Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Dexmedetomidine As An Adjunct To General Anesthesia On Postoperative Pain And Opioid Consumption In Major Abdominal Surgery, Ahmad H. Elrefahy

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This review examines the impact of dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, on postoperative pain and opioid consumption in major abdominal surgery. Dexmedetomidine, known for its sedative, analgesic, and opioid-sparing properties, is increasingly used as an adjunct to anesthesia. Analyzing existing literature, the review found that dexmedetomidine administration alongside general anesthesia significantly improves postoperative pain management and reduces opioid consumption. Patients receiving dexmedetomidine reported decreased postoperative pain ratings and required fewer opioids during the recovery phase. Additionally, intraoperative dexmedetomidine use correlated with reduced postoperative pain severity and increased patient satisfaction compared to control groups. However, potential side effects such as …

Preventing Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Through Preoperative Exercise, John Andre Socci

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Introduction: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common problem in the elderly population after undergoing anesthesia that results in sometimes irreversible cognitive and physical impairment that can increase mortality and decrease quality of life.

Methods: To see the relationship between preoperative fitness capacity and how this relates to postoperative cognitive ability a literature review was performed. Studies that were included involved populations older than sixty years old that had undergone anesthesia. Additionally, animal studies were included to show inflammatory marker levels and how they increased in relation to physical activity.

Results: Various fitness scales were used such as the Timed …

Effects Of Obesity On Patients Undergoing Cardiomems Procedure: Retrospective Cohort Study, Tony Elias, Mena Elmalh, Priya Brahmbhatt, Kyrillos Girgis, Taha Syed, Michael Valderrama, Rafail Beshai

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★ Remote hemodynamic monitoring (CardioMEMs) is becoming increasingly important for management of chronic heart failure patients.

★ There is limited data looking specifically for obese patients who undergo CardioMEMs implantation.

★ We sought to examine the national inpatient sample database to describe in-hospital outcomes for this demographic

Clinical Outcomes For Impella Procedure In Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, And Centenarians: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Tony Elias, Sonika Vatsa, Kyrillos Girgis, Michael Valderrama, Rafail Beshai

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The Impella, a vital ventricular assist device, has seen extensive use in managing severe heart failure and cardiogenic shock. However, the impact of this procedure on older individuals remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we scrutinized the National Inpatient Sample Database from 2019 to 2020 to elucidate in-hospital outcomes among older patients who underwent the Impella procedure. Among the 8233 patients who underwent Impella insertion, 1389 (16.8%) were in the older population, aged 80 years or older. This subgroup exhibited a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease compared to younger patients. Alarmingly, …

Ultrasound Versus Radiography For Evaluating Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Sayed H. Aftab, Santiago Martinez-Correa, Minh-Huy Huynh, Wondwossen T. Lerebo, Jorge Delgado, Rebecca Denis, Misun Hwang

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Purpose:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an abdominal inflammatory condition that is common in premature neonates. Although abdominal radiograph (AR) remains the imaging standard for NEC, it may miss up to 50% of early signs of NEC and has been described to have a sensitivity as low as 15.4% for detecting pneumoperitoneum. Abdominal ultrasound (US) is portable, non-invasive, and allows real-time bowel integrity, movement, and perfusion assessment. We aim to evaluate the concordance between US and AR in detecting NEC features and the diagnostic performance of both modalities in detecting pneumoperitoneum.

Methods and materials:

We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center …

An Unexpected Finding During A Breast Excisional Biopsy: A Case Report, Emily Forester, Anjeanette Brown

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Background: Pacemaker leads within the breast are rare. Although it is infrequent, there are some reports of implanted cardiac devices or wires migrating into breast tissue or through the chest wall. To the best of our knowledge, there are no current reports of pacemaker leads within the breast tissue of a patient with concurrent breast cancer. This case aims to detail the surgical management of this rare phenomenon.

