Internal Medicine Commons^™

From The Editors, Shuji Mitsuhashi, Md, Abdul W. Kazi, Md, Matthew Dimeglio, Do, Mba

The Medicine Forum

It is our honor to present the 23rd Annual edition of The Medicine Forum to the Jefferson community. With all the uncertainties and stressors that exist both inside and outside of the hospital walls, it is truly remarkable to see the quality of contributions by our authors. From the multitude of case reports to the collection of artworks, our residents have generated an array of unique and interesting work. We hope that this edition will continue to honor the tradition of The Medicine Forum, which is the celebration of scholarly activity among physicians in training at our institution.

Editorial …

From The Desk Of The Residency Program Director, Emily Stewart, Md, Facp

The Medicine Forum

Our program continues to train the best and brightest residents in the country. As we complete another challenging academic year marred by the ongoing fight against gun violence in Philadelphia and across the United States, the opioid pandemic and the ever present threat of another COVID-19 surge our residents have continued to rise to every challenge and thrive as physicians. During the three years we are fortunate to have them at our program, it is my distinct pleasure to watch them grow into confident, dedicated, compassionate clinicians. The residents are not just outstanding clinicians but excel in all aspects of …

Table Of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 23, 2021-2022

The Medicine Forum

Table of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 23, 2021-2022

Interobserver Variability Among Expert Readers Quantifying Plaque Volume And Plaque Characteristics On Coronary Ct Angiography: A Clarify Trial Sub-Study, Rebecca Jonas, Shaneke Weerakoon, Rebecca Fisher, William F Griffin, Vishak Kumar, Habib Rahban, Hugo Marques, Ronald P Karlsberg, Robert S Jennings, Tami R Crabtree, Andrew D Choi, James P Earls

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Background: The difference between expert level (L3) reader and artificial intelligence (AI) performance for quantifying coronary plaque and plaque components is unknown.

Objective: This study evaluates the interobserver variability among expert readers for quantifying the volume of coronary plaque and plaque components on coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) using an artificial intelligence enabled quantitative CCTA analysis software as a reference (AI-QCT).

Methods: This study uses CCTA imaging obtained from 232 patients enrolled in the CLARIFY (CT EvaLuation by ARtificial Intelligence For Atherosclerosis, Stenosis and Vascular MorphologY) study. Readers quantified overall plaque volume and the % breakdown of noncalcified plaque (NCP) …

The Medicine Forum: Volume 23

The Medicine Forum

The Journal of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine, Volume 23, 2021-2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Case Reports

• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Hematology and Oncology
• Pulmonary Medicine

Resident Reflection

Echocardiographic Predictors Of Symptomatic Cardiotoxicity Among Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Muhammad Umer Siddiqui, Youssef Yaacoub, Heidi-Anne Hanson, Joey Junarta, Ahmed K Pasha, Mahek Shah

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with cardiotoxicity; thus, they require close monitoring. Several echocardiographic variables have been investigated as early predictors of symptomatic cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify if global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a better predictor of symptomatic cardiotoxicity compared to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception through December 2020. Adults who developed symptomatic cardiotoxicity (New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class III-IV heart failure, cardiac arrest, or cardiac death) after undergoing chemotherapy with pre- and postchemotherapy echocardiographic measures …

The Overestimation Of Concentric Hypertrophy In Patients With Hfpef As Determined By 2d-Echocardiography, Mohammad F. Mathbout, Hussam Al Hennawi, Anwar Khedr, Gaurang N. Vaidya, Marcus Stoddard

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction continues to pose multiple challenges in terms of accurate diagnosis, treatment, and associated morbidity. Accurate left ventricular (LV) mass calculation yields essential prognostic information relating to structural heart disease. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography-based calculations are solely limited to LV geometric assumptions of symmetry, whereas three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography could overcome these limitations. This study aims to compare the performance of 2D and 3D LV mass calculations. Methods: A prospective review of echocardiography findings at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, was conducted and assessed. Normal ejection fraction (EF) was defined as >=52% in males and >=54% …

Feasible Stenting Of A Large Septal Perforator Providing A Sizeable Coronary Collaterals, Hussam Al Hennawi, Mohammad F. Mathbout,, Abdulrahman Taftafa, Christopher D. Nielsen

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

While coronary artery disease involving the septal perforator branches presents similar to diseases of major coronary arteries, management can present a challenge. Owing to their relatively small size, performing interventional procedures is often impractical in terms of selecting appropriate devices. Although larger septal perforator branches have been managed percutaneously, similar to major vessels, long-term sequelae and clinical effectiveness have been indeterminate. We present our experience in managing a patient with a stenosed septal perforator branch and challenging comorbidities.

