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University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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Full-Text Articles in Medical Specialties

Is Your Cyst Really A Ganglion Cyst? A Case Report Of Angioleiomyoma Mimicking A Plantar Fascia Cystic Lesion, Christopher Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Joseph Bender Dpm Dec 2026

Is Your Cyst Really A Ganglion Cyst? A Case Report Of Angioleiomyoma Mimicking A Plantar Fascia Cystic Lesion, Christopher Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Joseph Bender Dpm

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft tissue masses encountered in podiatric clinical practice, and their diagnosis is often presumed based on location, clinical observation, and transillumination. However, this case highlights a diagnostic idiosyncrasy: a lesion clinically presumed to be a ganglion cyst within the plantar fascia was ultimately identified as an angioleiomyoma following surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when assessing cystic lesions, particularly those that transilluminate, as benign vascular tumors may closely mimic more common entities in both clinical presentation and imaging. More importantly, what if …


Case Report: Beyond The Initial Diagnosis: A Case Of Wilson's Disease Presenting As Acute Decompensated Cirrhosis, Aun Bangash, Muhammad Ali Bangash, Chloe Harris, Veronica O'Brien, Learsi R. De Hoyos, Jose Campo Maldonado Oct 2026

Case Report: Beyond The Initial Diagnosis: A Case Of Wilson's Disease Presenting As Acute Decompensated Cirrhosis, Aun Bangash, Muhammad Ali Bangash, Chloe Harris, Veronica O'Brien, Learsi R. De Hoyos, Jose Campo Maldonado

School of Medicine Publications

Wilson disease is a rare inherited disorder of copper metabolism that can cause progressive hepatic injury, cirrhosis, and, in severe cases, acute liver failure. Its variable presentation can overlap with more common causes of liver disease and delay recognition. We present a 28-year-old patient with one week of worsening jaundice, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and marked hyperbilirubinemia. Given a history of heavy alcohol use and a Maddrey Discriminant Function score of 73, severe alcohol-associated hepatitis was initially suspected. However, several months of reported alcohol abstinence, a strong maternal family history of early-onset cirrhosis, imaging evidence of …


Adjunctive Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization After Surgical Evacuation Of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Tallal M. Hashmi, Hafsa Arshad Azam Raja, Zain Tariq, Faizan Ahmed, Niraj Arora, Majid T. Aized, Adeel Saleemi, Ameer E. Hassan, Adnan Qureshi, Osama O. Zaidat Oct 2026

Adjunctive Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization After Surgical Evacuation Of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Tallal M. Hashmi, Hafsa Arshad Azam Raja, Zain Tariq, Faizan Ahmed, Niraj Arora, Majid T. Aized, Adeel Saleemi, Ameer E. Hassan, Adnan Qureshi, Osama O. Zaidat

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH); however, the efficacy and safety of adjunctive MMAE compared with surgery alone remains uncertain.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through June 2026. Randomized controlled trials comparing adjunctive MMAE plus surgical evacuation with surgical evacuation alone in patients with cSDH were included. The primary outcome was hematoma recurrence. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results: A total of eight randomized controlled trials were included. The …


Resistant Hypertension Secondary To Renal Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Of Cure After Nephrectomy, Alexis Garza, Maximo A. Alvarez, Paul Kim, David Alonzo Oct 2026

Resistant Hypertension Secondary To Renal Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Of Cure After Nephrectomy, Alexis Garza, Maximo A. Alvarez, Paul Kim, David Alonzo

School of Medicine Publications

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of multidrug-resistant hypertension in young adults requires consideration of uncommon secondary etiologies, including renovascular disease and congenital renal vascular anomalies. Renal arteriovenous malformations (rAVMs) represent a rare cause of secondary hypertension, accounting for less than 0.1% of renal vascular abnormalities. They most commonly present with hematuria, flank pain, or, in high-flow lesions, high output cardiac failure. Hypertension as the principal manifestation is uncommon.