Case Presentation: A pacemaker-dependent, female patient presented to the operating room for a left breast excisional biopsy. Intraoperatively, two epicardial leads were unexpectedly found within the center of the patient’s breast tissue. …

Splenic Artery Aneurysm Masquerading As Chest Pain: A Case Report Of A Rare Clinical Presentation, Emily Forester, Anjeanette Brown Md

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Background: Splenic artery aneurysms most commonly present with vague epigastric or left upper quadrant abdominal pain that may radiate to the left shoulder. Chest pain associated with splenic artery aneurysm is an unusual phenomena. This case presents a rare occurrence of a splenic artery aneurysm originally presenting as atypical chest pain. Case Presentation: A 46 year old G3P2 AAF patient with family history of hypertension presented to the ER with pleuritic left chest pain, episodes of shortness of breath, and new onset hypertension. Chest x-ray and ECG were unremarkable. Pertinent labs included a hemoglobin of 10.6 and D-dimer of 4.10. …

Outcomes Of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (Tevar) Procedure In Octogenarians, Nonagenarians And Centenarians: A Population-Based Study, Dakota B. Pastore, Tony Elias, Rafail Beshai, Kyrillos Girgis, Maziyar Daneshvar, Keith Anacker

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Introduction: Limited data exists for patients undergoing a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedure who are older than or equal to 80 years old (YO). This study sought to examine the national inpatient sample (NIS) database to describe in-hospital outcomes among these older patients.

Methods: The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adults who underwent a TEVAR procedure in 2019 and 2020. The study compared those aged 80 YO and over to those younger than 80 YO. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges (TOTHCG).

Results: This study included …

Sex Differences In Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (Tevar) Procedure: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Dakota B. Pastore, Tony Elias, Rafail Beshai, Kyrillos Girgis, Maziyar Daneshvar, Keith Anacker

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Introduction: There is limited data about sex differences in patients undergoing a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) procedure. This study sought to examine the national inpatient sample (NIS) database to describe in-hospital outcomes by gender.

Methods: The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adult patients who underwent TEVAR in 2019 and 2020. For this cohort, female patients were identified, and pregnant patients were excluded. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges (TOTHCG).

Results: This study included 696 patients who underwent TEVAR. 255 (36.6%) females were identified, of which, 7 …

Comparative Analysis Of Health Outcomes In Gastric Cancer: Robotic Vs. Laparoscopic Gastrectomy, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova

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Exploring the most effective surgical approach for gastrectomy is crucial for determining superior health outcomes in patients. This research compares robotic and laparoscopic techniques with the aim of pinpointing the optimal method, offering valuable insights for improved postoperative well-being.

Resection And Reconstruction Of Ewing Sarcoma Of The Cuboid Utilizing Vascularized Fibular Autograft: A Case Report, Brandon Cunha, Alexandre Arkader

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Ewing Sarcoma (EWS) rarely presents in the bones of the foot, and particularly in the cuboid, making it an exceedingly rare occurrence. We present the case of a 7-year-old female diagnosed with EWS of the right cuboid, detailing the management and outcomes of this rare presentation. The patient, now almost 5 years post-initial local control, exhibits restored foot function, a normalized gait, and no evidence of disease recurrence. This case underscores the potential for preserving lower extremity function and improving postoperative quality of life in rare presentations of EWS through innovative reconstruction strategies.

Case Report: Hidden Posterior Dislocation Of The Clavicular Head, David F. Koziel

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Reported is a case of a 24-year-old male who presented with left shoulder pain and decreased range of motion of the same shoulder upon awakening, diagnosed with a posterior dislocation of the proximal clavicle, with the clavicular head residing in the mediastinum. In the conscious, ambulatory, young adult it is arguably much more common for major bony trauma involving the upper extremity and shoulder to present with pain, deformity, and a known mechanism. This is an example that lacks all three of these characteristics and highlights the importance of details in the physical examination as well as clinical gestalt.

Complications Following Hemivertebrectomy For Congenital Scoliosis, Sanjana Davuluri, Taemin Oh, Kyrillos Akhnoukh, Zachary Weingrad, Michael Lesgart, Terrence Ishmael, Joshua Pahys, Amer Samdani, Steven Hwang

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Introduction:

Hemivertebrae are rare congenital anomalies that can cause severe scoliosis requiring surgical correction. We aimed to determine whether severity of deformities is associated with more long-term surgical complications following surgical correction.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective, single-institution review on patients who underwent hemivertebrectomy and spinal fusion for congenital scoliosis between 2008-2020. We extracted pertinent data on demographics, radiographic parameters, operative details, and complication rates. Subgroup analyses were also done by complication severity, deformity complexity, and construct length.

