Digital Commons Network^™

A Case Of Radiation-Induced Optic Neuritis (Rion) Managed With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Zachery M. Casella, Dallin S. Lindahl

Research Day

Case Description/Objective: A 58-year-old African American man with a history of left skullbase meningioma presented to the emergency department with acute bilateral vision loss on April 16. He completed external beam radiation therapy in August 2024, receiving a total dose of 50.4 Gy over one month. MRI of the brain and orbits with and without contrast supported the diagnosis of optic neuritis, most consistent with radiation-induced etiology. He was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone for five days and discharged on oral dexamethasone, pentoxifylline, and vitamin E, with instructions to initiate Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as soon as possible at Emory University …

A Rare Case Of Suspected Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome: A Comparative Review Of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, Olivia G. Deloach, Caroline R. Kebberly, Zoë M. Rushetsky, Sreehitha Sanku, Mariah Smith, Marcel Castor

Research Day

Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) are two distinct disorders of sexual development that can present with similar clinical features, including primary amenorrhea, an absent uterus, and typical female external genitalia.

We present the case of a 27-year-old female who died following a motor vehicle accident and was found to have congenital absence of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina, consistent with MRKH syndrome. MRKH occurs in phenotypic females with normal ovarian function, whereas AIS presents similarly but occurs in genotypic males with absent Müllerian structures and no ovaries.

This case was identified incidentally during an autopsy at …

Evaluation Of A Blast Pressure Wave Apparatus To Model Traumatic Brain Injury In Rodents, Nolan Gillihan, Diana Peterson

Research Day

INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury resulting from blast pressure waves is a significant concern, particularly among military personnel. This study aims to evaluate a blast pressure wave apparatus designed to simulate human-like traumatic brain injury in rodents, assessing both physiological and behavioral outcomes.

METHODS Rodents (Long Evans rats and CB57B/SMN2 mice) were exposed to a single 20 psi blast pressure wave using the newly developed apparatus. Pre- and post-exposure assessments included several behavioral tests: tinnitus, depression, and motor function. Control groups were exposed solely to an equivalent blast sound, but not the pressure wave of the device. Data was analyzed to …

Anatomical Evidence Of Systemic Progression In Desmoplastic Small Cell Round Tumor, Kimata Thomas, Suprithi Pingle, Jamison Hay, Ansa Malik, Jared Bobeck, Amy Wang, Shelley Dicecco

Research Day

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSCRT) is a rare and aggressive malignant neoplasm with characteristic intra-abdominal involvement and poor prognosis. Existing literature focuses on known presentations of DSCRT and current treatment outcomes, while cadaveric anatomical findings remain underexplored.

OBJECTIVE: This case report aims to characterize anatomical and lymphatic manifestations of advanced DSCRT through cadaveric dissection and quantitative comparison with other cadavers whose causes of death were malignant in nature.

METHODS: A cadaveric case study was conducted through anatomical dissection. Quantitative assessment included lymph node counts and measurements, evaluation of metastatic extent, and documentation of gross anatomical changes within the …

Ethics First: The Importance Of An Irb When Working With Pediatric Populations, Chloe Phillips, Katrina Strand, Brooklyn Myers, Jamie Smith, Grace Bang, Daesung Choi, Xinyu Wang, Yujin Kim

Research Day

Objective: This IRB application was approached with a unique perspective due to its focus on a complex pediatric population, which may have determinants that create healthcare disparities. These populations are particularly vulnerable, making it paramount to ensure voluntary and honest participation.

Methods: Prior to recruiting or conducting a human study, research teams are required to get approval from this board, which consists of five or more members, including both those with scientific and nonscientific backgrounds, to ensure impartiality. All research personnel must also receive training in the basics of research ethics. The IRB application outlined every aspect of the project …

Gallstone Ileus 46 Years Post-Cholecystectomy Due To Duodenal Diverticulum, Jesse Kao, Jenna Fussell

Research Day

Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction that is typically seen in older females with multiple comorbidities. Gallstone ileus is most commonly caused by the passage of a gallstone through a cholecystoduodenal fistula, in the setting of chronic cholecystitis, with stone impaction most frequently seen in the terminal ileum. We present a rare case of gallstone ileus in a 51 year old female that formed 4 decades after cholecystectomy, likely due to the presence of a small duodenal diverticulum. This case highlights the need for the inclusion of gallstone ileus in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting …

A Triple-Combinatorial Approach For Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections: Clinical And Mechanistic Insights Into Recarbrio, Pasang Sherpa, Heanose Takele, Joel John, Vicky Mody, Shashidharamurthy Taval

