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Full-Text Articles in Medical Specialties

When To Tap: Complex Febrile Seizure With Atypical Course As Early Presentation Of Hsv-1 Meningoencephalitis, Isabella Comsa, Sindhu H. Manjunath, Elise Gross, Rawad Obeid, Graham Krasan Sep 2025

When To Tap: Complex Febrile Seizure With Atypical Course As Early Presentation Of Hsv-1 Meningoencephalitis, Isabella Comsa, Sindhu H. Manjunath, Elise Gross, Rawad Obeid, Graham Krasan

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Febrile seizures have a prevalence of 2-5% among children ages 6-60 months. Less than 1% of complex febrile seizures without meningeal signs are associated with bacterial or viral meningitis. Current literature supports limiting routine lumbar puncture in this population. We present a case of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) encephalitis presenting with complex febrile seizure, who progressed to cerebritis requiring decompressive craniectomy, and discuss indications for further diagnostic evaluation.

Case Description: 2-year-old male with a history of simple febrile seizure presenting with a 10 minute tonic-clonic seizure with right-sided gaze deviation. He had tactile fever and low energy at home …


Evolving Management In Pediatric Appendicitis: A 14-Year Review Of Ketorolac, Opioid Use, And Imaging Trends, Sahithi Pemmasani, Ryan T. Davis, Margaret Menoch, Nathan M. Novotny Sep 2025

Evolving Management In Pediatric Appendicitis: A 14-Year Review Of Ketorolac, Opioid Use, And Imaging Trends, Sahithi Pemmasani, Ryan T. Davis, Margaret Menoch, Nathan M. Novotny

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common pediatric emergency requiring timely diagnosis and effective pain management. This study evaluates trends in ketorolac use, opioid prescribing, and imaging modalities in pediatric appendicitis cases, addressing concerns about ketorolac’s role in diagnostic accuracy and opioid reduction.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2,294 pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for suspected appendicitis from 2010 to 2023 was conducted. Data included administration of ketorolac, opioids, and non-opioid analgesics, as well as imaging use (ultrasound [US] vs. computed tomography [CT]). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and chi-square tests.

Results: Ketorolac use increased significantly from 1.5% in 2010 to …


Disparities In Mortality Associated With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A Nationwide Study, Manas Pustake, Atulya Khosla, Saif Syed, Avi Harisingani Jun 2025

Disparities In Mortality Associated With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A Nationwide Study, Manas Pustake, Atulya Khosla, Saif Syed, Avi Harisingani

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background : Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious and often life-threatening condition that can result in widespread morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical significance, there remains a lack of comprehensive, national-level data analyzing trends in DIC-related mortality. Understanding these trends is crucial for identifying at-risk populations, informing public health strategies, and optimizing clinical interventions. Aims : This study aims to analyze DIC mortality trends from 2018 to 2023, focusing on key demographic and regional factors, to provide insights that can guide future healthcare policy and practice. Methods : An analysis of DIC mortality trends from 2018 to 2023 was …


Disparities In Pulmonary Embolism Mortality In Us-Mexico Border Regions: A Population-Based Study, Manas Pustake, Atulya Khosla Jun 2025

Disparities In Pulmonary Embolism Mortality In Us-Mexico Border Regions: A Population-Based Study, Manas Pustake, Atulya Khosla

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background : Health disparities in pulmonary embolism (PE) mortality are notably evident along the US-Mexico border, where limited healthcare access and socioeconomic challenges contribute to poorer outcomes. While PE is increasingly recognized as a major health concern, little research has been done to understand the specific difficulties faced by border communities in managing and preventing the condition. Identifying these disparities is essential to closing healthcare gaps and implementing targeted interventions to reduce PE mortality in these areas. Aims : To analyze and compare PE mortality rates between the US-Mexico border and non-border regions, while examining the influence of demographic factors. …


Simulation Needs For Mid-Level Skills In General And Cardiothoracic Surgery, Katelyn Ward, M Yassin, J Bui, D Lee, R Reddy May 2025

