Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Sex Based Morphometric Variations Of The Vidian Canal And Their Surgical Implications In Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery, Melea Neely, Blessed Jordan, Evelyn Orusa, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: The Vidian canal is a structure within the sphenoid bone that runs inferomedial to the foramen rotundum and superior to the pterygoid plates. Anteriorly, it opens into the pterygopalatine fossa and transmits the pterygoid nerve, artery, and vein from the region of the foramen lacerum. The pterygoid nerve is formed by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves and contributes to autonomic and secretomotor innervation of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharyngeal mucosa, and lacrimal gland. Because of its relationship to critical neurovascular structures, the Vidian canal serves as an important landmark in endoscopic endonasal skull base …

Asymmetric Bilateral Renal Venous Variation With Distal Bifurcation And Double Cystic Artery: A Cadaveric Case Report, Shelley E. Jones, Abishag T. Cer, Bailey E. Huttel, Andrew J. Jiminez, David S. Lloyd, Ashley Persaud, Camille M. Rios Anzola, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

INTRODUCTION. Renal venous variations are common and clinically significant in renal transplantation, nephrectomy, and retroperitoneal surgery. Multiple renal veins and distal branching patterns may increase operative complexity during hilar dissection. Simultaneous vascular variations in separate anatomical regions are less frequently documented. The purpose of this study was to describe an asymmetric bilateral renal venous variation with distal bifurcation and a concurrent cystic artery variation identified during routine cadaveric dissection. METHODS. During routine dissection of the retroperitoneal and hepatobiliary regions in an adult male cadaver, the renal veins and cystic arteries were exposed, traced from their origins to their terminal distributions, …

Survival Predictors In Severe Burns: Age And Inhalation Injury Outcomes Among Patients With Baux Scores >100, Michael Manning, Shihab Chowdhury, Kensley Philemond, Mark Shearer, Bounthavy Homsombath, Martin Hardy, Zaheed Hassan, Shawn Fagan, Tayseer Chowdhry, Rajiv Sood

Research Day

Introduction

Severe burn injuries remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Burn mortality is frequently estimated using the BAUX scoring system, with the revised version (rBAUX) incorporating inhalation injury as an additive predictor of risk. Traditionally, a BAUX score greater than 100 has been considered an indicator of extremely low survival. However, advances in resuscitation, critical care, and surgical strategies may influence the accuracy of this threshold. An improved understanding of the clinical and demographic factors that contribute to survival among patients with BAUX >100 is essential for accurate prognostication, resource planning, and patient counseling. This study evaluates …

Food Insecurity As A Primary Driver Of Cardiometabolic Disease Across Georgia Census Tracts, Jordan R. Howard, Thomas Last, Winston Price

Research Day

Introduction: Cardiometabolic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and disproportionately affect communities across the southeastern region. In Georgia, disease burden is concentrated in rural counties and economically disadvantaged urban areas. Public health frameworks have traditionally attributed these disparities to limited physical access to healthy food, commonly described as “food deserts,” where distance to grocery stores is presumed to constrain dietary quality and worsen metabolic health. However, growing evidence suggests that economic food insecurity may play a larger role in cardiometabolic risk than geographic food access. Few studies have evaluated …

Literature Review: Relationship Between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia And Cardiovascular Mortality, Azmeer Imran, Lauren A. Labib, Micheal Elkomos, Emranul Huq

Research Day

Introduction:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is one of the most prevalent urologic conditions affecting aging men and is characterized by non-malignant proliferation of stromal and epithelial components within the prostate gland. The condition commonly produces lower urinary tract symptoms including urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and incomplete bladder emptying. Although BPH is generally viewed as a localized disorder of the lower urinary tract, emerging literature suggests that it may have broader systemic implications. In particular, several studies indicate that BPH and its associated symptoms may indirectly contribute to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Understanding the potential links between BPH and adverse cardiovascular …

Trading Scrubs For Study Time: The Impact Of Academic Half Half-Days On Comat Performance At Pcom South Georgia, Sanjana Ayyappan, Randall L. Sisam

Research Day

Introduction Medical education requires a great deal of delayed gratification. The classic Marshmallow study demonstrated that children who resisted the immediate reward of one marshmallow in favor of a larger future reward exhibited self-regulation and later success in academic and personal endeavors (Mischel et al., 1972). Their ability to delay gratification reflected attentional control and future-oriented thinking in which individuals reframed present discomfort in light of long-term outcomes. Within medical education, a similar psychological framework emerges. Medical students repeatedly choose between immediate relief, such as rest and social interaction, and the long-term rewards of exam performance and residency placement. Preparation …

