Internal Medicine Commons^™

Dissecting The Literature: A Systematic Review Of Conservative Therapy Versus Revascularization In Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, Avinash Saraiya, Ms, Brian Schonewald, Md

The Medicine Forum

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare, but increasingly recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While previously only described in case series, the advent of advanced imaging techniques such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) has increased its prevalence dramatically. Anatomically, SCAD results from the formation of an intramural hematoma with or without intimal tear in a coronary artery, potentially leading to occlusion and ischemia. This phenomenon is especially common in women, accounting for 35% of ACS in women under the age of 50, and representing the leading cause of peripartum myocardial infarct.¹ There …

From The Chief Residents, Michael Dong, Md, Chantel Venkataraman, Md, Tamar Wolinsky Md, Benjamin Claxton, Md

The Medicine Forum

As we introduce the latest edition of The Medicine Forum, the journal of our Internal Medicine residency program, we're thrilled to showcase the diverse talents and perspectives of our resident physicians. Evolving alongside our program, this publication serves as both a platform for scientific inquiry and a canvas for creativity, reflecting the dynamic interests of each resident cohort.

We must extend our heartfelt gratitude to our current editors, Amman Bhasin, Suraj Nyalakonda, Mez Kamanu, and Alex Grivas, for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in shepherding this journal to new heights. Their commitment to excellence and their vision for …

From The Editors, Amman Bhasin, Md, Suraj Nyalakonda, Md, Chukwuemezie Kamanu, Md, Alexandros Grivas, Md

The Medicine Forum

We are honored to present the 25th Annual edition of The Medicine Forum, carrying forth a quarter-century tradition of scholarly work produced by faculty, residents, and students -- proudly shared with the Jefferson community and beyond. The Medicine Forum embodies the collective voice and spirit of our residency, serving as a vibrant platform for scholarly and artistic expression, and showcasing the remarkable talents and diverse perspectives of our program’s faculty, residents, and students.

Throughout the years, The Medicine Forum has evolved alongside our program, adapting to the changing interests and passions of each new cohort of residents. It serves …

Foreword From Faculty Advisor, Dagan Coppock, Md, Msce

The Medicine Forum

The latest edition of The Medicine Forum celebrates our community’s efforts toward scholarly inquiry and creativity. Our current editors have approached this project with a true passion. Throughout the academic year, it has been my pleasure to work with Amman, Suraj, Mez, and Alex, not only on this project, but also on the medical wards. They have applied the same thoughtfulness and joy to editing this journal that they do to the care of patients. I am in awe of their efforts.

As a department, we are a productive group of writers, thinkers, scientists, and artists. So much of our …

From The Desk Of The Residency Program Director, Christopher Henry, Md, Facp

The Medicine Forum

As we celebrate the silver jubilee of our beloved Jefferson Forum, it is with great pride and admiration that I extend a warm welcome to each of you. For a quarter-century, this annual publication has stood as a testament to the dedication, passion, and scholarly pursuits of our internal medicine residents.

Within the pages of the Jefferson Forum, you will find the embodiment of our residents' commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research. As the Program Director, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable growth and development of our residents. Their journey from eager learners …

Table Of Contents: The Medicine Forum, Volume 25, 2023-2024

The Medicine Forum

Table of Contents: The Medicine Forum, Volume 25, 2023-2024

The Medicine Forum: Volume 25

The Medicine Forum

The Journal of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine, Volume 25, 2023-2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Case Reports
• Clinical Images
• Humanities & Reflections

Assessing Quality Of Health-Related Social Needs Screening Across Jefferson Hospital’S Clinical Sites, Aparna Sarin, Md, Mph, Olivia Quinn, Mph, Nolan Chiles, Bs

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Objectives

• Assess the rate of completed health-related social needs (HRSNs) screenings at different TJUH sites
• Compare screening outcomes across TJUH clinical sites

Background

- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is mandating Health Related Social Needs (HRSNs) screening for all admitted patients

- First-year Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) students screen patients at four different Jefferson clinical sites alongside Community Health Workers (CHWs) as part of their ‘Clinical Experience’ curriculum

- SKMC screens 7 domains

• Food*
• Housing*
• Utilities*
• Transportation*
• Medication expenses
• Primary care
• Insurance
  
  *Screened by CMS, as well as interpersonal safety

- The data is gathered from:

• inpatient floors …

Effect Of Education Level On Adequacy Of Bowel Preparation Prior To Colonoscopy, Anna Chen, Md, Michael Dimarino, Md, Akash Patel, Do, Katherine Duffey, Md, Gregory Habig, Md, Aaron Martin, Md, Cuckoo Choudhary, Md, Stephanie Moleski, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

