Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Primary Care Practices In Western North Carolina: Adaptation To The Covid-19 Pandemic And Ongoing Challenges, Hannah R. Friedman, Joseph Konstanzer, Erica Richman, Brian Cass, Bryan Hodge, Sheri Denslow, Jacqueline Halladay

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for primary care practices while also highlighting their importance in the pandemic response. To understand primary care practice needs, a survey was conducted of practices in Western North Carolina.

Methods

Phase 2 of a primary care needs assessment was administered to 63 practices in Western North Carolina over the course of six weeks, from July 23 to August 31, 2021.

Results

Most practices were operating with normal hours, though some still operated with reduced hours. Many practices reported insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. While most practices provided at least some care …

An Assessment Of The Diagnostic Value In Syncope Workup: A Retrospective Study, Ashan T. Hatharasinghe, Kayvon Etebar, Ryan Wolsky, Hossein Akhondi, Napatkamon Ayutyanont

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Patients with syncope often undergo costly testing, despite current guidelines and data supporting the contrary.

Objective

To determine the diagnostic value through positivity rate of electrocardiogram (EKG), computed tomography (CT) of the brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, transthoracic echocardiogram, nuclear and pharmacologic cardiac stress test, tilt table test and carotid ultrasound in patients diagnosed with syncope.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 10,036 adults presenting to the emergency department or hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of syncope at 8 acute care facilities in the southwest United States from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. …

Jacuzzi-Induced Pneumoperitoneum: Case Report And Literature Review, Obteene Azimi-Ghomi, Dieter Brummund, Vasiliy Ovakimyan, Gerardo Kahane

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Radiographically-detected pneumoperitoneum in the setting of acute onset abdominal pain is a classic case among surgical emergencies. The spectrum of etiology ranges from benign to catastrophic, and the ability to differentiate depends in large part on the history and physical exam findings. Included among non-surgical types of pneumoperitoneum are (1) post-operative, (2) diagnostic/experimental, (3) gynecologic tract air entry, (4) the difference in intra- and extra-alveolar pressures, pneumothorax-associated and (5) miscellaneous. Jacuzzi-induced pneumoperitoneum is an extremely rare form of non-surgical pneumoperitoneum. We discuss a case of a 32-year-old female presenting with pneumoperitoneum and acute onset abdominal pain secondary to vaginal insertion …

Epidural Anesthesia For Cesarean Section For Parturient With Recently Diagnosed Asymptomatic Chiari Malformation Type I: A Case Report, Ashie Kapoor, Jon Halling

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Chiari malformations (CMs) are congenital defects of the brain and skull that result in inferior displacement of the cerebellum. There are four types of CMs distinguished by the severity of the anatomic defects and parts of the brain that protrude beyond the foramen magnum. Of these types, CM Type I (CMI) is the least severe. It is characterized by the downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils beyond the foramen magnum by more than 5 millimeters and goes into the cervical spinal canal. CMI is the most common type with an incidence of 0.1-0.5% in the general population and a predominance …

Steroid-Refractory Lichenoid Eruption Associated With Pembrolizumab In A Patient With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Leon Kou, Sanjay Agarwal, Alyssa Miceli, Logan Kolb, Karthik Krishnamurthy, Shawn Schmieder

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitors are promising and effective treatments for various cancers. Cutaneous adverse events, such as lichenoid drug eruptions, are well-known common side effects associated with PD-1 inhibitors. Lichenoid drug eruptions associated with PD-1 inhibitors show rapid improvement with high potency topical steroids and do not require cessation of the offending drug. We present the case of an 84-year-old female with progressive pembrolizumab therapy-associated lichenoid eruption that was resistant to several treatments and ultimately required discontinuation of pembrolizumab and treatment with methotrexate to resolve. This report includes histological findings of the pembrolizumab-associated lichenoid eruption.