Research Day

The WHO has considered multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections as critical “priority 1” threats that need immediate antibiotic research and development, especially carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Globally, MDR infections increased by 43%, including a 67% in healthcare-associated infections and a 38% increase in community-acquired infections. It is considered as a “silent” pandemic that has existed for more than three decades. Antimicrobial resistance is predicted to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left untreated. Apart from high mortality, these infections lead to economic burden, with global healthcare costs exceeding USD 100 billion each year. CRE …

Fulminant Septic Shock Due To Streptococcus Pneumoniae Bacteremia Without Radiographic Pneumonia In An Immunocompetent Adult, Akash Kumar Sinha, Prasad Garimella

Research Day

Introduction

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal bacteremia is typically associated with radiographic evidence of pneumonia, with pulmonary consolidation present in the majority of cases. However, invasive disease may rarely present without radiographic findings, creating a diagnostic challenge. We report a case of fulminant septic shock due to S. pneumoniae bacteremia in an immunocompetent adult without radiographic pneumonia.

Methods

This is a retrospective case review of a 48-year-old previously healthy woman who presented to the emergency department with one day of cough, sore throat, and generalized weakness. Clinical data including laboratory values, …

When Overgrowth Masks Inflammation: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis In Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome, Katherine Fadus, Joy Zarandy, Nancy Carnevale

Research Day

Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare X-linked overgrowth condition characterized by pre- and postnatal macrosomia, craniofacial dysmorphism, congenital anomalies, and increased embryonal tumor risk. We present a 5-year-old male child with genetically confirmed SGBS complicated by progressive inflammatory arthritis consistent with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), highlighting the diagnostic challenges that arise when structural overgrowth and autoimmune pathology coexist.

The diagnosis of SGBS was initiated prenatally after a mid-trimester anatomy scan demonstrated congenital diaphragmatic hernia and fetal macrosomia. Targeted genetic testing identified a pathogenic variant in GPC3. Postnatally, the child exhibited persistent macrosomia, macroglossia, organomegaly, renal cysts with hypertension, and repaired …

A Misdiagnosis Of Charcot Foot: A Case Report, Nasir Abbasi, Jovante Dockery, Aribah Ali, Kevin Tang, Vaishali Jadhav

Research Day

Introduction:
Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNO) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by
progressive destruction of bone and joint structures, most commonly involving the foot and ankle in patients with underlying peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes mellitus is the most common associated condition, although CNO has also been reported in other neuropathic disorders. Diagnosis is frequently delayed because early CNO can mimic conditions such as cellulitis,deep venous thrombosis, inflammatory arthropathy, fractures, or ankle sprains. Physiological changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period may further obscure clinical recognition, increasing the risk of CNO.

Case Description:
A 37-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented during …

Omadacycline Vs Other Tetracyclines: A Novel Drug Against Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus, Natasha Mohar, Sumaiyya Ali, Shashidharamurthy Taval, Vicky Mody

Research Day

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are multidrug-resistant pathogens, associated with substantial morbidity and mortality having limited therapeutic options. Traditional tetracyclines are ineffective against VRE due to drug-resistance because of bacterial ribosomal protection proteins [tet(M)] and efflux pumps [tet(L)]. The reduced intracellular drug concentrations by tet(M) and tet(L) will prevent the inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis. Hence, tigecycline, a derivative of tetracycline was developed by introducing N,N-dimethylglycylamido group at C-9 position to overcome the tet(M) and tet(L) mediated drug-resistance while retaining the VRE anti-bacterial activity.  However, the clinical use of tigecycline is limited to intravenous administration with possible gastrointestinal disturbance. To increase the …

Integrating Mental Health Screening Into Pediatric Rehabilitation: Bridging Gaps In Comprehensive Care, Chloe D. Pak, Anvitha Kaguturu, Andrea Mann

Research Day

Introduction: Children with physical disabilities experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which have the potential to influence the course and outcomes of their rehabilitation. Although there is an increasing prevalence of psychiatric conditions in the pediatric population, access to mental health services for children remains low.

Objective: This literature-based review aims to examine the existing approaches towards mental health screening in pediatric rehabilitation settings, analyze how psychiatric comorbidities are being addressed, and determine what barriers are currently preventing the full integration of mental health screening in the care of children needing physical rehabilitation.