• Adequate bowel preparation is crucial for obtaining a high-quality colonoscopy.
• Inadequate preparation leads to impaired visualization, which can lower adenoma detection rate, increase the risk of complications and potentially necessitate repeating the procedure.¹
• Patients with higher health literacy and a higher level of education have been associated with better bowel preparation quality.^2,3,4,5

Increasing Hpv Vaccination Rates In Residents' Primary Care Clinics, Normonique Dyer, Do, Amman Bhasin, Md, Abdul Ekiyoyo, Md, Umma Fatema, Md, Ilana Goldberg, Md, Chukwuemezie Mamanu, Md, Tamar Wolinsky, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

• The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was approved in 2014 for the prevention of anogenital, cervical, and oropharyngeal cancers in female and male adolescents up to 26 years of age^1,2
• Data compiled from multiple clinical trials performed between 2006 and 2018 sought to evaluate benefit from extending the vaccination age given the implications on improving quality of life, morbidity/mortality, and reducing overall healthcare costs for preventable diseases³
• Results showed that increasing the vaccination age up to 45 in both males and females could offer additional protections against high-risk oncogenic strains of the HPV virus3
• Current recommendations from the …

Procedural Realignment To Ensure Superb Hypertension Regulation: The Presher Study, Eleni Florakis, Md, Emily Khantses, Md, Bret Mccarty, Md, Jeffrey White, Md, Jason Ojeda, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Problem Definition

Hypertension (HTN), defined by the American Heart Association as systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over 80 mm Hg, remains a major health concern worldwideas it leads tocongestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and stroke. Blood pressure control is an important task for the primary care physician (PCP). However, adequate management remains suboptimal as nearly half of US adults have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

After reviewing selected patients in our primary care office and discussing with our stakeholders, we found that more than two-thirds (69%) of uncontrolled hypertensive patients from a …

The Curious Case Of Kounis Syndrome: Exploring Clinical Manifestations And Management In The Presence Of Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries, Darren Drittel, Dylan Deyar, Eric Boxer, Hussam Al Hennawi, Margaret Mack

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Kounis syndrome, an allergic hypersensitivity coronary disorder, is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition triggered by various allergens, including medications. We present the case of a 41-year-old male with no prior cardiac history, who developed Kounis syndrome following vancomycin administration for suspected cellulitis. The patient initially presented with rash, fever, and malaise, which progressed to chest discomfort associated with diaphoresis and elevated troponin levels. Diagnostic evaluations, including electrocardiographic changes and coronary angiography, confirmed a diagnosis of type I Kounis syndrome. This case adds to the limited literature on vancomycin-induced Kounis syndrome, and underscores the importance of considering this diagnosis in …

Multilevel Community Engagement To Inform A Randomized Clinical Trial, Kirby L. Wycoff, Jabina G. Coleman, Christine M. Santoro, Leah L. Zullig, Niesha Darden, Porsche M. Holland, Jane F. Cruice, Shukriyyah Mitchell, Michelle Smith, Saleemah J. Mcneil, Sharon J. Herring

Counseling and Behavioral Health Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: To explore how patients, community-based perinatal support professionals, and health system clinicians and staff perceived facilitators and barriers to implementation of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) designed to optimize Black maternal heart health.

METHODS: This article describes the formative work that we believed needed to occur before the start of the Change of H.E.A.R.T (Here for Equity, Advocacy, Reflection and Transformation) RCT. We used a qualitative, descriptive design and community-based, participatory approach, the latter of which allowed our team to intentionally focus on avoiding harm and equalizing power dynamics throughout the research process. Data were collected between November 2021 …

Hawks And Doves: Perceptions And Reality Of Faculty Evaluations, Jillian Zavodnick, Jonathan Doroshow, Sarah Rosenberg, Joshua Banks, Benjamin E. Leiby, Nina Mingioni

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Internal medicine clerkship grades are important for residency selection, but inconsistencies between evaluator ratings threaten their ability to accurately represent student performance and perceived fairness. Clerkship grading committees are recommended as best practice, but the mechanisms by which they promote accuracy and fairness are not certain. The ability of a committee to reliably assess and account for grading stringency of individual evaluators has not been previously studied.

METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of evaluations completed by faculty considered to be stringent, lenient, or neutral graders by members of a grading committee of a single medical college. Faculty evaluations …

A Manual For Ultrasound Guided Intravenous Access: Allay Your Fears, Alleviate With Humor, Approach With Confidence, Michael Dong, Md

The Medicine Forum

“Hey, can you help get IV access on a patient? The nurses have tried many times already.”