The Role Of Physical Activity In Older Adults And Practical Intervention, Se Won Lee, Rebecca Patel, Bryan Werner, Ji Won Yoo, Timothy Tiu

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Physical inactivity (PI), defined as not meeting guidelines for physical activity beyond baseline daily living activities, is common among older adults (age 65 and older) and contributes to increased morbidity, increased mortality and increased health care spending. Understanding the clinical impact of PI on common medical conditions among older adults will help primary care physicians (PCPs) to educate these patients successfully. Physical activity and exercise are effective in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases that can lead to physical impairments, disability and/or premature death. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve cognitive dysfunction and painful musculoskeletal …

Hand Hygiene And Hospital-Acquired Infections During Covid-19 Increased Vigilance: One Hospital’S Experience, Alexander Kong, Carlos S. Botero Suarez, Bebe Rahamatalli, Jennifer Shankweiler, Olga Karasik

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Hospital-acquired infections are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, costs and length of stay. Prior studies have linked increased hand hygiene compliance with reduced hospital-acquired infection rate. With the increased vigilance for personal and institutional hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, we hypothesized increased hand hygiene compliance and, as a result, decrease in hospital-acquired infections in our hospital.

Methods

Hand hygiene compliance data was provided by the hospital’s Quality Department. We queried and empirically analyzed local hospital-acquired infection data obtained from our Quality Department and the National Healthcare Safety Network. We compared local hand hygiene compliance rates before and after …

The Influence Of Hospital Site On Emergency Physician Press Ganey Scores, Dietrich Jehle, Brian Doherty, Lexus Dickson, Melville C. O'Brien, Casey Wilson, Scott Gutovitz

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The use of physician satisfaction scores to evaluate emergency medicine physicians’ performance and compensation is controversial. Prior studies have shown that the clinical environment may influence scores. This study compared satisfaction scores for the same physician at different emergency departments (ED). Differences in their individual score may indicate the ED environment could be as important as the physician’s interaction.

Methods

Press Ganey satisfaction scores were obtained for physicians at three EDs—Grand Strand, South Strand and North Strand—between July 2018 and June 2019. Included physicians worked at all 3 facilities and had at least 6 patient satisfaction surveys at each …

A Case Report Of Dissociative Amnesia Involving “Detective Work”, Muhammad Sharifi, Ana Turner, Traci Fuglestad, Colleen Bell

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Dissociative amnesia is a rare psychiatric disorder presenting with sudden retrograde memory impairment and inability to recall autobiographical information that is inconsistent with normal forgetting. This case report discusses dissociative amnesia with dissociative fugue in a middle aged male that led to him becoming homeless. Because of his autobiographical forgetting, he was unable to access services, and we present here the distinctive “detective work” needed to not only help treat his symptoms, but also help him legally establish who he is and gain access to housing. This patient is unique in that he only began psychiatric treatment in his late …

Induction Of Hypopituitarism Following Ipilimumab/ Nivolumab Therapy Followed By Radiation In The Treatment Of Metastatic Scalp Melanoma, Joshua K. Salabei, Dhaval Upadhyay, Sripal A. Padam

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are antagonistic antibodies that block specific immune checkpoint molecules, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1. With FDA approval, the use of these checkpoint inhibitors has led to long-lasting tumor responses. However, by stimulating the immune system, checkpoint inhibitors can cause immune-related adverse events involving the endocrine organs, among others. Pituitary dysfunction (hypophysitis) leading to secondary adrenal insufficiency, or primary adrenal insufficiency caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, have been documented. In this report, we present a case of a 70-year-old man with scalp melanoma with metastasis to …

A Rare Presentation Of An Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Obscured Due To The Simultaneous Presence Of Acute Pancreatitis, Amrin M. Kharawala, Nirav Brahmbhatt, Huzefa Bhopalwala, Nakeya Dewaswala, Adnan Bhopalwala, Waqas Ghumman, Robert Dean Chait

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Acute pancreatitis (AP) and acute aortic dissection (AAD) are medical emergencies that must be promptly recognized to avoid the development of life-threatening complications. Both of these diseases can present with chest or epigastric pain which can radiate to the back, thus, early suspicion based on clinical presentation and risk factors is essential. We present the case of a 56-year-old patient initially diagnosed with AP who was later found to have an AAD.

Clinical Findings

A 56-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse presented with 1 day of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. His lipase was 3,909 U/L …

Conservative Management Of Low Back Pain, Se Won Lee, Dan Nguyen, Denny Mack, Eric Aguila, Mary Thomas, Karyn Doddy

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Low back pain (LBP) is frequently encountered in outpatient clinics and affects individual patients and society in general with decreased physical function, quality of life, disability, and/or economic burden. Although most acute LBP resolves on its own, recurrent and chronic LBP is a common reason for outpatient clinic visits. This review explores pragmatic approaches to LBP in the clinical setting, focusing on recognizing prognostic factors, initial approaches to evaluation, including selective imaging, and conservative management including patient education, therapeutic exercises and bracing.

