Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development Of An Experiential Learning Lab Activity On Skeletal Muscle Physiology In Undergraduate Md Pre-Clerkship Curriculum, Meyer B. Maddox, Angela Martinez, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Potter-Baker, Amin Shah

Research Symposium

Background: Experiential learning is an important part of the medical education curriculum. Due to the clinical relevance of skeletal muscle strength in evaluating patients’ complaints of muscle weakness or imbalance, skeletal muscle physiology is an important concept with extensive potential for experiential learning opportunities. Our goal was to establish an experiential learning skeletal muscle physiology lab activity that would improve undergraduate MD pre-clerkship students’ skill to collect muscle force measurements using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and understanding of core physiological concepts.

Methods: As part of the Musculoskeletal and Dermatology (MSKD) Module in the undergraduate MD pre-clerkship curriculum, we developed a …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Endovascular Vs Surgical Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Preliminary Analysis, Melissa M. Cruz, James J. Fitzgibbon, Patrick Heindel, Mohamad Hussain

Research Symposium

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of endovascular arteriovenous fistula (endoAVF) creation versus open surgical AVF (openAVF) for hemodialysis access across centers participating in the Dialysis Access Learning and Innovation Collaborative (DiAL-In Collaborative) in the United States. In this preliminary analysis, we report the baseline characteristics and clinical profile of patients enrolled at a single center.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in chronic kidney disease patients who underwent creation of an upper arm autogenous vascular access for hemodialysis (2018-2022) at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. Data …

Contribution Of 24-H Blood Pressure Variability To Dementia-Related Disorders In Hispanics, Nura Salhadar, Kristina Vatcheva, Silvia Mejia-Arango Dr., Luis J. Mena, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez, Carlos A. Chavez, Ciro A. Goana, Egle Silva, Gustavo Calmon, Rosa P. Mavarez, Joseph H. Lee, Joseph D. Terwilliger, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Gladys E. Maestre

Research Symposium

Introduction: As the number of people living with dementia is increasing at alarming rates worldwide, there is an urgent need to understand the physiopathology of dementia syndromes. Among the most important preventable risk factors, treatment of vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure (BP) decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Recent evidence suggests that examining BP variability provides additional physiopathological and predictive information above the mean BP level. However, studies examining the relationship between 24-h BP variability and ADRD are limited, and evidence of the association with dementia has not been documented yet. Therefore, we …

The Influence Of Concussions On Fracture Severity: A Retrospective Chart Review, Hunter M. Butler, Blake Martin, Jared Hensley, Russell Wiggins, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Chloe Harris, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Since 2005, there has been an 87% increase in concussions in high school sports. Concussions and concussion-like events are associated with a myriad of pathologies, but recently, clinical research has suggested that such events can lead to hypoparathyroidism and decreased bone mass. Specifically, research has suggested that following a concussion-like event, blood calcium may be reduced and influence bone mass and future healing from bone insults. However, a specific correlation between the loss of available blood calcium and severity of bone fractures in previously concussed individuals has yet to be identified. In this study, we will explore the clinical …

Neurological Comorbidities In Hispanic Skin Cancer Patients In South Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Study, Jared Hensley, Russell Wiggins, Blake Martin, Hunter M. Butler, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Chloe Harris, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Skin cancer is highly prevalent in the South Texas region due to a combination of increased UVB exposure, occupational hazards, and lack of access to preventative screening. Unfortunately, several studies have suggested that skin cancer diagnosis may be linked with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. For example, it was recently suggested that amyloid beta plaques may have a role in melanoma metastasis. Here, we seek to evaluate the role of skin cancer incidence and the degree and severity of neurological comorbidities, with a particular focus on the Hispanic patient population. We anticipate that a …

The Link Between Depression And Bone Fractures In The Rio Grande Valley, Blake Martin, Hunter M. Butler, Russell Wiggins, Jared Hensley, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Kelsey Potter-Baker, Chloe Harris

Research Symposium

Background: The prevalence of depression has increased throughout the twenty-first century, with depression experiencing a spike in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent evidence has suggested that depression may be linked with changes in bone health such as fractures which may then worsen the existing depression. In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between depression and bone health directly in the patient population in the Rio Grande Valley, an area that is medically underserved. Specifically, we sought to determine how a history of depression was related to bone fracture frequency in our target population. We hypothesized …