CASE REPORT: We describe a 33-year-old woman with longstanding uncontrolled hypertension requiring 5 antihypertensive agents who presented for evaluation of refractory blood pressure control. Initial duplex ultrasound and angiography identified a large complex left renal …


Recanalisation Quality, Not First-Pass Effect, Drives Outcomes In Paediatric Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicentre Prospective Study, Adam A. Dmytriw, Iman Kiani, Kartik Bhatia, Todd Abruzzo, Lisa Pabst, Stuart Fraser, Melissa Chung, Warren Lo, Ahmed Othmann, Ameer E. Hassan Oct 2026

Recanalisation Quality, Not First-Pass Effect, Drives Outcomes In Paediatric Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Multicentre Prospective Study, Adam A. Dmytriw, Iman Kiani, Kartik Bhatia, Todd Abruzzo, Lisa Pabst, Stuart Fraser, Melissa Chung, Warren Lo, Ahmed Othmann, Ameer E. Hassan

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: In adult endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), first-pass success is associated with better outcomes, but whether this "first-pass effect" also holds true in childhood stroke remains unknown. We investigated the association of thrombectomy pass counts with 90-day outcomes after paediatric EVT.

Patients and methods: We analysed prospectively collected data from the international Save ChildS Pro registry (ages 0-17 years). All EVT-treated patients were included irrespective of the reperfusion grade achieved. Successful reperfusion was defined as expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) ≥ 2b and complete/near-complete reperfusion as eTICI 2c-3. The primary outcome was ordinal 90-day mRS in a proportional odds model. …


The Importance Of Biopsy In New Lower Extremity Lesions: A Case Of Kaposi Sarcoma, Michael A. Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell, Naomie Jean, Amanda L. Killeen Sep 2026

The Importance Of Biopsy In New Lower Extremity Lesions: A Case Of Kaposi Sarcoma, Michael A. Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell, Naomie Jean, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) that may present with atypical cutaneous findings in the lower extremity. Delayed diagnosis may occur when lesions resemble benign wounds or hypergranulation tissue, particularly in patients without a known oncologic history.

Aim: To present an atypical pedal presentation of Kaposi sarcoma initially encountered as a new lateral foot wound in an elderly patient with peripheral arterial disease and neuropathy.

Methods: An 80-year-old Hispanic male presented with a new “wound” of unknown duration on the lateral aspect of the left foot. Physical examination demonstrated xerotic skin with mild erythema …


Beyond Revascularization: Is Tibial Transverse Transport The Next Frontier In Diabetic Limb Salvage?, Karishma A. Sebastian, Nidhin John Sep 2026

Beyond Revascularization: Is Tibial Transverse Transport The Next Frontier In Diabetic Limb Salvage?, Karishma A. Sebastian, Nidhin John

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Poster Category:  Non-sponsored.

Level of Evidence: Level III

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulceration remains a major cause of lower-extremity amputation despite multidisciplinary wound care, debridement, infection control, offloading, and revascularization. Tibial transverse transport (TTT), based on the Ilizarov tension-stress principle, uses controlled transverse distraction of tibial cortex to promote angiogenesis and distal microcirculation in severe or recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Aim: To systematically evaluate whether TTT improves wound healing, distal perfusion, ulcer recurrence, and limb salvage in severe or recalcitrant DFUs and define its potential role as an adjunctive salvage intervention.

Methods: A PRISMA-guided review of peer-reviewed literature through August …


Complex Wound Presentation In A Congenital Port Wine Stain: Venous Ulceration Or Inflammatory Dermatosis?, Amanda L. Killeen, Tyreen Heybeck, Michael Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell Sep 2026

Complex Wound Presentation In A Congenital Port Wine Stain: Venous Ulceration Or Inflammatory Dermatosis?, Amanda L. Killeen, Tyreen Heybeck, Michael Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Introduction: Port-wine stains are congenital capillary malformations that may occur in isolation or with underlying vascular and musculoskeletal abnormalities in various syndromes. Chronic ulceration and inflammatory skin changes may complicate diagnosis and management, particularly when atypical ulcer morphology is present.