Residency Support During A Natural Disaster: Hurricane Ida, Tiffany Chang, Elizabeth W. Kelly, Chi Dola

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Natural disasters can have extraordinary impacts on a community and its infrastructure. Disasters can weaken systems that provide crucial resources, such as shelter, food security, water and health care. Recently, southeast Louisiana sustained devastating damage from Hurricane Ida on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Our medical workforce faced challenges caring for patients in a facility without potable water and powered by a generator. With the support of corporate entities and our academic institution, however, these barriers were quickly overcome and thus highlights the importance of collective resilience in the face of a natural disaster.

Utilization Of Patient-Controlled Analgesia Reduces Length Of Stay Of Sickle Cell Crisis Hospitalizations, Brett M. Prestia, Talha Ramzan, Catherine Waldron, Ameer Malik, Robert M. Pallay, Candace R. Murbach, Mike Flynn, Eric Shaw Phd, Abdullah Kutlar, Daniel Lowe

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Sickle cell crisis hospitalizations are emotionally and financially burdensome to patients and healthcare systems, and processes to decrease the frequency or length of stay of these crises should be examined.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective hospital record review of sickle cell crisis hospitalizations as defined by ICD-10 codes (D57.1-4), from January 2016 through December 2019, examining inpatient medication administration records and length of stay among admitted adults aged 18–65 years. Patient controlled analgesia orders using morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl and/or merperidine at any point of an admission (n=188) were compared to admissions without any patient-controlled analgesia orders (n=2,159). The …

Medical Imaging Stewardship And Healthcare Savings: Utilization Of Age Adjusted D-Dimer To Rule Out Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Phillip Bloodworth, Casey Morris, Kenneth Cail, Brian L. Pando, Brian Helmly

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common diagnosis that can lead to death if left untreated. Computerized tomography pulmonary angiogram scan (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosis of PE. Utilization of CTPA is increasing in the emergency setting even when suspicion for PE is very low. While CTPA is helpful, radiation exposure, contrast reactions, and cost must be considered. D-dimer is a well-established, high sensitivity and low specificity laboratory test that can effectively rule out PE in low-risk patients when negative. The ADJUST-PE trial showed that there is a natural rise of D-dimer levels with age. This age …

Car Ratings Take A Back Seat To Vehicle Type: Outcomes Of Suv Versus Passenger Car Crashes, Dietrich Jehle, Albert Arslan, Chirag Doshi, Clay O'Brien

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Car safety ratings are routinely utilized in making automobile purchase decisions. These 1- to 5-star ratings are based on crash test data comparing vehicles of similar type, size and weight.

Objectives

We hypothesized that car safety ratings are less important than vehicle factors such as vehicle type and weight in predicting outcomes of head-on crashes.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on severe head-on motor vehicle crashes entered into the FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) database between 1995 and 2010. This database includes all US motor vehicle crashes that resulted in a death within 30 days of the accident. …

Ossifying Fibromyxoid Tumor: A Rare Subcutaneous Tumor, Karla C. Guerra, Luke Godwin, Chad Johnston, Maggie Noland, David Rowe

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The following case study demonstrates a 26-year-old male that presented to the dermatology clinic with an enlarging, raised skin nodule located on the left inferior lateral lower back. The patient reported it had persisted for two years, and he had not received prior treatment. He noted a family history of nonmelanoma skin cancer but had no other dermatological issues in the past. Physical examination revealed a pink, firm and well-circumscribed subcutaneous mass with a prominent follicular pore. It was assumed the lesion was an epidermal inclusion cyst, and surgical excision was performed. Histopathology revealed lobules of epithelioid cells with indistinct …

Classical Findings Of Infantile Hepatic Hemangiomas, Senayit Demie, Michael Bossak

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that are common during infancy. They are most commonly noted as superficial bright red lesions on the skin but can also be found deeper as subcutaneous lesions. Patients with multifocal cutaneous hemangiomas are at risk of visceral involvement with the liver being most commonly affected. Most hemangiomas can be monitored clinically as they are self-limiting. Despite this, hepatic hemangiomas can have serious complications including large arteriovenous shunts leading to cardiac compromise as well as severe hepatomegaly which can cause abdominal compartment syndrome, impaired ventilation and renal vein compression.