Methods: A …

Emergency Symphysiotomy For Severe Shoulder Dystocia, Humza Omar, Linda Al-Sabbah, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency that occurs when the fetal anterior shoulder becomes impacted behind the maternal symphysis pubis after delivery of the head. This is a time-sensitive condition that can result in neonatal hypoxia, brachial plexus injury, and significant maternal morbidity. When standard obstetric maneuvers fail and cesarean delivery is not feasible or possible, symphysiotomy may be considered as a last resort intervention.  This procedure involves surgical division of the pubic symphysis cartilage to widen the pelvic diameter and relieve the bony obstruction. This case describes a 28-year-old woman whose vaginal delivery was complicated by severe shoulder …

Gepotidacin (Blujepa®): A First-In-Class Triazaacenaphthylene Topoisomerase Inhibitor For Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections And Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance, Sia Christine, Vicky Mody, Shashidharamurthy Taval

Research Day

The emergence of multidrug-resistant uropathogens, notably fluoroquinolone- and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant Escherichia coli, has narrowed the therapeutic options available for management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs). Gepotidacin, a triazaacenaphthylene, inhibitor of bacterial type II topoisomerases recently approved by FDA (2025) for the treatment of uUTIs in adult females. Here, we are presenting the available data on gepotidacin’s structure-activity relationships (SAR), mechanism of action (MOA), pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), resistance, and adverse effects. In the EAGLE-2 and EAGLE-3 Phase III trials, gepotidacin met the pre-specified non-inferiority criterion against nitrofurantoin in adult women with uUTI. Structurally, gepotidacin’s triazaacenaphthylene scaffold incorporates three nitrogen atoms …

Disparities In Urology Match Outcomes For Osteopathic Students And Students Without Home Residency Programs In The Southeastern Section Of The Aua, Adam Davis, Alp Turgut, Caroline Wade, Martha Terris, Ching Man Carmen Tong

Research Day

Urology remains one of the most competitive specialties. Students at schools without home urology residency programs (NHPs) often have limited access to early clinical exposure, mentorship, and research, reducing their likelihood of applying and matching. Osteopathic (DO) students have historically faced additional barriers in surgical subspecialties, raising concerns about equity in access to fields like urology. We hypothesized that students at NHPs, particularly DO students, would apply and match at lower rates. Using SESAUA match data from 2020–2025, we analyzed applicant and match outcomes across medical schools in the region. Medical schools for unmatched applicants were identified using publicly available …

Regional Differences In Routine Vaccination Coverage Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis Of School-Aged Populations In Michigan And Georgia, Shwan K. Noori, Ivey Ginn, Emily Mabry, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Social media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion nationwide, especially regarding vaccinations in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This data analysis aims to determine whether social media has significantly influenced regional differences in how vaccines for preventable diseases are perceived across the United States. This study aims to explore the potential difference in vaccine compliance rates in Michigan and Georgia before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to compare Michigan and Georgia was based on their similar population sizes and the opportunity to explore how regional differences may influence data trends within the U.S.

Methods: …

Management Of A Borderline Mucinous Ovarian Tumor In A Twin Pregnancy, Pranati L. Kongara, Sara Kurtovic, Milo Jacob Z. Paman, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Background:

Mucinous ovarian tumors are epithelial neoplasms that range from benign to borderline to malignant histology. Borderline ovarian tumors comprise a notable proportion of epithelial ovarian tumors. The diagnosis of a borderline ovarian tumor during pregnancy is rare. Histopathologic evaluation of borderline mucinous ovarian tumors in pregnant patients has demonstrated a higher frequency of aggressive histologic features compared with nonpregnant cohorts. Despite these findings, borderline ovarian tumors generally exhibit low malignant potential, and survival outcomes among pregnant patients remain comparable to those of nonpregnant women.

Objective:

This case describes a 28-year-old patient with a dichorionic twin pregnancy diagnosed with a …

Menopause And Musculoskeletal Injury Risk: Beyond Estrogen—A Hormone–Tissue–Load Mismatch Model, Mustafa Ansari, Faisal Hussain, Mutasem Shopon, Hanfa Ajmal, Mueez Asif, Sharon David

Research Day

Menopause represents a critical physiologic transition characterized by a significant decline in circulating estrogen levels, which has profound effects on the musculoskeletal system. Estrogen plays an essential role in maintaining bone homeostasis, collagen synthesis, and connective tissue elasticity. As estrogen levels fall during menopause, women experience accelerated bone mineral density loss, alterations in tendon and ligament biomechanics, and an increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries. Despite the growing aging female population, the relationship between hormonal changes, tissue biomechanics, and injury risk remains underrecognized in clinical practice.