Aim: To describe complex lower extremity ulceration and inflammatory skin disease in a patient with a large congenital port-wine stain and associated limb abnormalities.

Case Presentation: A 52-year-old White male with a congenital port-wine stain involving the lateral left lower extremity from the hip to the foot was evaluated for recurrent ulceration and progressive inflammatory skin changes. Associated findings included …


Blue Is A Clue: An Arteriovenous Malformation Masquerading As A Ganglion Cyst, Leslie Guerrero, Monica Agarwal, Amanda L. Killeen Sep 2026

Blue Is A Clue: An Arteriovenous Malformation Masquerading As A Ganglion Cyst, Leslie Guerrero, Monica Agarwal, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between artery and vein, lacking an intervening capillary bed. Although AVMs are mostly congenital, they are rare in the pediatric population, and their presentation in the foot is particularly uncommon, presenting with broad, nonspecific findings such as swelling, discoloration, or non-painful/painful masses. Their variability delay recognition and management, which can cause their progression to lead to ulceration/bleeding, functional impairment, and even amputations.

Aim: To present a case and investigate the reported occurrences and clinical characteristics of AVMs in the pediatric foot.

Methods/Case Presentation:

Review: A PubMed and Google Scholar search identified pediatric foot …


Beyond Glycemic Control: Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Use And Post-Operative Outcomes Following Ankle Orif: A Scoping Review, Denyse Solano, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda L. Killeen Sep 2026

Beyond Glycemic Control: Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Use And Post-Operative Outcomes Following Ankle Orif: A Scoping Review, Denyse Solano, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) utilization has increased over recent years for the use of glycemic control and weight management. Although this drug offers multiple benefits, there’s concern for its potential effects on bone health. As the use of GLP-1 RA rises, it’s important to understand its potential impact on bone healing, specifically its influence on postoperative complications following ankle open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

AIM: The aim of this literature review is to determine if preoperative GLP-1 RA use is correlated with an increase in post-operative complications following ankle ORIF.

METHODOLOGY: A literature review was conducted …


Surgical Management Of Retained Sea Urchin Spines Following Multiple Puncture Wounds: A Case Report, Michael A. Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell, Tyreen Heybeck, Naomie Jean, Amanda Killeen Sep 2026

Surgical Management Of Retained Sea Urchin Spines Following Multiple Puncture Wounds: A Case Report, Michael A. Higham, Stephanie N. Campbell, Tyreen Heybeck, Naomie Jean, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Introduction: Sea urchin spine injuries are uncommon marine envenomation injuries that can result in retained foreign bodies, local inflammatory reactions, and persistent symptoms requiring surgical management in select cases. Initial management should include oral analgesia, hot-water immersion, removal of visible spines, and tetanus prophylaxis when indicated. Granuloma formation is a recognized response to retained spines and may ultimately require surgical excision. Pedicellariae, which possess venom and neurotoxic components, may contribute to envenomation.

Aim: To present a case of multiple deep sea urchin spine puncture wounds with retained foreign bodies.

Case Presentation: We report a 20-year-old Caucasian male who sustained multiple …


Glp-1 Receptor Agonists And Wound Healing In Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Scoping Review, Merlin Sajeev, Amanda L. Killeen Sep 2026

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists And Wound Healing In Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Scoping Review, Merlin Sajeev, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Level of Evidence: Level 5

Poster Category: Non-sponsored

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes and are associated with delayed wound healing, infection, amputation, and substantial morbidity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) improve glycemic control and may influence inflammation, vascular function, and tissue repair. However, clinical evidence evaluating their relationship with DFU healing remains limited.