Simulation Needs For Mid-Level Skills In General And Cardiothoracic Surgery, Katelyn Ward, M Yassin, J Bui, D Lee, R Reddy

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Objective: As the integrated cardiothoracic (I6) residency reaches maturity, it is important to identify core mid-level surgical skills that are valued within this framework in order to target these skills for development and improve competency and confidence. We aim to understand how I6 skill needs diverge from those traditionally emphasized in general surgery training, enabling a tailored approach to simulation-based education that aligns with evolving educational models. Methods: Surveys were distributed to general surgery (GS) and cardiothoracic (CT) faculty and residents at a single academic center. Respondents reported on current simulation perceptions and ranked open mid-level resident surgical skills that …


Determining Size In An Era When Size Matters: Inter-Radiologist Variability In Lung Cancer Measurement, Katelyn Ward, Gayaneh Nazarian, Ryan Davis, Sayf Al-Katib, Kiran Nandalur, Thomas Watson May 2025

Determining Size In An Era When Size Matters: Inter-Radiologist Variability In Lung Cancer Measurement, Katelyn Ward, Gayaneh Nazarian, Ryan Davis, Sayf Al-Katib, Kiran Nandalur, Thomas Watson

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Robotic-Assisted Excision Of Choledochal Cyst With Hepaticoduodenostomy And Intraoperative Identification Of Gallbladder Agenesis, Luke Man, Melanie Ermler, Ryan Davis, Pavan Brahmamdam May 2025

Robotic-Assisted Excision Of Choledochal Cyst With Hepaticoduodenostomy And Intraoperative Identification Of Gallbladder Agenesis, Luke Man, Melanie Ermler, Ryan Davis, Pavan Brahmamdam

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Epigastric Hernia With Unusual Contents, Katelyn Ward, Melanie Ermler, Alexis Lonjin, Kathryn Ziegler May 2025

Epigastric Hernia With Unusual Contents, Katelyn Ward, Melanie Ermler, Alexis Lonjin, Kathryn Ziegler

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Postoperative Calcium Supplementation Adherence In Total Thyroidectomy And Parathyroidectomy Patients - Risk Factors And Outcomes, Katelyn Ward, Cydney Mcchesney, John Nida, Negin Mohtashemian, Jacob Mesiti, Emmanuel Nageeb, Diane Studzinski, Rose Callahan, Peter Czako, Sapna Nagar May 2025

Postoperative Calcium Supplementation Adherence In Total Thyroidectomy And Parathyroidectomy Patients - Risk Factors And Outcomes, Katelyn Ward, Cydney Mcchesney, John Nida, Negin Mohtashemian, Jacob Mesiti, Emmanuel Nageeb, Diane Studzinski, Rose Callahan, Peter Czako, Sapna Nagar

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Surgical Site Infection Bundle For Babies - Preliminary Data, Cullen Woodley, Katelyn Ward, John Nida, Alexis Lonjin, Diane Studzinski, Nathan Novotny, Pavan Brahmamdam, Begum Akay May 2025

Surgical Site Infection Bundle For Babies - Preliminary Data, Cullen Woodley, Katelyn Ward, John Nida, Alexis Lonjin, Diane Studzinski, Nathan Novotny, Pavan Brahmamdam, Begum Akay

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Implementation Of A Clinical Pathway For Complicated Appendicitis In Children, Kristin E. Lemarbe, Andrew Glaza, Alexander L. Chen, Diane Studzinski, Amanda Henderson, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny, Begum Akay, Pavan Brahmamdam May 2025

Implementation Of A Clinical Pathway For Complicated Appendicitis In Children, Kristin E. Lemarbe, Andrew Glaza, Alexander L. Chen, Diane Studzinski, Amanda Henderson, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny, Begum Akay, Pavan Brahmamdam