Quantifying Incidence Of Early Onset Neurodegenerative Disease Post Traumatic Brain Injury In The Rio Grande Valley, A Retrospective Chart Review, Russell W. Wiggins, Jared Hensley, Hunter M. Butler, Blake Martin, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Chloe Harris, Kelsey Potter-Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Researchers have previously established evidence of early onset neurodegenerative disease (NDD) in certain patient populations post traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a region in South Texas which has some of the largest health disparities in the United States. This retrospective chart review aims to quantify the difference in onset of NDD in patients with and without history of TBI within the RGV from that of the broader American population in order to determine the extent at which early onset NDD may be mitigated with appropriate intervention.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using …

Correlation Between Lecture Engagement And Academic Performance In The Utrgv School Of Medicine, Chloe Harris, Kelsey Potter-Baker, Blake Martin, Jared Hensley, Hunter Butler, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Russell Wiggins

Research Symposium

Introduction: The landscape of medical education has witnessed significant changes in recent years, marked by a decline in both in-person lecture attendance and online lecture viewership. This trend is particularly notable in the post-COVID-19 era and raises important questions about the relationship between lecture engagement and academic performance among medical students. Our study seeks to investigate the correlation between lecture viewership and course performance, with a specific focus on the unique context of the UTRGV School of Medicine. Our primary objectives were to (1) evaluate the correlation between lecture viewership and academic performance and (2) examine the relationship between lecture …

Effects Of Core Stabilization Exercises In Patients With Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Huber Motion Lab Versus Conventional, Ebru Koyuncu, Nur Tunali, Seda Saka, Ertuğrul Ural, Melek Güneş Yavuzer

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effects of core stabilization exercises with Huber® Motion Lab on pain, depression, and activity levels in patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP).

Materials and methods: In this study, 30 patients with non-specific LBP were allocated either to an experimental or to a control group. Both groups received a conventional physiotherapy program for 15 sessions. In addition, the control group performed 30 minutes of core stabilization exercises on the floor, whereas the experimental group used the Huber® Motion Lab device. The main outcome measures were pain severity (Visual Analogue Scale VAS), depression (Beck …

2024 March 19 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

Insight - Spring 2024, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Insight

Welcome to the spring issue of Insight, a newsletter celebrating the accomplishments of our community of scholars. We aim to spotlight insights from people at the Dugoni School working in all areas of scholarship, including clinical or biomedical research, the scholarship of teaching and learning, improvement of the health care system, and professional partnerships that advance the field.

Leveraging Qualitative Approaches To Guide Sustainable International Research Collaborations, Roxanne Vandermause, Rachel Kryah, Julie E. Bertram, Hannah L. Stewart, Nil Ean, Steven Bruce, Adam W. Carrico, Julie A. Mannarino, Robert H. Paul

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

Qualitative research approaches were used to launch an international research collaboration between the U. S. and Cambodia. Cambodian officials requested assistance in learning qualitative approaches to complement the research skills of Cambodian mental health providers. This article provides a description of how U. S. researchers responded to that request and engaged with Cambodian psychiatrists to explore mental health needs and interventions in both countries and initiate a sustainable relationship. The early focus on qualitative research methodologies may be an avenue that mitigates some of the challenges that can characterize international research. In this study, early communications involved developing a plan …

Implementation Of The Dynamic Appraisal Of Situational Aggression (Dasa) Tool On Inpatient Mental Health Unit, Maira Rodriguez

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Inpatient mental health units are vulnerable to aggression and violence, which may lead to physical injuries. It is essential to implement proactive measures to prevent violence before it escalates.

PICOT: In an adult inpatient mental health unit (P), does the use of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) (I), compared to no screening for aggression (C) decrease restraints and seclusion, provide early detection and awareness of aggressive behaviors (O) within ten weeks.

Evidence: The DASA assessment tool has been tested in various settings, such as forensic and general adult mental health units. It has also been found …

Adhd Medication Compared To Behavioral Therapy In Children’S Test Scores And Behavior Throughout A School Year, Lyly N. Le, Sydni Herdt

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of ADHD medication to behavioral therapy in children, aged 6-10, through test scores and behavior throughout a school year.

Design: Quasi-experimental

Setting: Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays, KS

Participants: Children ages 6-10 diagnosed with ADHD

Methods: With the necessary consents, participants meeting the necessary criteria will undergo their fall semester with only behavioral therapy to manage their ADHD and then utilize medications their spring semester. The SNAP-IV survey will be utilized to measure the efficacy of the two treatment approaches based on teacher and parent perceptions. Test scores will offer a quantitative measurement.