Aim: To characterize available clinical evidence examining the association between GLP-1 RA use and wound-healing outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for English-language studies published from 2021–2026 using terms combining “GLP-1 receptor …


Evaluating Platelet-Rich Plasma For Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing: A Scope Review, Sairakshitha Yalla, Sarah Morales, Amanda Killeen Sep 2026

Evaluating Platelet-Rich Plasma For Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing: A Scope Review, Sairakshitha Yalla, Sarah Morales, Amanda Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Introduction: Chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are becoming increasingly common with the rising prevalence of diabetes. These wounds are often difficult to heal due to the complex complications associated with the disease. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), traditionally utilized as an adjunctive therapy for musculoskeletal injuries, has more recently been applied topically to promote the healing of DFUs.

Aims: To analyze if PRP heals DFUs faster than the standard of care.

Methods: A scoping review of PubMed and Google Scholar (2016-2026) was conducted. Inclusion criteria were published in the English language, randomized controlled trials involving adults, utilizing autologous PRP.  Exclusion criteria included …


Pediococcus Pentosaceus Osteomyelitis: A Case Report And Scoping Review, Mariana Rodriguez, Jessica Sima, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda L. Killeen Sep 2026

Pediococcus Pentosaceus Osteomyelitis: A Case Report And Scoping Review, Mariana Rodriguez, Jessica Sima, Stephanie Campbell, Amanda L. Killeen

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Pediococcus pentosaceus (Pep) is a Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium widely utilized in food fermentation and recognized for its probiotic properties. While generally considered non-pathogenic, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. Its intrinsic resistance to glycopeptides, with additional reported resistance to tetracycline and novobiocin, limits empiric treatment options and poses a diagnostic challenge when encountered in clinical cultures and deemed to be pathogenic.

We present the case of a male living with type two diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral artery disease and obesity admitted with a non-healing infected diabetic foot ulcer of the great toe. Magnetic resonance imaging …


Bell’S Palsy In Pregnancy Following Covid-19 Infection: A Case Report, Maria Camila Gonzalez Tovar, Abelardo Rodriguez, Oluwatobi Olonisakin, Mounika Kotte, Aramide Tijani Sep 2026

Bell’S Palsy In Pregnancy Following Covid-19 Infection: A Case Report, Maria Camila Gonzalez Tovar, Abelardo Rodriguez, Oluwatobi Olonisakin, Mounika Kotte, Aramide Tijani

Research Symposium

Background: Bell’s palsy is a peripheral facial nerve paralysis. The development of this is suspected to be a result of viral-induced inflammation, ischemia, immune-mediated mechanisms or idiopathic. Even though it can occur in the general population, pregnancy is a recognized risk factor. The incidence of Bell’s palsy during pregnancy and the postpartum period ranges from 60.5 to 171.6 cases per 100,000 person-years, with about 69% of pregnancy-associated cases occurring in the third trimester or within the first two months postpartum. Emerging evidence has shown an association between COVID-19 infection and an increased risk of Bell’s palsy, with studies demonstrating a …


Evaluating A Bilingual, Community-Based Skin Cancer Education Program In An Underserved Hispanic Population: An Item Response Theory Analysis, Smaran Marupudi, Natasha Quailes, Jared Hensley, Juan Lopez-Alvarenga, Maria Villegas Sep 2026

Evaluating A Bilingual, Community-Based Skin Cancer Education Program In An Underserved Hispanic Population: An Item Response Theory Analysis, Smaran Marupudi, Natasha Quailes, Jared Hensley, Juan Lopez-Alvarenga, Maria Villegas

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Skin cancer prevention is often underemphasized in medically underserved regions such as the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), where residents, predominantly Hispanic and lower-income individuals, face limited access to dermatologic care and may be unaware of their risk for skin cancer.