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Determining Size In An Era When Size Matters: How Accurate Are Lung Cancer Measurements On Preoperative Computed Tomography?, Katelyn Ward, Ryan Davis, Gayaneh Nazarian, Sayf Al-Katib, Kiran Nandalur, Antonela Muca, Thomas Watson May 2025

Determining Size In An Era When Size Matters: How Accurate Are Lung Cancer Measurements On Preoperative Computed Tomography?, Katelyn Ward, Ryan Davis, Gayaneh Nazarian, Sayf Al-Katib, Kiran Nandalur, Antonela Muca, Thomas Watson

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


When Patients Say No - Outcomes Of Opting Against Recommended Treatment After Total Neoadjuvant Therapy For Stage Ii/Iii Rectal Cancer, Danielle Hurst, Scarlett Hao, Jacob Applegarth, Erin Mueller, Harry Wasvary, Matthew Ziegler, Bradley Krasnick May 2025

When Patients Say No - Outcomes Of Opting Against Recommended Treatment After Total Neoadjuvant Therapy For Stage Ii/Iii Rectal Cancer, Danielle Hurst, Scarlett Hao, Jacob Applegarth, Erin Mueller, Harry Wasvary, Matthew Ziegler, Bradley Krasnick

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Patients with stage II/III rectal cancer may be recommended total mesorectal excision (TME) or a watch-and-wait (WW) approach depending on clinical response to total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). In shared decision-making, patients may decide for or against surgery regardless of recommendation. This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who decide against physician recommendations. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with AJCC clinical stage II/III LARC between 2021-2023 and treated at a single tertiary center with TNT was performed. Patients with IBD, genetic syndromes, synchronous tumors, those who did …


Intraoperative Code Status: Moving From Misinformation To Respect For Patient Autonomy, Jacob Applegarth, Nathan M. Novotny, Ngan Nguyen, Abram Brummett May 2025

Intraoperative Code Status: Moving From Misinformation To Respect For Patient Autonomy, Jacob Applegarth, Nathan M. Novotny, Ngan Nguyen, Abram Brummett

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Effect Of Clean Closing Tray Use On Surgical Site Infection Following Colorectal Surgeries, Elizabeth Carlson, Nora Laban, Shelli Bergeron, Diana Lee, Donna Kayal, Kristin Lemarbe, Scarlett Hao, Jacob Mesiti, Bradley Krasnick, Harry Wasvary May 2025

Effect Of Clean Closing Tray Use On Surgical Site Infection Following Colorectal Surgeries, Elizabeth Carlson, Nora Laban, Shelli Bergeron, Diana Lee, Donna Kayal, Kristin Lemarbe, Scarlett Hao, Jacob Mesiti, Bradley Krasnick, Harry Wasvary

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction:  Reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) after colorectal surgeries remains a key quality improvement target. The summative effect of multiple pre-, intra-, and postoperative interventions bundled as part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are shown to effectively reduce SSIs, however the individual impact of each intervention has not been well-studied. This study evaluates the impact of clean closing tray use on the rate of SSIs in colorectal surgeries.  Methods:  A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary care center of all intraabdominal colorectal surgeries performed between 2016 and 2021. Patients with documented infection present at the …


Analysis And Monitoring Of A Robotics Curriculum: Are Simnow Modules Valuable?, Ibrahim Baida, Jacob Applegarth, Nathan Novotny, Anthony Iacco, Ngan Nguyen May 2025

Analysis And Monitoring Of A Robotics Curriculum: Are Simnow Modules Valuable?, Ibrahim Baida, Jacob Applegarth, Nathan Novotny, Anthony Iacco, Ngan Nguyen

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Screening Mammogram Adherence Before Reduction Mammaplasty And Incidence Of Occult Pathologic Findings In Surgical Specimens, Kristin E. Lemarbe, Carolyn Schnurr, Danielle Hurst, Katelyn Ward, Sayee Kiran May 2025

Screening Mammogram Adherence Before Reduction Mammaplasty And Incidence Of Occult Pathologic Findings In Surgical Specimens, Kristin E. Lemarbe, Carolyn Schnurr, Danielle Hurst, Katelyn Ward, Sayee Kiran

