impressed by the quality and diversity of your scholarly work. From interdisciplinary clinical research projects that have been submitted to journals across numerous subspecialties, to contributions to the Health Equity and Quality Improvement Summit, you have all demonstrated a passion for excellence and a commitment to advancing the field of medicine. We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you and to have …

From The Editors, Harrison Bell, Md, Akash Patel, Do, Benjamin Tasevac, Md

The Medicine Forum

We are honored to present the 24th Annual edition of The Medicine Forum to the Jefferson community. Over the years, it has been remarkable to see the quality and diversity of projects submitted to this forum, and this year is no exception. The Medicine Forum aims to celebrate the scholarly activity among physicians in training at our institution. We hope that this year's edition will continue to honor this long standing tradition. Despite the uncertainties and stressors that are inherent to working in a hospital, our authors have found the time to produce scholarly work that will diversify and further …

From The Desk Of The Residency Program Director, Christopher Henry, Md, Facp

The Medicine Forum

It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you for the first time as Program Director, as I also introduce to you our latest edition of The Medicine Forum. Having done my residency training at Jefferson, I am so proud that the tradition of this journal has continued throughout the years despite new residents, new leadership, and new challenges both locally and globally. Our residents’ commitment to not only patient care, but also to scholarship and inquiry remains outstanding and impactful.

Tradition, coming from the Latin word “tradere”, means to transmit, to hand over, or to give for safekeeping; …

Table Of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 24, 2022-2023

The Medicine Forum

Table of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 24, 2022-2023

The Medicine Forum: Volume 24

The Medicine Forum

The Journal of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine, Volume 24, 2022-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Case Reports
• Ultrasound Education

Full Issue: Volume 1, Issue 1 - May 2023

Bone Bulletin

Contents

i - Editors’ Note by Payton Boere and Ari Clements

ii - Foreword by Dr. Alan Hilibrand

7 - Injuries, Management, and Prevention in the Weekend Warrior by John Paulik

10 - A Practical Guide to Etiquette in the Orthopaedic OR for the Rotating Medical Student by Tyler Radack

13 - New Trends in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applications: The Role of Preference Signaling by J. Liam Gibbons

16 - First Job Considerations as an Orthopaedic Surgery Attending: Picking a Practice Setting by Purab Kothari

20 - A Day in the Life of an Orthopaedic Surgeon with Dr. Rachel Shakked …

Summary Of Early Sport Specialization In Baseball, Matthew Sabitsky

Bone Bulletin

Background/Scope of the Problem

Early sport specialization, defined as playing one sport for over eight months in a year without participation in any other sports, has gained significant popularity in recent years.^1,2 Increasing numbers of young baseball players are leaving their local leagues for travel programs where they may pay thousands to play for a team year-round.³ Youth baseball players are competing in more games than ever. During the busiest months, summer travel teams routinely schedule around 80 games over the course of just three months.⁴ Putting this in perspective, Division I college programs play about 60 …

Additional Strategies To Heal A Fracture: The Impact Of Lifestyle Modifications To Improve Bone Repair, Katie Duquette

Bone Bulletin

Suffering from a bone fracture can hinder a patient’s ability to work and greatly diminish their quality of life. Depending on fracture characteristics, treatment options consist of non-operative and operative management. Regardless of intervention needed, the process of bone healing is multi-factorial. Therefore, patients who are interested in maximizing their functional recovery can make changes within their control to optimize the healing process. Changes as simple as adding beets and probiotics could have a significant impact on returning function earlier and alleviating pain sooner.

If physicians elevate their current recovery strategy advice, it may be possible to improve a patient’s …

Exploring The Use Of Robotics In Orthopaedic Surgery, Daniel Givner

Bone Bulletin

Over the last few decades, the use of robotics has dramatically increased across all surgical specialties. While initially only utilized in a few gynecological and urological procedures, robotics are now used in a wide range of surgical procedures ranging from general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, to otolaryngology and orthopaedic surgery. One study noted in the field of general surgery, roughly 15% of all surgeries are utilizing some form of robotics.1 Surgical robotics assist in a variety of ways ranging from guiding procedures by creating 3D images of the anatomic landscape, to allowing physicians to operate through telemanipulating in a separate room. …

Biologic Augmentation In Osteochondral Lesions Of The Talus, Yashas Reddy

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are injuries involving damage to the cartilage and bone associated with the talar dome. They occur in up to 50% of ankle sprains and 73% of ankle fractures, varying in stability and severity.¹ Standard weightbearing ankle radiographs may allow for visualization of the lesions if substantial bone fragmentation is involved but CT and MRI are more sensitive for subchondral bone damage and purely cartilaginous lesions, respectively (Figure 1). The majority of patients with OLT are active individuals in their 20s and 30s, and often present after sustaining an acute inversion injury.^{2 …}