Methods: The intervention included a bilingual educational session with a board-certified dermatologist and a seven-item knowledge survey administered before and immediately after the session, adapted from a previously validated instrument. A convenience sample of 73 participants completed both surveys. The instrument, adapted for this population, was evaluated using a two-parameter Item Response Theory (IRT) model to estimate participants’ underlying …


Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Arising From Somatic-Type Malignant Transformation Of A Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor: A Case Report, Abdel Martinez Borrego, Brandon Cantazaro, Fatimah Bello, Christine Vega, Natacha Vargas, Payal Bhakta, Renzo Arauco Sep 2026

Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Arising From Somatic-Type Malignant Transformation Of A Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor: A Case Report, Abdel Martinez Borrego, Brandon Cantazaro, Fatimah Bello, Christine Vega, Natacha Vargas, Payal Bhakta, Renzo Arauco

School of Medicine Publications

Somatic-type malignant transformation (STM) is a rare but aggressive complication of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), most commonly arising from the teratomatous component and frequently occurring in metastatic sites. We report the case of a man in his 20s with a history of mixed NSGCT (50% yolk sac tumor, 40% teratoma, and 10% embryonal carcinoma) treated with left orchiectomy and chemotherapy in 2023, who initially responded to treatment but was subsequently lost to follow-up. He presented with one week of progressive dyspnea and pleuritic left-sided chest pain. Serum alpha-fetoprotein was markedly elevated at 2,966.7 ng/mL. Computed tomography demonstrated a progressive …


Treatment And Return To Sport In Athletes With Scaphoid Fractures: A Narrative Review, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Paul Bonilla, Emmanuel Franco, Ronald Shaju, Alyssa Sepulveda, Nicholas Bonazza, Robert Schenck, Aamir Ahmad Sep 2026

Treatment And Return To Sport In Athletes With Scaphoid Fractures: A Narrative Review, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Paul Bonilla, Emmanuel Franco, Ronald Shaju, Alyssa Sepulveda, Nicholas Bonazza, Robert Schenck, Aamir Ahmad

School of Medicine Publications

Scaphoid fractures are the most common fracture of the carpal bone and frequently occur in athletic populations due to acute trauma or repetitive wrist loading. Management of these injuries in athletes is challenging because of the need to balance reliable fracture healing with timely return to sport. This narrative review summarizes current literature regarding treatment strategies, healing outcomes, and return-to-sport timelines in athletes with scaphoid fractures. We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL between July 2025 and January 2026. A total of 862 records were identified, with 255 duplicates removed. Following title, abstract, and full-text screening, nine …


Bridging The Dermatology Divide: A Literature Review Of Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Point-Of-Care Tools For Skin Cancer Detection In Primary Care, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Maria Villegas Sep 2026

Bridging The Dermatology Divide: A Literature Review Of Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Point-Of-Care Tools For Skin Cancer Detection In Primary Care, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Maria Villegas

School of Medicine Publications

The United States faces a critical dermatology workforce shortage, with more than 60% of counties lacking specialist access. Primary care providers (PCPs) are often tasked with managing suspicious skin lesions but demonstrate lower diagnostic accuracy than dermatologists. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer potential solutions, and meta-analytic evidence demonstrates that AI assistance improves PCP sensitivity by 13 percentage points and specificity by 11 percentage points. Yet only 1 Food and Drug Administration–authorized device (January 2024) is cleared for nondermatologist use in the United States. This device achieves 96% sensitivity but only 21% specificity, meaning most positive results are false alarms. A …


Regional Plantar Pressure In The Transmetatarsal Amputation Limb Under Different Contralateral Limb Conditions: An Exploratory Case-Comparison, Hafizur Rahman, Sidketa Fofana, Gerrard Farrell, Luis Venegas, Javier La Fontaine Aug 2026

Regional Plantar Pressure In The Transmetatarsal Amputation Limb Under Different Contralateral Limb Conditions: An Exploratory Case-Comparison, Hafizur Rahman, Sidketa Fofana, Gerrard Farrell, Luis Venegas, Javier La Fontaine