Results:

In our series, 30 patients underwent hemivertebrectomy and fusion. Mean age was 9±4.2 years and there was 2:1 male preponderance, with …

Dermoid Cyst – Presenting With Llq Abdominal Pain, Mohammad A. Rattu, James A. Espinosa

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Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled structures that may be defined as simple or complex and are often discovered incidentally on imaging. Their etiology can range from physiologically normal (such as follicular or luteal cysts) to ovarian malignancies. They are more common in the reproductive years secondary to endogenous hormonal production however may also occur at any age. Simple cysts more commonly occur among all age groups; mixed cystic and solid and completely solid ovarian lesions however have rates of increased malignancy. The most independent risk factor is age; therefore, post-menopausal women should have proper follow-up secondary to this risk. Some risk …

Interactive Distraction Techniques Versus Midazolam In Anxiolysis In Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Uzay Cagatay, Jon Elias, Alexander King

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Background: Many pediatric patients experience high levels of anxiety prior to undergoing surgery. Midazolam is currently one of the most commonly used sedative drugs in the pediatric preoperative environment. A number of studies have evaluated the use of non-pharmacological methods of relaxing pediatric patients prior to surgery, known as ‘Interactive Distraction’. These techniques involve using various methods of distracting the child from the preoperative anesthetic procedures. Some examples of these methods involve giving the patient an iPad with which they can play video games. There have yet to be any systematic reviews comparing the usage of Midazolam alone against utilizing …

Comparative Outcomes Of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation And Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation With Patellar Realignment For Patellar Instability With Associated Cartilage Defects, Adeeb Hanna, Michael Campbell, John Matthews, Gabriel Onor, Emma Johnson, Bradford Tucker, Kevin Freedman

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Abstract Background: Articular cartilage pathology can stem from a spectrum of etiologies including osteochondritis dissecans, avascular necrosis, degenerative joint disease, and injury resulting from recurrent instability of the patella.

Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in clinical and functional outcomes in patients treated with either ACI or OCA transplantation for chondral defects with concomitant MPFL reconstruction and tibia tubercle osteotomy.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study

Methods: A retrospective review identified patients who underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation with concomitant medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and tibia tubercle osteotomy (TTO). Outcome measures …

Abnormal Placentation With Placenta Accreta In A Post Ablation Pregnancy, Amanda Mirmanesh, Raechel Fockler, Woojin Chong

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Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a rare complication of pregnancy in which the placenta abnormally implants into, and in rarer cases, through the uterine wall which leads to increased maternal morbidity with risk of maternal mortality. PAS diagnosed at the time of delivery is associated with severe maternal morbidity largely due to elevated blood loss which can result in complications such as DIC and even maternal death. We present a case of a woman with PAS to reiterate the importance of close antepartum monitoring along with having a high suspicion for placenta accreta in a patient with risk factors, specifically …

Patient Satisfaction With Sutures Used In Knee Arthroscopy Portal Closure: Randomized Control Trial, Adeeb Hanna, John Sonnier, Carlo Coladonato, Henson Destine, Sean Wilson, Michael Ciccotti, Fotios Tjoumakaris, Kevin Freedman

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Abstract: Introduction Both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures are routinely used for closure of arthroscopic portal incisions. However, current literature assessing patient satisfaction using either suture type in knee arthroscopic portal closure is limited.

Purpose/Hypothesis The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient outcomes and satisfaction following wound closure with absorbable (Monocryl) versus non-absorbable (Nylon) sutures during knee arthroscopy.

Study Design Randomized Controlled Trial (Level I) Methods Patients over 18 years undergoing primary knee arthroscopy were identified during procedure scheduling. Exclusion criteria included revision procedures, concomitant ligament reconstruction or meniscal repair surgery. Before surgery, enrolled patients were randomly assigned to …

Dorsal Wrist Impingement Syndrome Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal – A Case Report, Sidharth Sahni, Joseph Fares, Natty Jumreornvong, Arpun Shah, Mariam Zakhary

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A ganglion cyst is a benign fluid-filled sac that develops idiopathically on the dorsal aspect of the wrist by the joint capsule or tendon sheath. It is diagnosed clinically, with MRI and ultrasound used for confirmation. Treatment includes immobilization, aspiration, hydrossection, steroid or hyaluronidase injection, and surgery. Although uncommon, Dorsal Ganglion Cysts (DGC) can lead to Dorsal Wrist Impingement (DWI) syndrome. This syndrome is caused by a thickening of the wrist capsule from overuse, injury, or repetitive procedures. This thickness leads to capsule pinching commonly by the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon during wrist extension and tenderness by the …

