Medical Specialties Commons^™

Sudden Onset Idiopathic Necrotizing Pancreatitis Unmasking Undiagnosed Advanced Cirrhosis, Maikel Tawadrous, Mohammad Mahfouz, Aradhana Pandey, Namin Farid

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Baseline Sympathetic Nervous System Activity And Blood Pressure Response To Renal Denervation: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Prithvi Basu Roy, Syed Ali Raza Abidi, Louis Orlando

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Vs. Oral Anticoagulation For Atrial Fibrillation In End-Stage Kidney Disease, Mohammed Ashwaq Hussain Shaik, S Paramkusam, Sk Majety, Lps Preetha, T Gupta, V Potluri

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

A Double-Edged Sword: Accelerated Metastasis After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery In Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma, Grace Anne Martin, Kanwar Bir Dhaliwal, Mala Goyal

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Histotripsy In Liver Tumors: A Non-Thermal, Cavitation Platform Redefining Precision Ablation And Immuno-Oncology Synergy, Subuhee Ahmed, Shahzaib Maqbool, Pradeep Rajbhandari, Mohamad Mahfouz, Maikel Tawadrous

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Post-Vaccination Cardiac Arrhythmias: Phenotype-Specific Severity, Temporal Patterns, And Vaccine-Type Associations In A National Pharmacovigilance Cohort, Prithvi Basu Roy, Syed Ali Abidi, Lawrence San Jose, Louis Orlando

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Bridging Cardiothoracic Care: Using Cardiomemstm To Mitigate Effusion-Driven Respiratory Events In Post-Surgical Heart Failure, Pankti Shah, Kumar Abhishek, Pratyush Kumar, Aradhana Pandey

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Empiric Antibiotic And Corticosteroid Prescribing For Hospitalized Acute Exacerbations Of Copd: Associations With Length Of Stay And Readmissions In A Large Multicenter U.S. Cohort, Kumar Abhishek, Pratyush Kumar, Archana Machavarapu, Munaf Siyamwala, Michael Waxman, Jeffrey Durbin, Kari Nilsen

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Termination Of A Fatal Malignant Arrhythmia By Treating Respiratory Alkalosis At The Ventilator: A Case Report, Thea Danielle Amadasun, Muhammed Salman Ullah, Vladimir Begilman

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Among Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism And Risk Factors For Mortality, Kawar Bir Dhaliwal, Rahul Pawa, Naresh Kodwani

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Transient Stunning Of Leadless Pacemaker Diagnostic Function Following Pulse Field Ablation For Atrial Arrythmia, Danish Bawa, Stephanie Billingsly, Thomas Pritchard, Rachad Ghazal, Adnan Ahmed, Douglas Darden, Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Gap: Early Recognition And Interim Management Of Silica-Associated Rheumatoid Arthritis In Resource-Limited Primary Care Settings, Sukhneet Bhullar, Howard J. Tan, Alaa Baqer, Cathlen Delva

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Multifocal Gastrointestinal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Initially Resembling Crohn’S Disease, Mary Moussa, Durga A. Kumar, Vikas Sethi, Alvin Boyd Newman-Caro, Christopher Halleman, Michael Schulman

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Contemporary Nonfemoral Access For Tavr: Comparative Outcomes Of Transcarotid, Transsubclavian/Transaxillary, And Transcaval Approaches, Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Making Loading-Dose Atorvastatin The Default For Patients Presenting With Acs Leads To Increased Administration, Farhan Hiya, Suppraja Soundarrajan, Ali Hassan, Zain Awan, Ahmad Hayat, Andrew Niclosi

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Conduction System Pacing Vs Biventricular Pacing: A Meta Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials In Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, Mustafa Tahir, Muhammad Abdullah, Jaafar Hamdan, Michael D. Moore, Nagaraja D. Sharma, Olu Oyesanmi, Salman M. Muddassir

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

A Rare Case Of Hashimoto Encephalopathy Disguised As Rapidly Progressive Dementia, Sai Santosh Sreenivasan, Kristen Howerton, Monicka S. Felix

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Gastrointestinal Ebv In Immunosuppressed Hosts: A Case Of Ptld After Kidney Transplant, Mary Moussa, Baylen Shoemaker, Vikas Sethi, Alvin Boyd Newman-Caro, Rakhee Shah, Patricia Chun, Michael Schulman