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Background: Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) alters foot biomechanics and is associated with abnormal plantar loading that may contribute to plantar tissue breakdown. Although plantar pressure abnormalities following TMA have been reported, the potential role of contralateral limb status in regional plantar loading patterns remains incompletely understood. This exploratory case-comparison study examined plantar loading under two different contralateral limb conditions. Methods: This exploratory case-comparison evaluated in-shoe plantar pressure in two individuals with unilateral TMA: one with an intact contralateral limb and one with a contralateral transtibial prosthesis. Plantar pressure data were collected using a Pedar-X system during overground walking at a self-selected …


Interpretable Multimodal Learning For Integrating Neuroimaging And Genetic Data In Alzheimer’S Disease, Kun Zhao, Siyuan Dai, Yingying Zhang, Guodong Liu, Pengfei Gu, Chenghua Lin, Paul M. Thompson, Alex D. Leow, Heng Huang, Haoteng Tang Aug 2026

Interpretable Multimodal Learning For Integrating Neuroimaging And Genetic Data In Alzheimer’S Disease, Kun Zhao, Siyuan Dai, Yingying Zhang, Guodong Liu, Pengfei Gu, Chenghua Lin, Paul M. Thompson, Alex D. Leow, Heng Huang, Haoteng Tang

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Introduction: Early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires models that combine brain structure changes with genetic risk, but existing methods struggle to align these different data types.

Methods: We present R-GenIMA, an interpretable multimodal large language model that pairs a region-of-interest vision transformer with genetic prompting to jointly analyze structural MRI and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Each brain region becomes a visual token and SNP profiles are encoded as structured text, letting the model link regional atrophy to genetic factors through cross-modal attention. Tested on the ADNI cohort, R-GenIMA performs well in classifying four groups: normal cognition, subjective memory concerns, …


Implementing Custom Pro And Nps Tools In Private Practice: Balancing Simplicity And Clinical Value In A Retrospective Study, Paul Bonilla, Juan Pablo Flanagan, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Victoria Elizondo, Michael Sander Aug 2026

Implementing Custom Pro And Nps Tools In Private Practice: Balancing Simplicity And Clinical Value In A Retrospective Study, Paul Bonilla, Juan Pablo Flanagan, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Victoria Elizondo, Michael Sander

School of Medicine Publications

Background: The authors describe the development of a custom survey centered around the Three C’s and Net Promoter Scores in a high-volume surgical private practice with limited resources and no research coordinator. This paper aims to examine whether an abbreviated survey can serve as a practical alternative to lengthy validated PROMs in tracking post-surgical recovery outcomes in a private practice setting.

Methods: A retrospective, de-identified analysis was conducted on prospectively collected patient-reported outcome surveys administered via email preoperatively and 120-days postoperatively. Of 2,908 surveys administered, 101 patients undergoing four high-volume procedures (CTR, meniscectomy, TKR, hernia) with matched pre- and post-operative …


Poppers Maculopathy Due To Alkyl Nitriteinfused Candle: A Case Report, Tori Sayers, Murtaza K. Adam Aug 2026

Poppers Maculopathy Due To Alkyl Nitriteinfused Candle: A Case Report, Tori Sayers, Murtaza K. Adam

School of Medicine Publications

Recreational inhalation of alkyl nitrites (“poppers”) is associated with a characteristic toxic maculopathy presumably due to ischemic changes in the central macula. Alkyl nitrite candles are available for purchase online and do not appear to be regulated. We report a unique retrospective case of vision loss following second-hand inhalation of vapor from a “poppers” candle in which a 29-year-old Hispanic male with no previous medical history presented with acute bilateral vision loss after attending a party at a nightclub. The patient denied sungazing, exposure to lasers, and a family history of inherited retinal disease. History was significant for use of …