Clinical Findings

A six-month-old female, born …

Lymphoproliferative Disease In A Non-Transplant Patient And Spironolactone’S Activity Against Epstein Barr Virus, Anthony Derenzi, Jessie Penico

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) may cause lymphoproliferative disorder that can cause malignancies in patients who are immunosuppressed. These malignancies may be suppressed or reversed by antiviral therapy including spironolactone.

We present a case of a 66-year-old female who had been immunosuppressed through use of interferon and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-active agents for multiple sclerosis (MS). She met the criteria for idiopathic CD4 T-lymphocytopenia or non-human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). She developed a reactivation of EBV due to the immunosuppression which caused a subset of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The patient was initially treated with valacyclovir but she developed brain …

Use Of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma In The Treatment Of Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis, Manuel Britto, Siraaj Dawood, Siyang Lu, Martin Canillas

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and can severely affect function and quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from a patient’s own blood and has potential as an adjunct to treat OA. However, research has been limited for small joints such as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

Clinical Findings

A 65-year-old Caucasian male complained of bilateral wrist and neck pain after a motor vehicle accident. His initial exam noted swelling, tenderness and pain with movement at the bilateral thumb CMC joints and anatomic snuffboxes. However, there was no strength, range of motion or tactile deficits …

The Role Of The Pharmacist In The Treatment Of Infantile Botulism, Rachel E. Huntsman, Abigail Schauble

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Infantile botulism is a potentially devastating disease caused by ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores through food products or dust particles. The toxin produced by the spores can lead to descending paralysis requiring hospitalization for supportive care which sometimes includes mechanical ventilation. Human Botulism Immune Globulin-Intravenous (BIG-IV or BabyBIG) from the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP) has been shown to greatly improve outcomes. A previously healthy 5-month-old infant was admitted to her regional hospital for poor feeding and lethargy. When the weakness progressed and she had trouble with protecting her airway, she was intubated and transferred to our institution. …

Clinical Characteristics And Laboratory Biomarkers For Patients With Suspected Covid-19 Infection Within Hca Healthcare, Scott Gutovitz, Justin Hanson, Christian Vandever, Dietrich Jehle

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The coronavirus infection (COVID-19), also known as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), caused significant illness and a worldwide pandemic beginning in 2020. Early case reports showed common patient characteristics, clinical variables and laboratory values in these patients. We compared a large population of American COVID-19 patients to see if they had similar findings to these smaller reports. In addition, we examined our population to identify any differences between mild or severe COVID-19 infections.

Methods

We retrospectively accessed a de-identified, multi-hospital database managed by HCA Healthcare to identify all adult emergency department (ED) patients that were tested …

A Retrospective Study Of Admission Nt-Probnp Levels As A Predictor Of Readmission Rate, Length Of Stay And Mortality, Kunjan Udani, Dveet Patel, Andrew Mangano

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Serum levels of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT) proBNP are measured at admission to assess the likelihood of acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Elevated NT-proBNP levels on initial presentation are a reliable marker of ADHF. However, the prognostic significance of NT-proBNP levels measured on admission remains unknown. With a better understanding of how admitting NT-proBNP levels impacts readmission rates, length of stay and mortality, future prospective studies with specific interventions can be developed to reduce all-cause readmissions, shorten length of stay and reduce mortality.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we evaluated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction …

May-Thurner Compressive Syndrome Unmasked By Rapid Weight Loss, Hesham A. Hassan, Jan-Paul Sambataro, James C. Abraham

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is an anatomical syndrome characterized by a predisposition to clot formation when there is compression of the left iliac vein by the right iliac artery. In this case, we discuss an atypical presentation of MTS in a young male after rapid weight loss. The patient was admitted for an unprovoked massive proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after a two-hundred-pound weight loss during the preceding six-month period. Treatment involved mechanical thrombectomy by interventional radiology, initiation of apixaban and recommended follow up with vascular surgery for angioplasty instead of immediate stent placement.