Results/conclusion: …

Individual Risk Factors Associated With Cesarean Section Surgical Site Infections Among African American Women In California, Paula St Hill

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

A Fork In The Road: Uncovering The Impact Of Industrial Animal Agriculture On The Physical Health Of Communities Of Color, Mariana Zepeda

Population Health Research Brief Series

Nearly all (99%) farmed animals in the U.S. come from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). CAFOs are industrial agriculture facilities defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as operations where animals are raised in confinement and meet animal size and waste material thresholds. Communities located near CAFOs, which tend to have high shares of low-income and racial/ethnic minority residents, are at risk of exposure to CAFO-related air and water pollutants. This brief summarizes the health risks for communities located near CAFOs. Additionally, it calls for government regulations that improve transparency, management, and consumer empowerment.

Two Dot1 Enzymes Cooperatively Mediate Efficient Ubiquitin-Independent Histone H3 Lysine 76 Tri-Methylation In Kinetoplastids, Victoria S Frisbie, Hideharu Hashimoto, Yixuan Xie, Francisca N De Luna Vitorino, Josue Baeza, Tam Nguyen, Zhangerjiao Yuan, Janna Kiselar, Benjamin A Garcia, Erik W Debler

2020-Current year OA Pubs

In higher eukaryotes, a single DOT1 histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79) methyltransferase processively produces H3K79me2/me3 through histone H2B mono-ubiquitin interaction, while the kinetoplastid Trypanosoma brucei di-methyltransferase DOT1A and tri-methyltransferase DOT1B efficiently methylate the homologous H3K76 without H2B mono-ubiquitination. Based on structural and biochemical analyses of DOT1A, we identify key residues in the methyltransferase motifs VI and X for efficient ubiquitin-independent H3K76 methylation in kinetoplastids. Substitution of a basic to an acidic residue within motif VI (Gx

Examining Health-Seeking Behavior Among Diverse Ethnic Subgroups Within Black Populations In The United States And Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study, Yordanos M. Tiruneh, Oluwatunmininu Anwoju, Ariel C. Harrison, Martha T. Garcia, Shauna K. Elbers

School of Medicine Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Black populations, often treated as ethnically homogenous, face a constant challenge in accessing and utilizing healthcare services. This study examines the intra-group differences in health-seeking behavior among diverse ethnic subgroups within Black communities. A cross-sectional analysis included 239 adults ≥18 years of age who self-identified as Black in the United States and Canada. Multiple logistic regression assessed the relationship between health-seeking behaviors and ethnic origin, controlling for selected social and health-related factors. The mean age of the participants was 38.6 years, 31% were male, and 20% were unemployed. Sixty-one percent reported a very good or excellent health status, and …

Outcomes Of Hepatic Artery-Based Therapies And Systemic Multiagent Chemotherapy In Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Henry Stitzel, Victoria Wu, David Bajor, Sakti Chakrabarti, Madison Conces, Lauren Henke, Melissa Lumish, Amit Mahipal, Amr Mohamed, Jordan M. Winter, Jeffrey M. Hardacre, John B. Ammori, Jennifer E. Selfridge, Lee M. Ocuin

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Treatment of unresectable colorectal liver metastases (UCRLM) includes locoregional and systemic therapy. A comprehensive analysis capturing long-term outcomes of these treatment options has not been performed. Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled outcomes of hepatic artery infusion with systemic chemotherapy (HAI-S), transarterial chemoembolization with systemic chemotherapy (TACE-S), transarterial radioembolization with systemic chemotherapy (TARE-S), doublet (FOLFOX, FOLFIRI), and triplet chemotherapy (FOLFOXIRI). Methods: Outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), rate of conversion to resection (CTR), and response rate (RR). Results: A total of 32, 7, 9, and 14 publications were included in the HAI-S, …

Efficacy Of Photodynamic Therapy As An Adjunct To Scaling And Root Planing On Clinical Parameters And Microbial Composition In Subgingival Plaque Of Periodontitis Patients: A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial, Paul W. Bible, Min Nie, Peien Huang, Peiyao Peng, Daonan Shen, Lei Zhao, Duan Jiang, Yuqin Shen, Lai Wei, Jingmei Yang, Jun Wang, Yafei Wu

Computer Science Faculty publications

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical parameters and microbial composition in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients.