Smartphone Apps For Diabetes Medication Adherence: Systematic Review, Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam, Vinaytosh Mishra, Muhammad U Siddiqui, Jeban Chandir Moses, Sasan Adibi, Lemai Nguyen, Nilmini Wickramasinghe

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Background: Diabetes is one of the leading noncommunicable chronic diseases globally. In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels need to be monitored regularly and managed adequately through healthy lifestyles and medications. However, various factors contribute to poor medication adherence. Smartphone apps can improve medication adherence in people with diabetes, but it is not clear which app features are most beneficial.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate high-quality apps for diabetes medication adherence, which are freely available to the public in Android and Apple app stores and present the technical features of the apps.

Methods: We systematically searched …

Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement For Aortic Stenosis Among Patients With Malignancy: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Muhammad U Siddiqui, Omar Yacob, Joey Junarta, Ahmed K Pasha, Farouk Mookadam, Mamas A Mamas, D L Fischman

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Background: With advancements in cancer treatment, the life expectancy of oncology patients has improved. Thus, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be considered as a feasible option for oncology patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). We aim to evaluate the difference in short- and long-term all-cause mortality in cancer and non-cancer patients treated with TAVR for severe AS.

Methods: Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies. Patients with cancer who underwent treatment with TAVR for severe AS were included and compared to an identical population without cancer. The primary endpoints were short- …

Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Thrombus In A Patient With Covid-19-A Ticking Time Bomb: A Case Report., Hamza Zahid Ullah Muhammadzai, Nathaniel Rosal, Muhammad Arslan Cheema, Donald Haas

COVID-19 Papers, Posters, and Presentations

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which results in many different complications including left ventricular (LV) thrombi.

Case summary: We present a 30-year-old female presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath. Patient had an extensive history including heart failure with an ejection fraction 15-20% and COVID-19 2 months ago. Echocardiogram revealed a 3.3 cm ×  1.7 cm LV thrombus which was not present 4 months ago before her diagnosis of COVID-19. The LV thrombus embolized resulting in an embolus extending from the distal infrarenal abdominal aorta to the common iliac …

Hyperdynamic Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Is Associated With Higher Mortality In Covid-19 Patients, Annas Rahman, Max Ruge, Md, Alex Hlepas, Batha Nair, Joanne Gomez, Jeanne Du Fey De Lavallaz, Setri Fugar, Nusrat Jahan, Annabelle Santos Volgman, Kim A. Williams, Anupama Rao, Karolina Marinescu, Tisha Suboc

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Study objective: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with a hyperdynamic LVEF (HDLVEF) to those with a normal or reduced LVEF.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Rush University Medical Center.

Participants: Of the 1682 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 419 had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) during admission and met study inclusion criteria. Interventions: Participants were divided into reduced (LVEF < 50%), normal (≥50% and <70%), and hyper- dynamic (≥70%) LVEF groups.

Main outcome measures: LVEF was assessed as a predictor of 60-day mortality. Logistic regression was used to adjust for age and BMI.

Results: There was no difference in 60-day mortality between patients in the reduced LVEF and normal LVEF …

Safety And Efficacy Of Colchicine In Covid-19 Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Control Trials, Farah Yasmin, Hala Najeeb, Abdul Moeed, Wardah Hassan, Mahima Khatri, Muhammad Sohaib Asghar, Ahmed Kunwer Naveed, Waqas Ullah, Salim Surani

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Background: Colchicine has been used an effective anti-inflammatory drug to treat gout diseases. Owing to its pharmacodynamic of inhibiting interleukins, it has been repurposed to target the cytokine storm post-SARS-CoV-2 invasion. The goal of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the safety profile of colchicine in COVID-19 patients using the gold-standard randomised-control trials.