If this message fills your heart with trepidation, it may be because you do not have a systematic approach to ultrasound guided intravenous catheter (IV) placement or any prior training in this procedure. At our institution, after failed nursing attempts, the responsibility for obtaining IV access may fall on the physician. Early in the year, this physician may be an intern who has limited experience with IV access, let alone ultrasound guided IV placement. They may have previously undergone a brief training course …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Evaluation Of Pneumonia, Michael Dong, Md, Frances Mae West, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presenting with fever, hypoxia, productive cough, and leukocytosis can be diagnosed with pneumonia without any imaging findings. However, we often rely on X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging to support the clinical diagnosis. Ultrasound is an effective imaging modality for identifying pneumonia without delay and radiation risks.^1,2 A meta-analysis by Ye et al. in 2015 found that ultrasound diagnosis of pneumonia had a pooled sensitivity of 0.95 and a pooled specificity of 0.9, which is superior to X-ray imaging which had a pooled sensitivity of 0.77 and a similar pooled specificity of 0.9.³ This study used …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Lung And Ivc Examination Of A Volume Overloaded Patient, Michael Dong, Md, Frances Mae West, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presents with dyspnea, hypoxia, and lower extremity edema. Their history is notable for recent high salt intake and non-compliance with diuretics, and their lungs have rales bilaterally. Clinically, we can diagnose a heart failure exacerbation with pulmonary edema. However, we often rely on X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging to support the clinical diagnosis and explore the etiology of the hypoxia and dyspnea to narrow the differential. Ultrasound is an effective modality for identifying pulmonary edema and pleural effusions while at the same time ruling out other etiologies such as pneumonia and pneumothorax. With bedside point of care …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Examination Of A Pericardial Effusion, Michael Dong, Md, Frances Mae West, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presents with pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and a recent viral illness. They have no prior cardiac or pulmonary history. Their X-ray on admission demonstrates no pulmonary findings and an enlarged cardiac silhouette, and their EKG is low voltage with electrical alternans. Ultrasound is an effective modality for identifying pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade while at the same time evaluating for other causes, such as heart failure. Often patients with symptomatic pericardial ef fusion present with non-specific symptoms. While a “formal” transthoracic echocardiogram remains the gold standard for diagnosis, a bedside point of care ultrasound (POCUS) cardiac evaluation can …

A Guide To Point Of Care Ultrasound Examination Of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure, Michael Dong, Md, Rebecca Davis, Md, Jonathan Foster, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md, Frances Mae West, Md

The Medicine Forum

A patient presents with dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, and lower extremity edema. They have a prior history of coronary artery disease and reported episodes of chest pain three months ago. They did not seek medical evaluation at the time and have had no chest pain recently. In this setting, there is a high clinical suspicion of heart failure with concern for ischemic heart disease. The gold standard for diagnosis of heart failure is a formal transthoracic echocardiogram. Bedside point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a tool that can provide essential information without delay in diagnosis.

A Case Of Suspected Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Louis Kishfy, Md, Justin Bilello, Md, Monjur Ahmed, Md, Elizaveta Flerova, Md

The Medicine Forum

Amphetamines are a well-established cause of liver injury though the typical presentation is that of illicit drug abuse rather than liver injury occurring in a prescribed setting.¹ Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant medications used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The authors were only able to find a single case of lisdexamfetamine-related drug-induced liver injury (DILI) occurring in the pediatric population in their review of the literature. Here we present a case of suspected lisdexamfetamine DILI in an adult patient.

Helpful Or Harmful? A Case Report Of Nutritional Supplements Causing Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Amman Bhasin, Md, Phoebe Chun, Md, Justin Bilello, Md, Manju Ambelil, Md, Dina L. Halegoua-Demarzio, Md

The Medicine Forum

Herbal supplement-induced liver injury represents a growing concern in the body of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) literature, with recent studies in mainland China, Iceland, and the United States reporting estimated rates of herb/dietary supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) between 1.16-6.38 per 100,000 (Björnsson et al., 2013; Shen et al., 2019; Vega et al., 2017). Notably, a recent 2020 study demonstrated an increasing prevalence of hepatotoxicity secondary to herbal and dietary supplements in the US and worldwide (Zheng et al., 2020). Recognizing the hepatotoxicity of various supplements is crucial, given the increasing usage of dietary and herbal supplements and the lack of …

End-Stage Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Resulting In Intestinal Pneumatosis, Justin Bilello, Md, Amman Bhasin, Md, Phoebe Chun, Md, Aaron Martin, Md

The Medicine Forum

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare gastrointestinal motility disorder that presents with symptoms, physical exam, and imaging findings of mechanical bowel obstruction without an anatomical obstruction. Multiple etiologies, including enteric or extrinsic neuropathic dysfunction, myopathic dysfunction, or dysfunction of the interstitial cells of Cajal, cause CIPO’s pathogenesis. The presentation of CIPO may be idiopathic or caused by underlying diseases. The most common presentation is abdominal pain, bloating, and distension. Here, we present a patient with an end-stage case of CIPO who failed medical therapy. Her distension progressed over a decade, requiring emergency surgery due to intestinal pneumatosis.