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


Laparoscopic Stapled Anastomosis For Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: Superior Outcomes And Efficiency Compared To Hand-Sewn Techniques, Ryan Davis, Ibrahim Baida, Katelyn Ward, Pavan Brahmamdam, Begum Akay, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny May 2025

Laparoscopic Stapled Anastomosis For Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: Superior Outcomes And Efficiency Compared To Hand-Sewn Techniques, Ryan Davis, Ibrahim Baida, Katelyn Ward, Pavan Brahmamdam, Begum Akay, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.


High Ligation Versus Floor Repair For Adolescent Inguinal Hernias: A Matched Comparison Of Recurrence And Complications, Katelyn Ward, Melanie Ermler, Elizabeth Theirl, Ryan Davis, Huong Tran, Begum Akay, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny, Pavan Brahmamdam May 2025

High Ligation Versus Floor Repair For Adolescent Inguinal Hernias: A Matched Comparison Of Recurrence And Complications, Katelyn Ward, Melanie Ermler, Elizabeth Theirl, Ryan Davis, Huong Tran, Begum Akay, Anthony Stallion, Nathan Novotny, Pavan Brahmamdam

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: The optimal surgical approach for inguinal hernias in adolescent patients remains an area of debate. While high ligation (HL) for indirect hernias is standard in younger children, floor repair (FR), usually with mesh, is preferred in adults due to the higher incidence of direct hernias and weakness of the abdominal wall. This study compares recurrence rates and perioperative complications between HL and FR in adolescent patients.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 10-17 year old patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair within a single hospital system between 7/2013 and 6/2023. Operations were performed by pediatric surgeons, pediatric urologists, …


Distinguishing Chronic Sigmoid Volvulus From Ogilvie Syndrome: A Case Report, Amanda Paulus, Arpit Aggarwal, Sara Glendinning May 2025

Distinguishing Chronic Sigmoid Volvulus From Ogilvie Syndrome: A Case Report, Amanda Paulus, Arpit Aggarwal, Sara Glendinning

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Purpose/Background: Benign etiologies of large bowel obstructions are categorized by mechanical or functional. Mechanical obstructions include volvulus, hernia, adhesions, and stricture. Sigmoid volvulus is the most common benign cause of large bowel obstruction. Functional disorders include colonic pseudo obstruction, paralytic ileus, and chronic constipation. Colonic pseudo obstruction (also known as Ogilvie’s Syndrome) is a functional disorder that causes a large bowel obstruction that can be acute or chronic in nature.

Methods/Interventions: A 62-year-old male with chronic constipation and multiple comorbidities presented with abdominal distention and dyspnea. He was previously treated for Ogilvie's pseudo obstruction through conservative measures. On exam, his …


Comparison Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri) And Endoluminal Endoscopic Ultrasound (Eus) For Restaging Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Judy Sheffeh, Amr Aref, Mohammed Barawi, Amer Alame, Amer Zeni, Ernesto R. Drelichman, Jasneet S. Bhullar May 2025

Comparison Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri) And Endoluminal Endoscopic Ultrasound (Eus) For Restaging Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Judy Sheffeh, Amr Aref, Mohammed Barawi, Amer Alame, Amer Zeni, Ernesto R. Drelichman, Jasneet S. Bhullar

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Purpose/Background: Given the high incidence and mortality of rectal cancer, accurate staging and restaging are crucial for guiding optimal interventions. However, no consensus exists on the best imaging modality for restaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. This study aims to compare MRI and EUS in the restaging of rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods/Interventions: We conducted a prospective observational study and enrolled patients with rectal cancer. EUS and MRI were performed at diagnosis for initial staging and repeated after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for restaging. A total of 43 patients were enrolled, with 25 patients (10 males, 15 females) with rectal cancer …


Treatment Outcomes Following Tme For Biologically Unfavorable Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer, Maryam Aleissa, Amr Aref, Hussein Gharib, Ernesto R. Drelichman, Amer Zeni, Amer Alame, Jasneet S. Bhullar May 2025