This study reviews the current literature examining the physiologic and biomechanical consequences of menopause on …

Gastric Volvulus In An Infant: A Rare Medical Emergency, Haley Wrobel, Ali Syed, Audrey Arona

Research Day

Introduction: Gastric volvulus, a rare condition in which the stomach rotates along its anatomical axis, can present as a medical emergency in infants. In both acute and chronic forms of gastric volvulus, the condition often presents with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and nonbilious emesis, which can lead to the misdiagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Congenital defects, such as diaphragmatic hernia, or weakness of the gastric supporting ligaments, can predispose infants to gastric volvulus. Lack of timely intervention may lead to failure to thrive, gastric ischemia, and obstruction.

Case presentation: A 5-month-old full-term female infant presented to …

Clinical Prevalence Of Vertigo In Vestibular Schwannoma Patients Presenting With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review, Cameron Vida, Bilal Tanveer, Nolan Gillihan, Paul Mikhail, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can be an early presenting symptom of vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma), but its coexistence with vertigo is not well defined. Understanding how frequently vertigo accompanies sudden SNHL in these patients is clinically important, as it may influence diagnostic suspicion and timely imaging. The primary objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with acoustic neuroma presenting with sudden or unilateral SNHL who also report vertigo.

Methods: A structured literature search was performed in PubMed using the keywords “Acoustic Neuroma with Vertigo Presentation.” The initial search yielded 224 articles. Sequential filters were …

Metastatic Osteosarcoma Identified During Cadaveric Exploration: A Case Of Renal Involvement, Kimberly Cang, Wesley Dieudonne, Shreya Kuturu, Katherine P. Richardson, Emeka Onuorah, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Introduction:

Osteosarcoma is a primary bone cancer affecting mainly children, adolescents, and young adults. The most common metastatic sites are the lungs, followed by the brain, liver, spleen, and soft tissues of the abdominal cavity. Metastatic renal osteosarcoma is rare, occurring in roughly 10%-12% of cases post-mortem. This can be partially attributed to imaging protocols, which can lead to renal metastasis remaining silent and undetected. This case report relays the findings of multiple metastatic sites of osteosarcoma in a 22-year-old female cadaver.

Methods:

During routine dissection in a gross anatomy lab, a case of metastatic osteosarcoma was uncovered. Permission to …

Metastatic Breast Cancer In 52-Year-Old Cadaver, Ethan Cook, Atharva Athalye, Rohan Patel, Rishab Prakash, Jordan Pullins, Gavin Scott, Mackwan Sringam, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Introduction:

Breast cancer commonly spreads through lymphatic drainage to the axillary region before disseminating systemically. This cadaveric case study describes the gross anatomical findings of advanced metastatic breast carcinoma identified during routine dissection.

Methods:

Dissection was performed on a 52-year-old female during a gross anatomy laboratory. Cancer was documented through photos. Permissions were obtained from the body donation program to document and publish the findings.

Results:

The primary tumor was located in the right breast, with metastases observed in the right axilla, bilateral lungs, pectoralis minor muscle, and liver. Axillary involvement demonstrated prominent angiogenesis and mass effect, with associated atrophy …

Anatomic Variance Of A High Right Coronary Ostium, Atharva Athalye, Ethan Cook, Rohan Patel, Rishab Prakash, Jordan Pullins, Gavin Scott, Mackwan Sringam, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Introduction:

An 89-year old female presents to the gross anatomy lab with an abnormally high right coronary ostium relative to the aortic valve and the left coronary ostium. The right coronary ostium is typically located within the anterior aortic sinus above the aortic valve and is the origin of the right coronary artery. A high right coronary ostium can lead to vascular problems as blood flow can be reduced to the right coronary artery and can cause myocardial ischemia.