Whole-Body Anatomical Mapping Of Infiltration In Melanoma Of Unknown Primary (Mup): The Role Of Perivascular, Lymphatic, And Neurovascular Conduits, Brianny Medina, Zoe Barrett, Luke J. Lunsford, Chenell S. Anagbo-Dowetin, Xandria L. Parker, Emily E. Rowland, Mohammad A. Afani, Rasheed Agboola, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: Melanoma of Unknown Primary (MUP) presents a significant clinical challenge in tracing metastatic trajectories. While hematogenous dissemination is the traditional model, this study investigates angiotropism and perineural invasion—mechanisms where neoplastic cells migrate along the external surfaces of anatomical structures. Our research suggests that melanoma acts as a "hitchhiker," utilizing the adventitia of blood vessels and the epineurium of nerves as a private highway system. This study aims to provide a high-resolution, whole-body map of infiltration, documenting how these "extravascular conduits" facilitate the colonization of major organ systems. Methods: A high-resolution post-mortem mapping was performed on a 50-year-old male decedent …

Bilateral Epididymal Cysts Observed During Routine Cadaveric Dissection: A Case Report, Leilani Everett, Gladys Sama, Colin Ramsey, Jaycee Thomas, Joshua Rohme, Paramvir Lodia, Zenia Lakhani, Rasheed Agboola, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background

Epididymal cysts are benign, fluid-filled dilatations that originate from epididymal ductules, most commonly within the caput epididymis. These lesions are frequently detected by scrotal ultrasonography and are often discovered incidentally during evaluation of painless scrotal swelling. Although epididymal cysts are common in clinical practice, they are typically unilateral. Reports of bilateral epididymal cysts are less frequent, especially in the context of cadaveric anatomical dissection. Identification of such lesions in cadaveric specimens offers valuable opportunities to correlate gross anatomical findings with clinically relevant scrotal pathology.

Case Presentation

During routine gross anatomical dissection of the scrotal contents in an elderly male …

Clinical And Anatomical Variations Of The Horseshoe Kidney Relative To Normal Bilateral Renal Arrangement, Sophia Y. Guo, Carl K. Yem, Kezia O. Itua, Josh L. Searles, Jorgo Zi, Nadine L. Belony, Kavitha Vudatha, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction

A horseshoe kidney is a congenital condition in which the kidneys fuse at the lower poles, creating a U shape. It is the most common congenital renal fusion anomaly, affecting approximately 1 in every 500 individuals. The three main anatomical differences between the horseshoe kidney and the normal bilateral kidney arrangement are its position, rotation, and alternations of vascular supply. Patients with a horseshoe kidney may be predisposed to a range of clinical complications, including ureter obstruction, kidney stone formation, urinary tract or kidney infections, and increased susceptibility to injury. Despite its relative frequency among congenital anomalies, detailed descriptions …

Management Of Acute Fecal Impaction In A Pediatric Patient With Repaired Anorectal Malformation, Timothy C. Demott, Dylan P. Patel, Anthony A. Adetomiwa, Woodwin M. Weeks

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Anorectal Malformations (ARMs) represent a complex spectrum of congenital anomalies where surgical reconstruction does not always equate to functional success. Within the Krickenbeck classification, a significant “Constipation Paradox” exists: patients with “low” or “simple” malformations, such as rectoperineal fistulas, are statistically more likely to develop severe, refractory constipation and secondary megacolon than those with complex “high” defects. Despite intact pelvic musculature and sensation, underlying dysmotility creates a high‑pressure environment conducive to stool retention. This case report demonstrates the necessity of aggressive inpatient mechanical clearing and rigorous metabolic monitoring when outpatient therapies fail to overcome colonic inertia. The following clinical …