A Day In The Life Of An Orthopaedic Surgeon With Dr. Rachel Shakked, Anne Cohen

Bone Bulletin

From a young age, Dr. Shakked knew she wanted to be a doctor and started medical school with an interest in pursuing medical oncology. As a third year, she did her surgery rotation with low expectations but ended up loving it and discovering the field of orthopaedics. After completing her fellowship in 2016, she is now a foot and ankle specialist at the Rothman Institute where she experiences a mix of both private and academic practice. This conversation was born from her desire to show students what life is like beyond medical school and residency, and the importance of living …

First Job Considerations As An Orthopaedic Surgery Attending: Picking A Practice Setting, Purab Kothari

Bone Bulletin

A career in medicine is a journey with many forks in the road as medical students choose specialties, then subspecialties, and finally a practice setting. Particularly with the latter, becoming familiar with the various practice options early on can lead to an easier decision when the time to join the workforce arrives. Additionally, the ability to work in a setting that aligns with one’s career goals may ultimately lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout risk. The following article aims to define various practice settings, including academic, private, community, “privademics” and locum tenens, and explore key considerations orthopaedic surgery …

New Trends In Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applications: The Role Of Preference Signaling, J. Liam Gibbons

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Orthopaedic surgery is known to be one of the most competitive specialties for medical students to pursue. It is important for applicants to have a strong portfolio of achievements, including research, presentations, and volunteering to increase chances of matching. USMLE scores and AOA membership tend to be higher among residency applicants that match into orthopaedic surgery. Moreover, the match rate for orthopaedics is lower at 74% compared to the overall match rate of 93.8%.¹ To increase chances of matching into an orthopaedic program, it is recommended to start preparing early and stay informed about trends and strategies in …

A Practical Guide To Etiquette In The Orthopaedic Or For The Rotating Medical Student, Tyler Radack

Bone Bulletin

The Operating Room, the operating theatre, the lair of the Orthopaedic surgeon, it goes by many names. It is a place most try to avoid, but this daunting windowless room is a classroom and training ground for many. And for the medical student interested in an orthopaedic surgery career, making an impression in the operating room is vital to matching into their desired orthopaedic residency.¹

Unfortunately, making an impression in the operating room is difficult, or more precisely, making a good impression in the operating room is difficult. Furthermore, every operating room dynamic can be different, and the personalities …

Injuries, Management, And Prevention In The Weekend Warrior, John Paulik

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Sports medicine is known for heroically returning competitors back to the big game just in the nick of time for the winning play. This storybook ending is a reality of sports medicine. However, the majority of athletes will not end up on ESPN in the newest 30 for 30. This begs the question - who is an athlete? To some, it may be defined as someone who participates in an organized sport, culminating in regular competition and requiring systematic training.¹ This definition, however, excludes those who regularly exercise with the goal of improving their health or appearance.^{2 …}

Foreword, Alan S. Hilibrand

Bone Bulletin

As the Director of Undergraduate Medical Education for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to introduce the inaugural issue of the Bone Bulletin. Through the activities of the DePalma Orthopaedic Society, medical students at SKMC have had an excellent venue to learn about orthopaedic surgery, and our surgeons here at Rothman Orthopaedics have enthusiastically mentored younger students interested in the field of orthopedic surgery. The DePalma leadership has worked hard on many initiatives in recent years: providing forums for orthopaedic faculty to speak about their work, assembling lists …

Editor's Note, Payton Boere, Ari Clements

Bone Bulletin

We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural issue of the Bone Bulletin, DePalma Orthopaedic Society’s student-run, non-peer reviewed journal for Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) students. The journal’s aim is to provide yet another way to be involved with orthopaedics in medical school and to promote student interest in orthopaedics by reporting on diverse aspects of the field through editorial and opinion pieces. Under the close 1-on-1 mentorship of a physician from the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, students have a hands-on opportunity to write about and directly engage with orthopaedic research and developments.

Within the pages of this journal, you …

Current Barriers To Eye Care, Annika Samuelson, Bs

inSIGHT

Barriers to care penetrate all aspects within our healthcare system and ophthalmology is no exception. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 2.2 billion people worldwide have vision impairment, half of which are due to preventable causes and/or remain untreated. In the United States, 6 million people are reported to have visual impairment and over one million people are blind.² The leading causes of blindness within the United States are macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.³ Management of these diseases require access to early detection, therapeutic intervention, and follow up care at regular intervals; for example, nearly half …