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Splenic Ectopic Pregnancy: A Rare Cause Of Hemoperitoneum With Diagnostic Challenges-A Case Report And Literature Review, Mustafa Tahir, Nuzhat Shahid, Sainarayana Mangu, Serena Usmani Qureshi, Neami Tervil

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Prophylactic Distal Perfusion Catheters In Femoral Va-Ecmo: Association With Lower Limb Ischemia And Major Limb Outcomes (Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis), Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

“Medical Cannabis”: Advising Patients While Navigating Medical Ethics And Limited Evidence, Anna-Maria South, Shanna L. Babalonis, Laura C. Fanucchi, Michelle R. Lofwall

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Cannabis is increasingly legalized in more areas of the USA and marketed under the misnomer “medical cannabis.” Yet, there are no official dosing guidelines or approved medical uses for plant cannabis by the Food and Drug Administration. Due to significant federal barriers, research on efficacy, safety, and adverse effects of cannabis is limited. Patients are interested in cannabis as potential treatment of medical issues and/or symptoms and clinicians should include a discussion of the risks of cannabis consumption. However, many risks are not yet known, and clinicians might be unaware of the emerging literature. This perspective summarizes the potential harms …

Prevalence And Characteristics For Mental Health Disorder Before And After Childhood Cancer Diagnosis—A Statewide Population-Based Study Among Medicaid Beneficiaries, Feitong Lei, Laurie E. Mclouth, Eric B. Durbin, Thomas T. Tucker, John L. Villano, Bin Huang

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Pediatric cancer patients suffer mental health deficits. Patients who are vulnerable with respect to socioeconomic or other sociodemographic factors may be at heightened risk for worse mental health outcomes during cancer for many reasons including entering treatment with an existing mental health disorder. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and trajectory of mental health before and after a childhood cancer diagnosis in a socio-demographically at-risk sample.

Methods: Data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry was utilized to identify patients aged 19 or under with a first primary childhood cancer diagnosis during 2001–2017. Linking KCR data with …

Facilitators Of And Barriers To Implementation Of A Tablet-Based Digital Health Program For Colorectal Cancer Screening In Primary Care: Qualitative Pragmatic Implementation Study, Mark Cromo, Aliza Randazzo, David P. Miller, Kristie Foley, Ajay Dharod, Anna C. Snavely, Elena Wright, Holly Brower, Mark Dignan

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates continue to be elevated even though effective screening methods are widely available. To increase CRC screening in primary care practices, our team developed a tablet-based digital health program (mPATH) designed to identify patients needing CRC screening, provide education, and empower patients to request a screening test via the program.

Objective: This study aimed to qualitatively assess facilitators of and barriers to implementing and maintaining mPATH in primary care clinics.

Methods: In a pragmatic implementation trial, clinics were randomized to receive only in-person training and technological support via phone or email (low touch) …

Adipose Tissue-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles In Plasma Reveal Molecular Circuitries Underlying Glucose Intolerance, Shalini Mishra, Yixin Su, Ashish Kumar, Sangeeta Singh, Brian S. Finlin, Fang-Chi Hsu, Jingyun Lee, Cristina M. Furdui, Philip A. Kern, Swapan K. Das, Gagan Deep

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Objective: Glucose tolerance (GT) is a major effector for adipose tissue (AT) remodeling in obesity, yet its molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. We hypothesized that the biophysical and molecular profiles of AT-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV^AT) change in response to glucose availability and differ by GT status.

Methods: sEV^AT were isolated from plasma of individuals with normal GT (NGT) and impaired GT (IGT) (n = 5/group) at fasting (0 h) and 1 h post glucose challenge during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). sEV^AT were characterized for size, concentration, surface expression of insulin receptor-α (INSRα), proteome, …

Calcinosis Cutis In A Young Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Severe And Morbid Complication, Gopi Mulaka, Babu Shaik, Jaya Surya Manimekalai, Durga Dandu, Rupali Prabhukhot