Treatment Outcomes Following Tme For Biologically Unfavorable Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer, Maryam Aleissa, Amr Aref, Hussein Gharib, Ernesto R. Drelichman, Amer Zeni, Amer Alame, Jasneet S. Bhullar

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Purpose/Background: Many centers now offer organ preservation for selected patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Our group initiated three Phase II trials to assess the safety of this approach in various clinical scenarios. Nonoperative management was recommended only for patients achieving complete clinical response CCR)after total neoadjuvant therapy TNT. Total mesorectal excision TME was advised when CCR was not achieved (primary TME), following residual cancer after Limited Local Excision LLE (completion TME), or after tumor recurrence/regrowth post-LLE or watchful waiting WW (salvage TME). This study examines treatment outcomes following primary or salvage TME in these biologically unfavorable cases.

Methods/Interventions: Each …


Improved Survival With Improved Naprc Compliance: Our Single Institution Experience, Jacob Applegarth, Claire Bova, Scarlett B. Hao, Harry Wasvary May 2025

Improved Survival With Improved Naprc Compliance: Our Single Institution Experience, Jacob Applegarth, Claire Bova, Scarlett B. Hao, Harry Wasvary

Conference Presentation Abstracts

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) was developed in 2017 in an effort to better standardize rectal cancer care in the United States. This study investigates short-term outcomes of rectal cancer patients relative to compliance with NAPRC standards at an NAPRC accredited institution.


Effect Of Clean Closing Trays In Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol On Surgical Site Infection Rates In Colorectal Surgeries, Elizabeth Carlson, Shelli Bergeron, Scarlett B. Hao, Kristin Lemarbe, Nora Laban, Diana Lee, Bradley Krasnick, Harry Wasvary May 2025

Effect Of Clean Closing Trays In Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol On Surgical Site Infection Rates In Colorectal Surgeries, Elizabeth Carlson, Shelli Bergeron, Scarlett B. Hao, Kristin Lemarbe, Nora Laban, Diana Lee, Bradley Krasnick, Harry Wasvary

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) after colorectal surgeries remains a key quality improvement target. The summative effect of multiple pre-, intra-, and post-operative interventions bundled as part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to effectively reduce SSIs, however the individual impact of each intervention has not been well-studied. This study evaluates the impact of clean closing tray use on the rate of SSIs in colorectal surgeries.


When Patients Say No – Outcomes Of Opting Against Recommended Treatment After Total Neoadjuvant Therapy For Stage Ii/Iii Rectal Cancer, Scarlett B. Hao, Jacob Applegarth, Erin Mueller, Harry Wasvary, Matthew Ziegler, Bradley Krasnick May 2025

When Patients Say No – Outcomes Of Opting Against Recommended Treatment After Total Neoadjuvant Therapy For Stage Ii/Iii Rectal Cancer, Scarlett B. Hao, Jacob Applegarth, Erin Mueller, Harry Wasvary, Matthew Ziegler, Bradley Krasnick

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Patients with stage II/III rectal cancer, upon completion of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), may be recommended total mesorectal excision (TME) or a watch-and-wait (WW) approach depending on their clinical tumor response. However, in shared decision-making, patients may ultimately decide for surgery when it is not recommended or against surgery when it is recommended. This study aimed to describe the tumor response outcomes of patients with LARC who pursue and do not pursue the recommended approach following TNT.


Metastatic Colon Cancer And Single Agent Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy: A Single Institution Experience, Jacob Applegarth, Scarlett B. Hao, Claire Bova, Harry Wasvary May 2025

Metastatic Colon Cancer And Single Agent Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy: A Single Institution Experience, Jacob Applegarth, Scarlett B. Hao, Claire Bova, Harry Wasvary

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Pembrolizumab was granted accelerated FDA approval for the treatment of patients with metastatic MMR deficient solid tumors and has shown significant benefit in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Recently, the NICHE-2 trial demonstrated that neoadjuvant nivolumab plus ipilimumab led to a significant response in locally advanced MMR deficient colon cancer. This report is a single institution's experience regarding the treatment of metastatic colon cancer with neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Since 2022, our institution has treated two patients with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab for metastatic colon cancer and achieved complete clinical and pathologic responses with no residual evidence of malignancy.