Methods:

The 89-year old female cadaver was routinely dissected in the gross anatomy lab at the PCOM-GA. Permissions were obtained from …

Breaking The Cycle: Uromune Mv140 In The Prevention Of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (Rutis), Katrina Strand, Sia Christine, Brooklyn Myers, Kaytlin Pal, Mishel Alvarez, Christina Cologer, Vicky Mody, Shashidharamurthy Taval

Research Day

Women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs), defined as more than three infections per year, often face significant reduction in their quality of life, including travel and employment. Additionally, there is concern about the long-term effects of prolonged and repeated use of antibiotics, which are currently the standard for prophylaxis and treatment. Overuse often results in resistance. Multiple countries currently offer, or are in the process of developing, vaccines that can prevent rUTI. Uromune MV140 from Immunotek is one such vaccine. This study was conducted as a literature review evaluating the safety, efficacy, mechanism of action, and clinical use …

A Cadaveric Case Study On Vascular And Splenic Variations, Madeeha S. Aziz, James Bradshaw, Tatyanna S. Goodson, Muhammad A. Muqeet, Yaquelin Palacios, Phillip Pearson

Research Day

Introduction: The typical aortic arch is composed of the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid, and the subclavian artery. Subsequently, the first section of the subclavian artery typically gives rise to the vertebral artery. In our dissection, we found four arteries branching from the aortic arch, instead of the three previously listed arteries. There are several possible variations for the aortic arch. Additionally, we found an accessory spleen, also known as a supernumerary spleen, with its own vascular supply alongside an anatomically normal spleen. In the typical human body, the celiac trunk gives rise to three arteries including the splenic artery …

Challenges In Diagnosis: A Review Of Development Of Nut Carcinoma Within The Abdomen And Pelvis, Matthew Alexander, Grace Lynch, Ambika Jokhulall, Donald Penney

Research Day

Background:

NUT Carcinoma is a subtype of squamous cell carcinoma characterized by a translocation of the nuclear protein in testes (NUTM1) gene to form a fusion with an epigenetic reader, most commonly bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4::NUTM1), bromodomain-containing protein 3 (BRD3::NUTM1), or nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 3 (NSD3::NUTM1). It is a rare and aggressive tumor with a median survival time of 6-9 months and most commonly affects midline structures of the head and neck, though in recent years reports of primary NUT carcinoma within the abdomen and pelvis have been reported. The purpose of this review is to compare …

Retrograde Identification Of Amygdala Projections To Auditory Cortex, William Michel, Munir Yusuf, Diana Peterson

Research Day

Intro: How does the brain determine which sounds are important? The amygdala is a region of the brain involved in evaluating the significance of sensory stimuli and is anatomically connected to the auditory cortex. The goal of this study was to identify and characterize amygdala neurons that project directly to the auditory cortex.

Methods: Retrograde tracers were injected into the primary and secondary auditory cortex of rats to label amygdalar neurons. A literature review was conducted to find previous research that correlated.

Results: Labeled neurons were found primarily within the lateral and basal nuclei of both the left and right …

Impact Of Pet-Ct Interpretation On Sbrt Planning: A Case Of Pseudoprogression From Resolving Pneumonia During Pembrolizumab, Harshita Yepuri, Bhavik Singh, Justin Steinman

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the majority of lung cancer diagnoses and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab are now commonly used as first-line systemic therapy in metastatic disease and have significantly improved patient outcomes. However, these therapies can produce atypical imaging findings due to inflammatory or immune-mediated processes. Distinguishing true tumor progression from infection, inflammation, or pseudoprogression on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) can therefore be challenging and may influence treatment decisions.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of apparent oligoprogression on PET imaging in a patient with …

Vascular Asymmetry In Scoliosis: A Scoping Review Of Anatomical Evidence And Functional Implications, Nick Daneshvar, Olivia Peoples, Nicholas Auge-Dario, Barrington Francis, Mykala Jackson, Michael Abaskaron, Matthew Shelnutt

Research Day

Introduction

Scoliosis alters spinal alignment which may influence the position and function of adjacent vascular structures. Although vascular complications related to scoliosis and its surgical correction have been reported, the potential contribution of scoliosis-associated vascular asymmetry to functional impairment remains unclear. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize existing literature describing vascular anatomical changes associated with scoliosis and to examine related evidence plausibly linking altered paraspinal perfusion to functional outcomes such as endurance and pain.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed with a lower publication date limit of 2005. A primary search identified studies describing vascular …

A Rare Case Of Renal Cell Carcinoma Leading To Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism, Caleb Rogers, Nick Daneshvar, Anika Procope, Christian Edwards, Jonathan Fairley

Research Day

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of adult kidney cancer. It originates in the lining of the renal tubules and typically affects older individuals. Symptoms can manifest as blood in urine, flank pain, and weight loss. Lab values include, but are not limited to, anemia, polycythemia, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, high creatinine/BUN, and hypercalcemia. Although rare, RCC has the potential to invade the venous system and extend into the heart causing subsequent bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Cardiac involvement in renal cell carcinoma may remain clinically silent until drastic complications arise. This case highlights an atypical and life-threatening presentation …