Multiorgan Histologic Assessment Of Metastatic Melanoma In A Cadaveric Specimen, Zoe Barrett, Brianny Medina, Luke J. Lunsford, Chenell S. Anagbo-Dowetin, Xandria L. Parker, Emily E. Rowland, Mohammad A. Afani, Rasheed Agboola, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: Metastatic cancer is the spread of cancer from its original site known as the primary tumor to other parts of the body. Metastatic melanoma is more likely to spread and is considered very aggressive, making it common among patients with Melanoma. People are usually initially diagnosed with it locally, however ⅓ of patients eventually will have cancer recurrence or metastasis. One way to obtain a diagnosis of metastatic cancer is from a histological diagnosis involving biopsied tissue and H&E staining.) This cadaveric specimen with confirmed melanoma provided a unique opportunity to evaluate patterns of nodal and visceral metastasis across …

Histologic Comparison Of Fibrosis In The Sinoatrial Node Of Cadavers With And Without Permanent Pacemakers, Joshua Rohme, Shelley Jones, Alisson Herrington, Leilani Everett, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background The sinoatrial (SA) node serves as the primary pacemaker of the heart, initiating electrical impulses that regulate normal cardiac rhythm. Age-related structural remodeling of the SA node, particularly fibrosis and increased collagen deposition, has been strongly associated with sinus node dysfunction and represents a leading indication for permanent pacemaker implantation in older adults. Despite this association, limited histologic research has directly compared SA node architecture between individuals with pacemakers and age-matched individuals without pacing devices.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the degree of fibrosis and collagen deposition within the SA node of cadavers …

Renal Cystic Pathology As A Potential Marker Of Impaired Kidney–Brain Axis In Senile Dementia: A Multi-Cadaveric Case Study, Jordan B. Ahlgren, Naomi Abraha, Tyrese Claridge-Rogers, Sangavi Sriranganathan, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that renal function plays a role in neurological health. The kidney functions as an important systemic regulator of filtration and maintaining blood pressure. Impairment in renal filtration has been linked to neuronal degeneration through reduced clearance of toxins, inflammatory markers, and proteins implicated in cognitive decline. Cystic kidney pathology, often associated with polycystic kidney disease or age-related cyst formation, may reflect impaired renal function that contributes to neuronal degeneration. This cadaveric case study investigated whether structural renal structural abnormalities observed in individuals with senile-related death provide anatomical support for a relationship between renal pathology and neurodegenerative and …

Thrombolytic-Free Mechanical Thrombectomy Vs. Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis For Acute Iliofemoral Dvt: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ali Zain, Anika Procope, Anthony Pelache, John Zaki

Research Day

BACKGROUND

Acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects approximately 250,000 Americans annually, with 50–80% developing post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) on anticoagulation alone. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) reduces PTS but requires ICU admission and carries significant hemorrhagic risk. Novel aspiration-based, thrombolytic-free mechanical thrombectomy (MT) systems — ClotTriever, Indigo Lightning 12, and Aspirex S — offer lytic-free single-session treatment, yet no systematic review has compared these directly to CDT.

METHODS

A PRISMA 2020–compliant systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies comparing thrombolytic-free MT to CDT/PMCDT or anticoagulation in adults (≥18 years) with imaging-confirmed acute iliofemoral …

The Thyroid-Brain Connection: Neuropsychiatric Manifestations Of Thyroid Disorders, Mailyn Cruz

Research Day

Introduction:

Thyroid disorders are among the most prevalent endocrine conditions worldwide, impacting an estimated 200 million individuals globally. Despite their prevalence, the neuropsychiatric sequela of thyroid dysfunction is still underrecognized in clinical practice, contributing to delayed diagnosis and misattribution of psychiatric symptoms to primary mental health disorders. Thyroid hormones play a critical role in central nervous system function throughout the lifespan, influencing neurotransmission, neuronal metabolism, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been associated with a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric manifestations such as depression, anxiety, mania, cognitive impairments, psychosis, and dementia. This review aims to synthesize the current …

An Unusual Venous Anomaly: Direct Drainage Of An Accessory Bronchial Vein Into The Left Atrium: A Case Report, Keira A.N. Prince, Flora M. Heydari, Leeza-Marie Williams, Morgan Malone, Martin N. Medina, Mika Matteo, Sanjana Prasad, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction: The bronchial circulation primarily supplies oxygenated blood to the airways, pulmonary vessels, and other supporting structures of the lungs. Normally, this blood drains into the azygos system on the right or, on the left, through the hemiazygos or accessory hemiazygos veins, ultimately returning to the right atrium. Anatomical and imaging studies have demonstrated that deeper bronchial veins can form direct connections with pulmonary veins, which carry oxygenated blood to the left atrium. These rare connections create a small physiologic right-to-left shunt, allowing a minor fraction of bronchial venous blood to bypass the usual pulmonary circulation and mix with oxygen-rich …