Acute Psychosis With Recurrent Neurocysticercosis: A Case Presentation, Nasir F. Siddique, Kristy A. Fisher, Joshua Chang, Clara L. Alvarez Villalba

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the Taenia solium cestode, presents clinically with a large and diverse spectrum of symptomatology, dependent upon lesion number, locale and ensuing inflammatory response. To this date, there are only two documented cases of psychosis presenting in patients with neurocysticercosis, both of which were published in India. This case presentation depicts the first documented case of Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition: Neurocysticercosis in the United States. The authors postulate that the atypical presentation of the neuropsychiatric instability with the aberrant recurrence of neurocysticercosis is predominantly attributable to …

Colonic Migration Of A Nephroureteral Stent Through A Colovesical Fistula, Nicholas Pigg, Kevin Carr, Julio Zayas, Eduardo Franca

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

We describe a case of a patient with a two-year history of prostate cancer who underwent placement of nephroureteral stents. He subsequently presented to the hospital with complications from prolonged retention of the stents, which ultimately lead to a secondary diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rectum. A colonoscopy performed approximately two weeks after a bilateral nephroureteral tube exchange demonstrated what was believed to be locoregional metastatic disease and a fistulous connection with the distal nephroureteral stents. Radiographic features of this complication are discussed together with proper management and possible complications of distal nephroureteral stents. Both nephroureteral stents were explanted, and …

A Case Report: Utilization Of Topical Amphotericin In Postoperative Mucormycosis, Kenny Wang, Jomel Jacinto, Alex Davis, Andrei Hetman, Alok Kumar

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Mucormycosis is a rare devastating fungal infection with a high mortality rate often associated with diabetic and immunosuppressed individuals. However, infections found in postoperative states and in immunocompetent patients are rare. Systemic liposomal amphotericin is viewed as a first line treatment for mucormycosis in addition to aggressive debridement to prevent the spread of infection. Literature describing the treatment of mucormycosis with both systemic and topical amphotericin B is scarce. We present a case of an immunocompetent male admitted for perforated diverticulitis who received a left hemicolectomy with colostomy creation. During hospitalization, stool from the colostomy bag was reportedly leaking into …

A Rare Presentation Of Bilateral Bochdaleck Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, A Case Study, Manuel Britto, Sean Michael, Sofia I. Cartaya, Bernard Alfredo Cartaya

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Congential diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) are a rare process that have a prevalence of 1–4 cases per 10,000 live births, and of these, bilateral Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernias are even rarer entities that occur in about 1% of cases. This finding is rarely documented in literature. This paper offers a detailed methodical timeline documentation of the events that occurred after delivery and includes how to approach the diagnosis and management of such a rare and volatile condition.

Presentation

The neonate was born at 35 weeks and 6 days gestation. Unfortunately, despite intensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts, the neonate expired within less …

What Internal Variables Affect Sensorimotor Rhythm Brain-Computer Interface (Smr-Bci) Performance?, Alex J. Horowitz, Christoph Guger, Milena Korostenskaja

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

In this review article, we aimed to create a summary of the effects of internal variables on the performance of sensorimotor rhythm-based brain computer interfaces (SMR-BCIs). SMR-BCIs can be potentially used for interfacing between the brain and devices, bypassing usual central nervous system output, such as muscle activity. The careful consideration of internal factors, affecting SMR-BCI performance, can maximize BCI application in both healthy and disabled people. Internal variables may be generalized as descriptors of the processes mainly dependent on the BCI user and/or originating within the user. The current review aimed to critically evaluate and summarize the currently accumulated …

What External Variables Affect Sensorimotor Rhythm Brain-Computer Interface (Smr-Bci) Performance?, Alex J. Horowitz, Christoph Guger, Milena Korostenskaja

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Sensorimotor rhythm-based brain-computer interfaces (SMR-BCIs) are used for the acquisition and translation of motor imagery-related brain signals into machine control commands, bypassing the usual central nervous system output. The selection of optimal external variable configuration can maximize SMR-BCI performance in both healthy and disabled people. This performance is especially important now when the BCI is targeted for everyday use in the environment beyond strictly regulated laboratory settings. In this review article, we summarize and critically evaluate the current body of knowledge pertaining to the effect of the external variables on SMR-BCI performance. When assessing the relationship between SMR-BCI performance and …