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND/ INTRODUCTION: Calcinosis cutis is a rare but serious complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), often related to disordered calcium–phosphate metabolism. It can lead to significant morbidity, recurrent infections, and challenging management decisions.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 23-year-old male with ESRD on hemodialysis, hypertension, anemia of chronic disease, and a left upper extremity arteriovenous fistula who developed progressive pain, swelling, and purulent drainage involving the left third and fourth digits. Imaging revealed extensive soft tissue calcifications consistent with calcinosis cutis. His hospital course was complicated by recurrent infections, osteomyelitis, and gangrene despite antibiotic therapy and wound care, ultimately requiring …

Septic Arthritis Suspected But Pseudogout Confirmed: The Importance Of Early Joint Aspiration And Crystal Analysis, Munazzah Kaleem, Jose Lozano

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND/ INTRODUCTION: Septic arthritis present as an acute monoarticular arthritis and is highly suspected in patients with risk factors including DM, ESRD, and bacteremia. As a result, empiric antibiotics are usually started prior to definitive diagnosis. But crystal induced arthropathies closely mimic septic arthritis in their presentation. This case highlights the importance of early arthrocentesis to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION: 50-year-old female on antibiotics for MSSA bacteremia presented due to acute onset left hip pain, swelling and decreased range of motion. No trigger was present. PMH included HTN, T2DM and ESRD on HD. She denied fever, chills or …

Tales From The Cryptogenic: A Case Of Recurrent Major Cryptogenic Stroke, Harpreet Matharu, Kennedy Aikins, Kumail Rizvi, Danielle Ford

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background

It is estimated that 30 to 40% of all strokes have no identifiable cause; these are classified as cryptogenic strokes. Often, the unknown nature is secondary to delayed or incomplete investigation of cerebrovascular pathology. At times, strokes are considered truly cryptogenic as extensive stroke workup leads to no identifiable cause or etiology. Acute ischemic strokes in young adults without identifiable risk factors present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical to optimize outcomes.

Case Presentation

A 32-year-old African American male with a past medical history of a cerebrovascular accident in 2023 at an outside hospital …

True Love: Heart Says To The Kidneys ‘Don’T Fail Me’, Greeshma Molugu, Srinivasan Rajaganapathy, Machaiah Madhrira

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction: Valvular calcification is an increasingly important cardiac valvular pathology in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, most frequently involving the aortic and mitral valves. The incidence/prevalence of mitral annular calcification in ESRD patients is about 30%, with mitral stenosis occurring in less than 5%. Various predisposing factors for valvular calcification in ESRD patients include age (median age >/= 60 years), hypertension, diabetes, use of calcitriol and calcium-containing phosphate binders, secondary hyperparathyroidism and duration of dialysis (median duration of >/= 5 years). We present a rare case of a young male with ESRD on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for less than two …

Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Two-Year Journey, Jason Woods, Padmaditya Sureddi, Nga Van, Danielle Ford

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased the incidence of opportunistic infections among persons with HIV. Invasive aspergillosis specifically is uncommon among individuals with clusters of differentiation 4 (CD4) count >100 cells/mm3. Furthermore, treatment of aspergillosis in the HIV-infected population has not been examined systematically. We report a patient with CD4 count >200 cells/mm3, compliant with HAART therapy who developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) over the course of two years that was successfully treated through a combination of bronchial artery embolization and liposomal amphotericin.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old man from southern Africa with four-year history of HIV-1 on HAART …

White Plaques With High Stakes: A Case Of Esophageal Leukoplakia, Boney Lapsiwala, Ritika Sharma, Karthik Kasireddy, Devika Pavuluri, Rupali Prabhukhot, Amjad Awan

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction: Esophageal leukoplakia, also termed esophageal epidermoid metaplasia (EEM), is a rare esophageal epithelial disorder characterized by keratinized squamous plaques on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). With a prevalence of < 0.5%, it is often incidentally identified during evaluation for nonspecific upper gastrointestinal symptoms. EEM is considered a premalignant condition due to its association with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), yet management and surveillance strategies remain undefined.

Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman with hypothyroidism, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and remote aplastic anemia treated with bone marrow transplantation 35 years prior presented with chronic cough and progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids. She denied tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use. No weight loss, abdominal pain, or blood in stool was noted. CT of the neck with contrast revealed curvilinear mucosal hyperenhancement involving the mid to distal thoracic esophagus without lymphadenopathy. Physical examination and …