Methods: Electronic databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) were systematically searched until June 2021 and RCTs were extracted. Outcomes of interest included all-cause mortality, COVID-19 severity, mechanical ventilation, C-reactive protein and D-dimer levels. Using a random-effects model, dichotomous outcomes were pooled using odds ratios (OR) through the generic …

The Effect Of Scan And Patient Parameters On The Diagnostic Performance Of Ai For Detecting Coronary Stenosis On Coronary Ct Angiography, Rebecca Jonas, Emil Barkovich, Andrew D Choi, William F Griffin, Joanna Riess, Hugo Marques, Hyuk-Jae Chang, Jung Hyun Choi, Joon-Hyung Doh, Ae-Young Her, Bon-Kwon Koo, Chang-Wook Nam, Hyung-Bok Park, Sang-Hoon Shin, Jason Cole, Alessia Gimelli, Muhammad Akram Khan, Bin Lu, Yang Gao, Faisal Nabi, Ryo Nakazato, U Joseph Schoepf, Roel S Driessen, Michiel J Bom, Randall C Thompson, James J Jang, Michael Ridner, Chris Rowan, Erick Avelar, Philippe Généreux, Paul Knaapen, Guus A De Waard, Gianluca Pontone, Daniele Andreini, Marco Guglielmo, Mouaz H Al-Mallah, Robert S Jennings, Tami R Crabtree, James P Earls

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Objectives: To determine whether coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scanning, scan preparation, contrast, and patient based parameters influence the diagnostic performance of an artificial intelligence (AI) based analysis software for identifying coronary lesions with ≥50% stenosis.

Background: CCTA is a noninvasive imaging modality that provides diagnostic and prognostic benefit to patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The use of AI enabled quantitative CCTA (AI-QCT) analysis software enhances our diagnostic and prognostic ability, however, it is currently unclear whether software performance is influenced by CCTA scanning parameters.

Methods: CCTA and quantitative coronary CT (QCT) data from 303 stable patients (64 ± …

A Comprehensive Review On The Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome And Cardiovascular Disease After Liver Transplantation, Kashyap Chauhan, Adnan Khan, Salil Chowdhury, Heather Ross, Natali Salinas, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Survival rates after liver transplantation have increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Cardiovascular disease is the most common extra-hepatic cause of mortality in the long-term post liver transplant. This is intimately linked with both the higher pre-existing rates of metabolic syndrome in these patients as well as increased propensity to develop de novo metabolic syndrome post-transplant. This unfavorable metabolic profile that contributes to cardiovascular disease is multifactorial and largely preventable. This review explores metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease and their contributory factors post liver transplantation to highlight areas for potential intervention and thus reduce the significant morbidity and mortality …

Prognostic Value Of H2fpef Score In Covid-19, Priya Patel, Max Ruge, Joanne Michelle D. Gomez, Jeanne Du Fay De Lavallaz, Anupama Rao, Kim A. Williams, Annabelle Santos Volgman, Maria Rosa R. Costanzo, Tisha Suboc, Karolina Marinescu

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Study objective: This study sought to assess the predictive value of H2FPEF score in patients with COVID-19.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Rush University Medical Center.

Participants: A total of 1682 patients had an echocardiogram in the year preceding their COVID-19 admission with a preserved ejection fraction (≥50%). A total of 156 patients met inclusion criteria. Interventions: Patients were divided into H2FPEF into low (0–2), intermediate (3–5), and high (6–9) score H2FPEF groups and outcomes were compared.

Main outcome measures: Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association between H2FPEF score group and a composite outcome for severe COVID-19 infection consisting …

Predictors Of Anticoagulation Adherence In Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Karim Merchan, Parth V. Desai, Stephen Morris, Sovik De Sirkar, Dalila Masic, Parth Shah, Nicolas Krepostman, Matthew Collins, Kevin Walsh, Nathalie Antonios, Lucas Chan, Sorcha Allen, Ahmad Manshad, Shannon Kuhrau, Alexandru Marginea, Ahmed Elkaryoni, Jawed Fareed, Yevgeniy Brailovsky, Amir Darki

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

Background: Anticoagulation (AC) adherence after acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is vital to prevent mortality and future recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We aimed to analyze factors affecting AC adherence after acute PE. Methods: Consecutive adult patients with CT angiography or V/Q scan confirmed acute PE were included in a single-center retrospective study from April 2016 to May 2020. Adherence data, including AC refill dates, were collected from pharmacies, and adherence measures including Continuous Measure of Medication Acquisition (CMA), Proportion of Days Covered (PDC), and Optimal Medication Adherence (OMA) were calculated per standardized formulas. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression …

Transitions Of Care: Completeness Of The Interoperability Data Standard For Communication From Home Health Care To Primary Care., Edgar Chou, Paulina S Sockolow

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Data sharing is necessary to address communication deficits along the transitions of care among community settings. Evidence-based practice supports home healthcare (HHC) patients to see their primary care team within the first two weeks of hospital discharge to reduce rehospitalization risk. A small subset of patient data collected at HHC admission is mandated to be transmitted to primary care, predominantly by fax. Using qualitative analysis, we assessed completeness of the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) interoperability standard, as compared to the patient data collected by the primary care team (topics) and HHC (classes) during the initial visit; and …

Acute Left Atrial Compression After Ventricular Assist Device Placement, Max Rug Ruge, Tal Zivan, Ron Leong, Eric Feduska, Mahek Shah, J. Eduardo Rame, Howard Massey, René J Alvarez, Yevgeniy Brailvosky, Indranee Rajapreyar

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Highlights:

• Pump thrombosis commonly presents with hemolysis and device parameter fluctuations.
• Left atrial compression presents similarly to pump thrombosis but with no device fluctuations.
• Reference standard imaging test for ventricular device thrombus is contrast-enhanced CT.

Successful Treatment With Daptomycin Of Mrsa Empyema Complicated By Right-Sided Loculated Pleural Effusion Refractory To Vancomycin, Ava Torjani, Dylan Selbst, Joshua Hamsher, Sahaj Mujumdar, Andie Belkoff, Luis Taboada

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Empyema is a serious complication of pneumonia and has been reported to have a mortality rate of 8.7%. For methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) empyema, treatment includes drainage and specific antibiotics such as vancomycin and linezolid. Strikingly, there are increasing incidences of empyema refractory to vancomycin and linezolid. Despite being inactivated in the lung parenchyma by pulmonary surfactant, daptomycin can penetrate the pleural space and may be better at treating MRSA empyema than vancomycin and linezolid. Some case reports have shown that daptomycin has been used to successfully treat MRSA empyema refractory to linezolid and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) empyema. Here, we …

Clinical Factors Implicated In Antibiotic Resistance In Helicobacter Pylori Patients, Brian White, Maria Winte, Joshua Desipio, Sangita Phadtare

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

Helicobacter pylori is a common gastric pathogen associated with multiple clinical syndromes, including cancer. Eradication rates of H. pylori remain suboptimal despite the progress made in the past few decades in improving treatment strategies. The low eradication rates are mainly driven by antibiotic resistance of H. pylori. Non-invasive molecular testing to identify patients with antibiotic-resistant H. py-lori represents a promising therapeutic avenue, however this technology currently remains limited by availability, costs, and lack of robust validation. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that resistance-testing-based treatment approaches are superior to appropriately designed empiric strat-egies. Consensus guidelines recommend use of proven …

A Rare Case Of Acute Hepatitis C Causing Coagulopathy And Severe Transaminitis, Timothy Kuchera, Md, Muyi Li, Md, Corey O'Brien, Md

Department of Medicine Posters

• Although Hepatitis C (HCV) is extremely common, diagnosis of acute HCV is as rare as it is typically asymptomatic.
• The following is an uncommon presentation of symptomatic acute HCV resulting in sepsis, transaminitis, jaundice, and coagulopathy.

Hyperckemia : Psychosis-Induced Non-Traumatic Rhabdomyolysis, Mackenzie Kramer, Joann Butkus, Vincent Chan, Nathaniel Rosal, Stephanie Tzarnas, Eunha Kim

Abington Jefferson Health Posters

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome that results from skeletal muscle breakdown and the release of intracellular enzymes into systemic circulation. We present a case of transaminitis and serum Creatinine Kinase (CK) levels exceeding 590,000 U/L without myoglobinuria or subsequent Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) after an acute psychotic episode. Case reports regarding such extreme serum CK elevations without myoglobinuria or ensuing renal failure in a non-traumatic case of rhabdomyolysis are minimal.

Clinical Challenges In The Diagnosis And Treatment In Neurosarcoidosis And Neurosyphilis, Mackenzie Kramer, Melissa Margolis, Neelima Manda, Rehan Saeed, Stephanie Tzarnas, Nathaniel R. Rosal, Daniel Puga, Rebecca Fallis

Abington Jefferson Health Posters

Syphilis and sarcoidosis, both known as the "great mimickers," cause a wide range of symptoms making clinical differentiation between the two difficult.