An Anatomical Cadaveric Study Of The Corona Mortis: Prevalence, Morphology, And Surgical Implications, Shamar Palmer, Olivia Peoples, Anika Mittal, Alexa Staudt, Nicholas Auge-Dario, Syed Khalid, Neel Patel, Emranul Huq

Research Day

ntroduction: Corona mortis is a clinically significant vascular variant in which the obturator artery arises from the external iliac or inferior epigastric system and traverses the superior pubic ramus. Injury to this vessel during inguinal hernia repair or pelvic surgery can result in life-threatening hemorrhage. Enlarged deep inguinal rings may further increase operative risk when aberrant vessels lie in close proximity. Despite its surgical relevance, corona mortis is not routinely evaluated preoperatively.

Cadaver findings: Cadaveric dissection revealed an arterial corona mortis variant in which the obturator artery originated from the external iliac–inferior epigastric system and coursed medial to an enlarged …

Culturally Tailored Hands-Only Cpr Training For Hispanic Migrant Farmworkers In Rural Georgia: A Student-Led Community Intervention, Bryan Hernandez, Oscar Acosta, Marisela Benitez, Daniel Chanelo, Lisandra Chinea Ramos, Sharon Lackwood, Lorraine Lopez Rosa, Tatiana Rodriguez Vargas, Dennis Rossi, Mauricio Soto, Stephanie Suarez, Gerardo Tabares, Valerie Yepez, Thomas Last, Stacie Fairley

Research Day

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease, including sudden cardiac arrest, is the leading cause of death in Georgia, responsible for more than 28,000 deaths annually, nearly one-third of statewide mortality. Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is strongly associated with rapid bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can more than double survival. However, populations most at risk, including Hispanic and rural communities, are among the least likely to receive bystander-initiated CPR and experience poorer survival. Data from national and Georgia reports show that most Southeastern farmworkers are Hispanic (67%), predominantly foreign-born, low-income, uninsured, and primarily Spanish-speaking. At the Ellenton Farmworker Clinic in Colquitt County, …

Many Genomes, One Disease: Genetic Risk Of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Across Ancestries, Sydney E. Williams, Nadine Belony, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the folliculopilosebaceous unit affecting intertriginous areas including the axillae, groin, buttocks, and inframammary regions. It presents with recurrent painful nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, leading to substantial physical and psychosocial burden. Up to 40% of patients report severe quality-of-life impairment, with strong associations to depression and work disability. HS disproportionately affects individuals of African ancestry and demonstrates disparities in disease burden. Despite its clinical impact, the genetic architecture of HS remains incompletely defined, particularly across diverse populations. Although rare familial cases implicate γ-secretase pathway mutations, broader genetic contributors to …

Efficacy Of Metronidazole In The Management Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Women Of Reproductive Age, Sydnee Jackson, Setareh Khani, Rekha Yesudas

Research Day

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive-age, resulting from an imbalance of normal vaginal flora characterized by decrease in Lactobacillus species and overgrowth of anaerobic organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Clinically, BV presents with thin, off-white vaginal discharge and a characteristic fishy odor. If left untreated, BV is associated with complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. Metronidazole, a nitroimidazole antibiotic with strong anaerobic coverage, is recommended as first-line therapy in both oral and intravaginal formulations. Although effective for initial symptom resolution, recurrence remains …

Adhd And Food Insecurity: The Role Of Structural Determinants, Renee Jones, Thomas Last

Research Day

INTRODUCTION

Food insecurity is a key structural determinant of health associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be particularly vulnerable due to executive dysfunction, psychosocial stress, and socioeconomic instability. The association between ADHD status, medication use, and food insecurity, however, has not been well characterized in large national cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between ADHD status (with and without medication) and food insecurity in the All of Us Research Program cohort.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 142,725 eligible participants from the All of Us Research Program. ADHD status was categorized as …

Hydrops Fetalis In A 33-Week Preterm Neonate: A Case Report, Umer Khan, Allison Tresner, Christian Edwards, Anthony Adetomiwa

Research Day

Introduction

Hydrops fetalis is defined as pathologic fluid accumulation in at least two fetal compartments and is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Most cases are non-immune in origin and result from cardiovascular, infectious, hematologic, genetic, thoracic, or placental etiologies due to widespread Rh immunoprophylaxis. Third-trimester hydrops is commonly associated with cardiac dysfunction and impaired venous return. We present a case of severe hydrops fetalis in a 33-week preterm neonate with confirmed maternal parvovirus infection complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), pulmonary hypertension, placental insufficiency, and multiorgan dysfunction.