When Pressure Rises: Identifying Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Amid Critical Illness, Mariam Jamil, Muhammed Hussain, Amna Jafri, Asim Mohamed, Rajiv John May 2025

When Pressure Rises: Identifying Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Amid Critical Illness, Mariam Jamil, Muhammed Hussain, Amna Jafri, Asim Mohamed, Rajiv John

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) occurs in approximately 15% of patients with severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis and is associated with a poor prognosis. Treatment typically involves urgent decompressive laparotomy. However, diagnosing ACS in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting can be challenging, as patients often present with primary illnesses that independently drive end-organ dysfunction. This case highlights a diagnostic framework for ACS while emphasizing common pitfalls and challenges. Case Description A 54-year-old male with a history of alcohol abuse presented with a two-week history of abdominal discomfort and shortness of breath. Initial evaluation, including clinical examination, imaging, and laboratory findings, …


Water-Associated Bacterial Infection Without Aquatic Exposure, Meghan Glaser, Ashley Armstrong, Justin Skrzynski May 2025

Water-Associated Bacterial Infection Without Aquatic Exposure, Meghan Glaser, Ashley Armstrong, Justin Skrzynski

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Shewanella algae is a gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium most commonly found in marine environments. It is an emerging human pathogen, most often associated with hepatobiliary and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) following water exposure. Known risk factors for infection include those participating in recreational water activities, flood victims, and those with underlying liver disease, immunosuppression, or IV drug use. This case involves a 70-year-old male who was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2008 leading to multiple orthopedic surgeries complicated by recurrent prosthesis infections who presented with concern for sepsis. Case Description: Patient is a 70-year-old male …


A Storm Within: Anti-Nmda Receptor Encephalitis Mimicking Anxiety In A Young Woman, Izma Khaliq, Omar Sami Abdelhai, Angela Ishaq, Emmanuel Meram, Anointing Onuoha, Ahmed Jabri, William Dillon May 2025

A Storm Within: Anti-Nmda Receptor Encephalitis Mimicking Anxiety In A Young Woman, Izma Khaliq, Omar Sami Abdelhai, Angela Ishaq, Emmanuel Meram, Anointing Onuoha, Ahmed Jabri, William Dillon

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Case Description: A 21-year-old female with a history of asthma presented to the emergency department (ED) with restlessness, anxiety, and loss of appetite shortly after returning from a trip to France, where she and her boyfriend ended their relationship. Her initial evaluation, including unremarkable laboratory results, led to the attribution of her symptoms to anxiety from life stressors. She was treated with supportive measures in the ED and prescribed Xanax by her primary care physician at follow-up. Six days later, the patient returned to the ED with hallucinations and panic attacks. Again, laboratory results were unremarkable, and she was diagnosed …


Acne On The Valve: A Case Of Cutibacterium Acnes Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis And Aortic Root Abscess, Aiden Van Loo, Mitchell Schwocho, Francisco Davila May 2025

Acne On The Valve: A Case Of Cutibacterium Acnes Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis And Aortic Root Abscess, Aiden Van Loo, Mitchell Schwocho, Francisco Davila

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the endocardium and the cardiac valves. Its incidence is on the rise, and this has been attributed to the aging population, healthcare-associated infections, and the growing use of intracardiac devices and prosthetic valves. IE is typically caused by gram positive cocci; although other more fastidious organisms can present in a subacute fashion. One such organism that is now becoming identified is Cutibacterium Acnes. It is a gram-positive anaerobe, most commonly known for causing acne. Given its ubiquity as skin flora, it can enter the blood stream and cause systemic infections. Here …