Methods

Seventeen patients were included in this split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm in combination with bleeding on probing in different quadrants were randomized into the control group, the group with a single PDT application right after SRP, and the group with three repeated PDT applications 1 week after SRP. The subgingival plaque was collected for 16S rRNA …

Single-Cell Analysis Of Age-Related Changes In Leukocytes Of Diabetic Mouse Hindpaws, James M Nichols, Hoang Vu Pham, Eric F Lee, Rajasekaran Mahalingam, Andrew J Shepherd

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Complications associated with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers, are a growing health-care concern. In addition, this concern increases as diabetic patients age due to their increased susceptibility to complications. To address this growing problem, it is important to understand fluctuations in physiology which lead to pathological changes associated with the metabolic disturbances of diabetes. Our study explores dysregulation of immune cell populations in the hindpaws of healthy and diabetic mice at 12 and 21 weeks of age using single-cell RNA sequencing to provide insight into immune disruptions occurring in the …

Momkk1 And Moatg1 Dichotomously Regulating Autophagy And Pathogenicity Through Moatg9 Phosphorylation In Magnaporthe Oryzae, Yun Kong, Pusheng Guo, Jiayun Xu, Jiaxu Li, Miao Wu, Ziqi Zhang, Yifan Wang, Xinyu Liu, Leiyun Yang, Muxing Liu, Haifeng Zhang, Ping Wang, Zhengguang Zhang

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Autophagy is a central biodegradation pathway critical in eliminating intracellular cargo to maintain cellular homeostasis and improve stress resistance. At the same time, the key component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade regulating cell wall integrity signaling MoMkk1 has an essential role in the autophagy of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Still, the mechanism of how MoMkk1 regulates autophagy is unclear. Interestingly, we found that MoMkk1 regulates the autophagy protein MoAtg9 through phosphorylation. MoAtg9 is a transmembrane protein subjected to phosphorylation by autophagy-related protein kinase MoAtg1. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that MoMkk1-dependent MoAtg9 phosphorylation is required for phospholipid …

Antithrombotic Therapy In Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, And Network Meta-Analysis, Basel Musmar, Hamza Salim, Jihad Abdelgadir, Samantha Spellicy, Nimer Adeeb, Ali Zomorodi, Allan Friedman, Issam Awad, Pascal Jabbour, David Hasan

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Cerebral cavernous malformations are complex vascular anomalies in the central nervous system associated with a risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Traditional guidelines have been cautious about the use of antithrombotic therapy in this patient group, citing concerns about potential bleeding risk. However, recent research posits that antithrombotic therapy may actually be beneficial. This study aims to clarify the association between antithrombotic therapy, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with cerebral cavernous malformations.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, following Preferred Reporting Items …

Visual Outcome And Ocular Complications In Patients With Lacrimal Gland Carcinoma After Eye-Sparing Surgery And Adjuvant Radiation Therapy, Zhenyang Zhao, Steven Jay Frank, Jing Ning, Jiawei Zhao, Xinyang Jiang, Xin A Wang, Amy C Schefler, Ehab Hanna, Amy Moreno, Brandon Gunn, Renata Ferrarotto, Bita Esmaeli

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: We report visual outcomes and ocular complications in patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma who had eye-sparing surgery followed by radiotherapy.

Methods: This review included consecutive patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma who underwent eye-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation therapy between 2007 and 2018. Clinical data, including details of ophthalmological examinations and radiation treatment were reviewed.

Results: The study included 23 patients, 15 males and 8 females, with median age 51 years. Twenty patients (87%) received intensity-modulated proton therapy; 3 (13%) received intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Nineteen patients (83%) received concurrent chemotherapy. After a median follow-up time of 37 months …

Polyamine-Mediated Ferroptosis Amplification Acts As A Targetable Vulnerability In Cancer, Guoshu Bi, Jiaqi Liang, Yunyi Bian, Guangyao Shan, Yiwei Huang, Tao Lu, Huan Zhang, Xing Jin, Zhencong Chen, Mengnan Zhao, Hong Fan, Qun Wang, Boyi Gan, Cheng Zhan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Targeting ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death triggered by the lethal overload of lipid peroxides, in cancer therapy is impeded by our limited understanding of the intersection of tumour’s metabolic feature and ferroptosis vulnerability. In the present study, arginine is identified as a ferroptotic promoter using a metabolites library. This effect is mainly achieved through arginine’s conversion to polyamines, which exerts their potent ferroptosis-promoting property in an H2O2-dependent manner. Notably, the expression of ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), the critical enzyme catalysing polyamine synthesis, is significantly activated by the ferroptosis signal——iron overload——through WNT/MYC signalling, as well as the subsequent …