Comparison Of Patient Outcomes In Female Patients Undergoing Slap Repair Or Biceps Tenodesis For The Treatment Of Slap Lesions, Adeeb Hanna, Matthew Wallingford, William Johns, John Sonner, Emma Johnson, Sommer Hammoud, Brandon Erickson, Steven Cohen, Michael G. Ciccotti, Meghan Bishop, Meghan Bishop

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Background: There is no consensus on whether SLAP repair (SR) or biceps tenodesis (BT) yields superior long-term outcomes in managing superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. No previous study has examined outcomes of these procedures in female patients.

Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following SR and BT for SLAP tears in females. The authors hypothesized there would be no difference in outcomes between patients who underwent SR or BT.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort (level III)

Methods: Female patients who underwent SR or BT for treatment of SLAP tears between 1/1/2014 and 9/1/2019 were retrospectively …

Determining Accuracy Of Chondral Lesion Sizing Methods Prior To Surgery, Adeeb Hanna, Henson Destine, Emma Johnson, Michael Campbell, Austin Looney, Dominic Farronato, Joshua Pezzulo, Bradford S. Tucker, Kevin Freedman

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Background: Osteochondral lesions of the knee may require cartilage restoration such as osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Although MRI and arthroscopy can offer valuable information regarding lesion characteristics prior to these procedures, no study has compared the use of each in estimating the sizes of grafts used at the time of surgical correction.

Hypothesis/Purpose: To compare osteochondral defect size measurements and characteristics across MRI, arthroscopy, and at the time of implantation with OCA or ACI. Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study (Level III)

Methods: Patients who underwent ACI and OCA transplantation at a single institution between 2015 …

The Angiovac® Device Limits Lethal Complications Of Sepsis And Severe Infective Endocarditis With A Large Tricuspid Valve Vegetation: A Case Report, Dua Xiao, Raeann Dalton, Adam Fineman, Michael Benz, Antonios Tsompanidis

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Introduction: Infectious endocarditis of the tricuspid valve is a common complication of intravenous drug use. Endocarditis caused by viridans streptococci can lead to heart valve vegetations which may be life threatening due to the potential for embolism and obstruction. Management of large valvular vegetations is often difficult due to the risks involved with open heart surgery, especially in patients with comorbid conditions. The AngioVac® device has been shown in rare cases to be effective at debulking vegetations without the need for invasive surgery.

Case Presentation: We present a patient with a history of intravenous heroin use disorder, hepatitis C, spinal …

The Effect Of Graft Selection On Patients’ Subjective Readiness To Return To Sport After Acl Reconstruction, Adeeb Hanna, William Johns, Emma Johnson, Bryson Kelmer, Gabriel Onor, Kevin Freedman, Christopher Dodson, Michael Ciccotti

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Background: Patients who undergo ACL reconstruction with allografts may have an easier functional recovery compared to autograft patients. This is due to decreased donor site morbidity and less muscle atrophy compared to autograft patients. This “easier” recovery may be perceived by patients and may result in a subjective earlier readiness for return to sports.

Hypothesis/Purpose: To determine if there is a difference in perceived readiness to return to sport (RTS) in the first year postoperative period between individuals who undergo ACL reconstruction utilizing bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autografts or allografts.

Study Design: Prospective Cohort Study, Level II Methods: This was a …

Association Of Prematurity And Urogenital Comorbidities With Postoperative Outcomes Of Ureteroneocystostomy For Vesicoureteral Reflux, Raeann Dalton, Young Son, Edward Wu, Leah Anderton, Matthew Eximond, Lance Earnshaw, Katelyn Klimowich, Gregory Dean

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Background: It is estimated that 20-30% of congenital anomalies involve the kidney and ureter, and these rates are even higher in infants with low birth weights. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) occurs when there is a backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidney. Depending on severity, this condition may require surgical correction with ureteroneocystostomy (UNC). The impact of premature birth and presence of urogenital comorbidities on outcomes of UNC is not known. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between premature birth and urogenital comorbidities with operative outcomes of UNC for VUR.