Methods

This case report describes a retrospective review of maternal prenatal …

A Rare Presentation Of Vaginal Leiomyoma Originating Within A Patient Without Uterine Fibroids: Morphology, Differential Diagnosis, And Clinical Significance, Anna Beth Boyette, Sarah Kate Boyette, Isaac Gutierrez, Cecil Cone, Randall L. Sisam

Research Day

Leiomyomas can occur where smooth muscle is found, however they are most commonly seen within the myometrium of the uterus . Extrauterine leiomyomas are even more rare than uterine leiomyomas and present with greater diagnostic challenges. For example, vaginal leiomyomas are among the most rare reproductive neoplasms, as such only 300 cases have been reported in literature . Furthermore, they are thought to derive from Mullerian smooth muscle cells in the subepithelium of the vagina. Another potential theory is that this tumor came from a seeding of an existing uterine fibroid. Ultrasound imaging or MRI are helpful in the diagnosis …

Economic And Demographic Associations In Hypertension-Related Complications Among Florida Participants In The All Of Us Research Program, Marisela Benitez, Daniel Chanelo, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Hypertension-related complications are a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. While many demographic and socioeconomic factors are associated with hypertension, determinants of progression to complications among individuals with established disease remain less clearly defined. We examined key predictors of hypertension-related complications in a Florida-restricted cohort from the All of Us (AoU) Research Program.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of Controlled Tier v8 data using Jupyter Notebook. Adults with hypertension were classified as having uncomplicated (cohort 0) or complicated disease (cohort 1). These adults were also compared to a control cohort (cohort 2). The AoU cohorts were …

Huntington’S Disease Diagnosed In An 82-Year-Old. What Lessons Can We Learn?, Jake Winchester, Kent Posey

Research Day

Huntington’s Disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder thought to have an incidence of 1.21 per 100,000 patient years and a prevalence of 8.87 per 100,000 patients in North America. It is a progressive neurological disease with common manifestations being motor involvement and behavioral changes caused by the death of neurons primarily in the striatal portion of the basal ganglia. Huntington’s is generally considered a disease of the mid-life though it is noted to occur early (juvenile onset) and later (late onset), however prevalence in the late onset has a wide range of 4.4% to 11.5% which has somewhat been attributed …

Lack Of Standardized Measurement Of Patent Foramen Ovale Size Limits Risk Stratification In Cryptogenic Stroke: A Review, Rachel Lippincott, Michael Elkomos, George Zakour, Austin Dobson, Reginald Dixon, Chloe Davis, Paul Catalano, Blessing Adeyemo, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Background: The foramen ovale is a physiologic interatrial communication essential to fetal circulation, permitting right-to-left shunting of oxygenated blood to bypass the nonfunctional fetal lungs. Following birth, increased pulmonary circulation and elevated left atrial pressure typically result in functional closure, followed by anatomical fusion of the septum primum and septum secundum within the first year of life. Persistence of this communication into adulthood, termed patent foramen ovale (PFO), occurs in approximately 20–30% of the general population. Although most PFOs are small and clinically silent, larger defects are less common and may carry clinical significance.

Objective: To describe the morphological characteristics …

Understanding The Genetic Basis Of Keloid Susceptibility Through Multi-Ancestry Genomic Studies, Nadine Belony, Sydney Williams, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative skin tumors arising from dysregulated wound healing and characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Although nonmalignant, they are frequently associated with pain, pruritus, restricted mobility, and significant cosmetic disfigurement, resulting in substantial impairment in quality of life. The burden of keloid disease is not uniformly distributed across populations, with higher prevalence and severity observed among individuals of African ancestry, suggesting biologic contributors to disease susceptibility. Despite these disparities, mechanisms underlying pathologic scarring remain incompletely defined. Improved characterization of shared and ancestry-specific contributors may advance understanding of dermal fibrosis and support equitable dermatologic care.

Methods

We …