Free-Flowing Polymer-Bonded Powder Composition Of Hexahydro-1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine Using Solvent-Slurry Coating, Muhammad Soulaman Khan, Muhammad Ahsan, Sarah Farrukh, Erum Pervaiz, Abdul Qadeer Malik

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A number of coating techniques have been used to improve the processability of high explosives. These techniques are typically used for developing compositions, such as boosters and fillers. The most typically used technique is the "solvent-slurry coating". Several compositions of polymer-bonded explosives have been industrialized using this technique. The NUPC-6 polymer-bonded powder composition of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine is optimized using the solvent-slurry coating. It involved multiple processes, i.e., preparing a slurry of high explosives in an aqueous phase, dissolving the modified polymer binder in an organic solvent, maintaining both the solvent and slurry at controlled temperatures, introducing polymer binder solution and ingredients …

The Influence Of Computerized Tomography Imaging On Treatment Of Periprosthetic Proximal Femur Fractures, Gill Gilworth, Katherine Harris, Toby L Morgan, Salma Ayis, Julia Fox-Rushby, Emma Godfrey, Nicholas S Hopkinson, Simon Lewin, Ka Keat Lim, Arietta Spinou, Stephanie J C Taylor, Patrick White

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a programme of exercise and education and the most effective treatment for the symptoms and disability associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the benefits of PR are limited by poor uptake and completion. This trial will determine whether using trained volunteer lay health workers, called “PR buddies,” improves uptake and completion of PR and is cost-effective. This trial protocol outlines the methods for evaluating effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability.

Methods

The IMPROVE trial is a pragmatic, open, cluster randomised controlled trial planned in 38 PR services across England and Wales. PR services will be randomised …

Durvalumab And Tremelimumab Before Surgery In Patients With Hormone Receptor Positive, Her2-Negative Stage Ii-Iii Breast Cancer, Haven R Garber, Sreyashi Basu, Sonali Jindal, Zhong He, Khoi Chu, Akshara Singareeka Raghavendra, Clinton Yam, Lumarie Santiago, Beatriz E Adrada, Padmanee Sharma, Elizabeth A Mittendorf, Jennifer K Litton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A clinical trial was conducted to assess the feasibility of enrolling patients with Stage II or III hormone receptor positive (HR+)/HER2-negative breast cancer to pre-operative dual PD-L1/CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibition administered prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Eight eligible patients were treated with upfront durvalumab and tremelimumab for two cycles. Patients then received NACT prior to breast surgery. Seven patients had baseline and interval breast ultrasounds after combination immunotherapy and the responses were mixed: 3/7 patients experienced a ≥30% decrease in tumor volume, 3/7 a ≥30% increase, and 1 patient had stable disease. At the time of breast surgery, 1/8 patients had …

Three-Dimensional Optothermal Manipulation Of Light-Absorbing Particles In Phase-Change Gel Media, Pavana Siddhartha Kollipara, Zilong Wu, Kan Yao, Dongdong Lin, Zhengyu Ju, Xiaotian Zhang, Taizhi Jiang, Hongru Ding, Jie Fang, Jingang Li, Brian A Korgel, Joan M Redwing, Guihua Yu, Yuebing Zheng

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Rational manipulation and assembly of discrete colloidal particles into architected superstructures have enabled several applications in materials science and nanotechnology. Optical manipulation techniques, typically operated in fluid media, facilitate the precise arrangement of colloidal particles into superstructures by using focused laser beams. However, as the optical energy is turned off, the inherent Brownian motion of the particles in fluid media impedes the retention and reconfiguration of such superstructures. Overcoming this fundamental limitation, we present on-demand, three-dimensional (3D) optical manipulation of colloidal particles in a phase-change solid medium made of surfactant bilayers. Unlike liquid crystal media, the lack of fluid flow …

Clinical Characteristics Of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis In A Hispanic Border Population: A Case Series And Literature Review, Percy M. Thomas, Laura R. Uribe, Aminadab G. Flores, Emilia C. Dulgheru

School of Medicine Publications

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is an autoimmune condition of the breast that is commonly encountered in women of non-white ethnicity such as Southeast Asians, Middle Easterners, and Hispanics. This condition often presents as a painful breast mass, and many patients undergo invasive diagnostic procedures or surgical excision, which can lead to disfiguring scars. Early recognition and prompt treatment with immunosuppressive medications can prevent invasive workups and management. Although previously thought to require an exclusively surgical approach, it now prompts interdisciplinary management. In this context, we present a case series of patients with IGM in a Hispanic population of South Texas.