Methods: The 2020 American College …

Perioperative Ketamine Use For Post Mastectomy Pain, Alessia Cooney, Jaylyn Thompson, Naomi Watkins-Granville

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PMPS is defined as chronic neuropathic pain following breast cancer procedures in the ipsilateral arm, chest wall, axilla or shoulder.1-3 Approximately 20 to 50% of post mastectomy patients suffer from Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS).1 With more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors, due to advances in treatment, there is increased importance in findings ways to better manage the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.1,4 Ketamine induces analgesic effects through its non-competitive antagonism of NDMA receptors.5 Low doses of ketamine infusion (20–30 mg x h−1) have been shown to produce analgesia in neuropathic pain states with benefits lasting up …

Outcomes Of Arthroscopic Vs. Open Biceps Tenodesis For Treatment Of Slap Lesion In Female Patients, Adeeb Hanna, Matthew Wallingford, William Johns, John Sonner, Emma Johnson, Sommer Hammoud, Brandon Erickson, Steven Cohen, Michael Ciccotti, Meghan Bishop

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Background: Biceps tenodesis (BT) is one alternative treatment to repair of superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. It can be performed as an arthroscopy or open procedure. While there have been studies comparing the outcomes of SLAP repair procedures with BT for the treatment of SLAP tears, literature comparing arthroscopic and open BT for the treatment of SLAP tears is limited. Additionally, no previous study has specifically examined the outcomes of these procedures in female patients.

Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following Arthroscopic BT and Open BT for SLAP tears in females. The authors …

Robotic Cholecystectomy Versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Modern Analysis Of Outcomes And Efficiency, Samuel Durham, Aziz Sadiq

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Introduction/Purpose

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was first performed in the United States in 1982, and by 1992 it became standard practice. The first robotic cholecystectomy was performed in 1997, yet it still has not been widely accepted as the standard of care. Many research papers early on in the development of robotic-assisted surgery concluded that robotically removing gallbladders would be more costly and less time efficient. We aim to compare the costs and operative time between laparoscopic and robotic cholecystectomy.

Methods

A study was performed on patients who underwent an elective robotic cholecystectomy over one year by a single primary surgeon. Operative …

A Rare Case Of Acute Appendicitis In A 21-Year-Old Male With Midsternal Chest Pain, Muhammad Noman, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Andrew Caravello

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Acute appendicitis is inflammation of the vestigial vermiform appendix. It is one of the leading causes of emergency department visits due to abdominal pain. The vermiform appendix is located at the base of cecum. The attachment does not change; however the tip may migrate to the retrocecal, subcecal, preileal, postileal and pelvic positions. Considering these normal anatomical positions, the pain presentation may vary in patients.

Even though this patient presented with midsternal chest pain, which was suspicious for GERD, it was crucial to perform a thorough head-to-toe exam to discover incidental findings that the patient did not report. In this …

Celiac Artery Aneurysm: A Rare Cause Of Abdominal Pain, Duwayne Campbell, Wayne Tamaska, Kevin Dwyer

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Celiac artery aneurysm is a very rare vascular lesion accounting for only 5.1% of all splanchnic artery aneurysms. Etiology for celiac artery aneurysm includes, but not limited to, infectious diseases, atherosclerosis, trauma, congenital conditions such as median arcuate ligament syndrome and iatrogenic causes.

Etiology for abdominal pain is extensive. Patients should be evaluated for both intra-abdominal and extra-abdominal causes for pain, as presentations of a different pathophysiology vary widely. CT scan has become a mainstay part of the work for abdominal pain in the Emergency department, and often elicit pathologies that would otherwise be missed on blood work and other …

Extragonadal Perirectal Mature Cystic Teratoma In The Adult Male, Pranamaya Mahankali, Liam Trimble, Diana Panciera, Hui Li, Thaer Obaid

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A teratoma is a mass that originates from the germ cells of the three primitive embryonic layers and commonly arises from the ovaries or testicles, thereby characterized as gonadal in origin. These masses comprise different types of tissues such as fat, hair, muscle, and bone. Extragonadal teratomas are uncommon and arise from anatomical locations other than the gonads, such as the pineal gland, anterior mediastinum, retroperitoneum, and sacrococcygeal regions. The most common is the presacral region, as it contains tissue derived from all germ layers. Tumors in this specific location are far more common in neonates, infants, and children rather …