A Case Presentation Of Pericarditis Associated With Haemophilus Influenzae Bacteremia, Risa Goldberg, Md, Harrison Bell, Md

The Medicine Forum

Acute pericarditis, or inflammation of the pericardial sac, is a clinical condition which can often be attributed to a variety of underlying etiologies, including infection, autoimmune disease, trauma, and malignancy. While viral infections are commonly implicated in the etiology of pericarditis, bacteria known to be associated with pericarditis include staphylococcus species, streptococcal species, tuberculosis, and in children, Haemophilus influenzae.¹ Here we present a rare case of pericarditis in an adult male patient which occurred in association with Haemophilus influenzae bacteremia.

A Case Of Bartonella Endocarditis And Torrential Aortic Regurgitation Leading To Cardiac Arrest, Brandon Pecchia, Md, Ms, Sawyer Kieffer, Md

The Medicine Forum

Infective endocarditis can be difficult to diagnose, especially when blood culture-negative. We describe a case of a patient who presented with signs and symptoms of new, acute decompensated heart failure who was found to have culture-negative endocarditis, a large, mobile aortic valve mass, and torrential aortic regurgitation. Although the patient remained clinically stable during early admission and was planned for surgical correction of the valvular pathology, he suffered abrupt clinical decompensation which resulted in cardiac arrest. Postmortem serologies were found to be positive for Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana.

An Educational Case For Applying The Alveolar- Arterial Gradient In Hypoxemia: An Underutilized And Underappreciated Clinical Tool, Chioma Nwonu, Do, Michael Dong, Md, Daniel Kramer, Md

The Medicine Forum

The Alveolar-arterial gradient, commonly known as the A-a gradient, measures the difference in the oxygen concentration in the alveoli and the arteries across the capillary membrane in the lung. In an ideal system, the A-a gradient would be zero because there would be perfect equilibrium as oxygen diffuses and equalizes across the alveolar and arterial sides of the capillary membrane. However, there is a physiologic A-a gradient because of the differences in perfusion and ventilation in the apical and basilar regions of the lungs. Because this relationship exists, the changes in the A-a gradient have clinical utility in guiding the …

Achenbach Syndrome: A Classic Presentation Of A Not-So-Common Condition, Brandon Pecchia, Md, Ms

The Medicine Forum

Also called “acute idiopathic blue finger” or “paroxysmal finger hematoma,” Achenbach syndrome is a benign collection of findings that is often mistaken for more serious conditions. Characteristically presenting with discrete unexplained bruising or discoloration of the volar aspect of one or two fingers, it is a diagnosis that physicians should include on their differential given its innocuous course and excellent outcomes, without need for invasive testing or intervention. The purpose of this case report therefore is to increase awareness of this rare condition, especially among emergency department physicians and internists, in order to minimize the incidence of unnecessary testing, procedures, …

From The Chief Residents, Tina Boortalary, Md, Justin Robbins, Md, Svenja Schneider, Md

The Medicine Forum

As your Chief Residents, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on your incredible scholarly achievements over the past year. We have been impressed by the quality and diversity of your scholarly work. From interdisciplinary clinical research projects that have been submitted to journals across numerous subspecialties, to contributions to the Health Equity and Quality Improvement Summit, you have all demonstrated a passion for excellence and a commitment to advancing the field of medicine. We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you and to have …

From The Editors, Harrison Bell, Md, Akash Patel, Do, Benjamin Tasevac, Md

The Medicine Forum

We are honored to present the 24th Annual edition of The Medicine Forum to the Jefferson community. Over the years, it has been remarkable to see the quality and diversity of projects submitted to this forum, and this year is no exception. The Medicine Forum aims to celebrate the scholarly activity among physicians in training at our institution. We hope that this year's edition will continue to honor this long standing tradition. Despite the uncertainties and stressors that are inherent to working in a hospital, our authors have found the time to produce scholarly work that will diversify and further …

From The Desk Of The Residency Program Director, Christopher Henry, Md, Facp

The Medicine Forum

It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you for the first time as Program Director, as I also introduce to you our latest edition of The Medicine Forum. Having done my residency training at Jefferson, I am so proud that the tradition of this journal has continued throughout the years despite new residents, new leadership, and new challenges both locally and globally. Our residents’ commitment to not only patient care, but also to scholarship and inquiry remains outstanding and impactful.

Tradition, coming from the Latin word “tradere”, means to transmit, to hand over, or to give for safekeeping; …

Table Of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 24, 2022-2023

The Medicine Forum

Table of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 24, 2022-2023