We present a case in which both neurosarcoidosis and neurosyphilis were considered in the differential diagnosis, posing a unique challenge in decision making.

Hypercalcaemia Caused By Sunflower Seeds And Calcium Carbonate Supplements, Iqra Patoli, Mehrunissa Kazim, Saad Bin Jamil, Syed Hassan Abbas

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Hypercalcaemia is commonly associated with malignancy or endocrinological disorders. However, sometimes it can occur due to increased oral intake of calcium. We present an interesting case of hypercalcaemia due to ingestion of sunflower seeds and calcium carbonate supplements.

CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 53-year-old man with history of T-cell lymphoma and gastroesophageal reflux disease who was brought to the emergency room due to altered mental status, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. His calcium level was 3.30 mmol/l (normal value 2.23-2.58 mmol/l). Imaging studies were unremarkable. The patient was hydrated with normal saline and calcium levels improved. …

A Letter To M, Shifa Gandhi, Md

The Medicine Forum

A Letter to M

An Encounter With “The Difficult Patient”, Rabia Iqbal, Md

The Medicine Forum

On morning pre-rounds during my Methodist rotation, I was rushing to see all the patients in anticipation of the bolus of admissions that would be coming in soon. I spotted the gray and yellow cart near my patient’s door and opened the cart door while simultaneously trying to fit my handoff into a scrub pocket. I was about to knock on the door with my gown and gloves on, but my flimsy gown was falling so I ended up opening the door with my leg as I was retying it around my neck. The nurse down the hall briefly looked …

Evaluation Of Asthma Control In Patients With And Without Sinonasal Polyps Following Treatment With Biologic Agents, Prachi Patel, Chandala Chitguppi, Md, Alan Gandler, Md, Kira Murphy, Md, Tawfiq Khoury, Md, Stephanie Bork, Crnp, Pamela Monostra, Pa, Elina Toskala, Md, Phd, Mindy Rabinowitz, Md, Marc Rosen, Md, Gurston Nyquist, Md, Jessica Most, Md

The Medicine Forum

Background: The effects of biologics on severe asthmatics with chronic rhinosinusitis with sinonasal polyposis (CRSwNP) have not been well established. This study evaluates overall control of asthma in patients with and without sinonasal polyps following initiation of biologics therapy.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients with asthma treated with a biologic agent (benralizumab, omalizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab) and CRSwNP. Charts were assessed for ACT scores at time of biologic enrollment and at 4-7 months.

Results:82 patients met inclusion criteria; 42 (52.5%) patients with asthma and 40 (47.5%) with concurrent sinonasal polyps. The average ACT score for the non-polyp cohort was 13.16 …

Increasing Patient Confidence In Managing Asthma Using Asthma Action Plans, Pankhuri Jha, Jessica F. Most, Md

The Medicine Forum

Asthma is a common illness affecting 8% of the US population and costing $81.9 billion per year.^1,2 Due to its chronic and variable nature, asthmatics need frequent medication adjustments, making management challenging for both physicians and patients. Studies show that patients can control their asthma using an asthma action plan (AAP), which includes directions for daily self-assessment, baseline medications and steps to facilitate detection and treatment of an exacerbation. Self-management education using AAPs is associated with a reduction in hospital admissions and ED visits by 40% and 20%, respectively.³ Despite evidence that AAPs are efficacious, the underlying reason …

Stemi In A Young Patient With Covid-19; Too Great A Burden?, Naman Upadhyay, Md, Gillian Naro, Md, Med, Gregary Marhefka, Md

The Medicine Forum

Myocardial infarcts (MIs) can be especially devastating when their pathogenesis stems from a coronary artery occlusion by an intracoronary thrombus (ICT). ICTs are most frequently a result of an underlying atherosclerotic plaque rupture, however, can also be a result of emboli, vasospasm, hypercoagulable states, among other etiologies. Patients suffering from the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appear to be in both a hypercoagulable and proinflammatory state resulting in an increased risk of clot formation, endothelial damage, and plaque destabilization, thus increasing the ICT burden in infected patients.1 The literature does reflect an increase in ICT ST-segment elevation …