Maternal Sjögren's Disease And Its Long Shadow: Adult-Onset Seronegative Lupus Nephritis Following Congenital Heart Block, Tatiana Dacak, Abelardo Rodriguez, Luisa Fernanda Gomez, Corey Haines, Nida Asif Aug 2026

Maternal Sjögren's Disease And Its Long Shadow: Adult-Onset Seronegative Lupus Nephritis Following Congenital Heart Block, Tatiana Dacak, Abelardo Rodriguez, Luisa Fernanda Gomez, Corey Haines, Nida Asif

School of Medicine Publications

Congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) is a well-recognized manifestation of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE), caused by transplacental transfer of maternal anti-Ro/Sjögren's Syndrome Type A (SSA) and anti-La/Sjögren's Syndrome Type B (SSB) antibodies. Although non-cardiac manifestations of NLE typically resolve within the first year of life, the long-term autoimmune risk in affected offspring remains unclear. We report a 24-year-old woman with CCAVB secondary to maternal Sjögren's disease who presented with acute heart failure, nephrotic-range proteinuria, bicytopenia, pericardial effusion, and findings concerning for Libman-Sacks endocarditis. Despite negative conventional lupus serologies, renal biopsy demonstrated Class IV/V lupus-like immune-complex glomerulonephritis with full-house immune complex …


A Rare Sight: Isolated Third Nerve Palsy As The Sole Presentation Of A Non-Functional Pituitary Adenoma, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ivan Mogollon, Ismael Cantu Aug 2026

A Rare Sight: Isolated Third Nerve Palsy As The Sole Presentation Of A Non-Functional Pituitary Adenoma, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ivan Mogollon, Ismael Cantu

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Hypopituitarism results from insufficient pituitary hormone production, often due to adenomas—accounting for ~15% of intracranial tumors. Non-functional adenomas, typically affecting older adults, may present with visual field deficits, headaches, or cranial nerve palsies when extending into the cavernous sinus. Isolated oculomotor (third nerve) palsy is a rare initial manifestation.

Case: A 46-year-old man with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes presented with acute right-sided headache, diplopia, ptosis, and right leg weakness. He had right ptosis, a fixed dilated pupil, facial droop, and right leg weakness. Given concern for stroke, he received thrombolytic therapy with partial leg improvement, but persistent diplopia and …


Beyond The Clot: A Rare Case Of Extensive Dvt And Pulmonary Embolism Revealing May-Thurner Syndrome, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ivan Mogollon, Daniel Pena, Michelle Lopez Aug 2026

Beyond The Clot: A Rare Case Of Extensive Dvt And Pulmonary Embolism Revealing May-Thurner Syndrome, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ivan Mogollon, Daniel Pena, Michelle Lopez

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in young adults is uncommon and typically associated with identifiable risk factors. In cases where DVT occurs without apparent provocation, congenital anatomical anomalies should be considered. May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), a vascular compression disorder involving the left iliac vein, is a frequently overlooked cause of iliofemoral DVT in young individuals, particularly women.

Case Presentation: A 28-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with acute left leg swelling, pain, and discoloration, along with new-onset dyspnea and chest discomfort. She had recently transitioned to a contraceptive patch and reported reduced mobility due to fatigue. Imaging confirmed left …


Miconazole As A Repurposed Anticancer Candidate For Prostate Cancer, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Lindsey Shim, Rajasekhar Baru, Anupam Dhasmana, Ryan Chang, Sung Yun Jung, Rahul Tiwari, Neeraj Chauhan, Vivek K. Kashyap, Sheema Khan, Diane Nguyen, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali Mohan Yallapu Aug 2026

Miconazole As A Repurposed Anticancer Candidate For Prostate Cancer, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Lindsey Shim, Rajasekhar Baru, Anupam Dhasmana, Ryan Chang, Sung Yun Jung, Rahul Tiwari, Neeraj Chauhan, Vivek K. Kashyap, Sheema Khan, Diane Nguyen, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali Mohan Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

Prostate cancer is one of the major health concerns, with increasing incidence and persistent therapeutic resistance worldwide. Despite various available treatments (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, cryotherapy, biological therapy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound), patients still show treatment-related side effects over many years. These challenges highlight the urgent need for novel and safe therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we repurposed five FDA-approved antifungal agents, namely natamycin (NM), terbinafine hydrochloride (TH), ketoconazole (KZ), miconazole (MZ), and clotrimazole (CZ), as they can modulate conserved cellular processes, including sterol metabolism and mitochondrial function, which are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of cancer cell …


Under The Surface: A Rare Case Of The En Coup De Sabre Subtype Of Linear Morphea In The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel Lopez, Jared Hensley, Maria Villegas Aug 2026

Under The Surface: A Rare Case Of The En Coup De Sabre Subtype Of Linear Morphea In The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel Lopez, Jared Hensley, Maria Villegas

School of Medicine Publications

Localized scleroderma, also referred to as 'morphea,' is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the superficial layers of the skin and is characterized by both erythematous and bruise-like lesions with signs of central skin tightening or sclerosis; deeper lesions may be identified as edematous, erythematous plaques in the absence of well-defined borders. A subtype named en coup de sabre (ECDS) exists in the classification of linear morphea and presents with a linear induration on either the face or scalp. Our patient is a 21-year-old Hispanic female initially residing outside of the South Texas region who experienced an onset of skin …


Perceived Negative Acts And Emotional Well-Being In Healthcare Education At A Hispanic-Serving Institution: A Cross-Sectional Study, Deborah Rocha Seixas, Patricia Montemayor Garcia, Tyreen Heybeck, Eduardo Sanches Gonçales, Cláudia Cristina Biguetti Aug 2026

Perceived Negative Acts And Emotional Well-Being In Healthcare Education At A Hispanic-Serving Institution: A Cross-Sectional Study, Deborah Rocha Seixas, Patricia Montemayor Garcia, Tyreen Heybeck, Eduardo Sanches Gonçales, Cláudia Cristina Biguetti

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Purpose: Negative acts (NA), including work-related bullying, person-related bullying, and physical intimidation, are inappropriate behaviors that should not occur in workplaces or schools. Healthcare students may be exposed to these experiences during their training, although exposure may vary across demographics. This study aimed to assess self-reported NA and the emotional well-being among healthcare students from different family immigration backgrounds at a Hispanic-serving institution on the U.S.–Mexico border and to explore potential associations between NA exposure and demographic characteristics. Methods: The NA Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) assessed work-related bullying (WB), person-related bullying (PB), physical intimidation (PI), and total NAQ-R score (TNAQ-R). Participants also …


Timing Of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization And Surgery: Analysis Of The Embolise Trial, Maxim Mokin, Jared Knopman, Jason M. Davies, Ameer E. Hassan, Robert E. Harbaugh, Alexander Khalessi, Jens Fiehler, Elad I. Levy Aug 2026

Timing Of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization And Surgery: Analysis Of The Embolise Trial, Maxim Mokin, Jared Knopman, Jason M. Davies, Ameer E. Hassan, Robert E. Harbaugh, Alexander Khalessi, Jens Fiehler, Elad I. Levy

School of Medicine Publications

Background: The EMBOLISE trial (The Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Artery With Onyx Liquid Embolic System in the Treatment of Subacute and Chronic Subdural Hematoma) demonstrated that middle meningeal artery embolization as an adjunct to surgical drainage reduces recurrence of symptomatic subacute and chronic subdural hematomas. We performed a subgroup analysis of the EMBOLISE surgical cohort to determine how the timing of embolization relative to surgery impacted various outcomes.

Methods: We performed a post hoc subgroup analysis to examine the association of the timing of embolization relative to surgery with the primary end point (hematoma reoperation within 90 days), secondary …