Internal Medicine Commons^™

A Severe Case Of Hypertriglyceridemia In Alcoholic Hepatitis, Jillian Cooper

The Medicine Forum

A 53-year-old man with a past medical history of hypertension and alcohol abuse with prior episodes of alcoholic hepatitis presented to the hospital with generalized weakness. He was in his usual state of health until 4 days prior to admission when he began to develop generalized weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Notably, he had had multiple prior admissions with similar symptoms attributed to hyponatremia. He endorsed drinking a few beers daily but denied any other drug use. Review of systems was otherwise negative.

New-Onset Rheumatologic Disease In An Elderly Patient Initially Presenting As Worsening Sequelae Of Longstanding Peripheral Vascular Disease, Peri Levey, Lauren Lally, Md, Xuejun Alice Wang, Md, Vivek Batra, Md

The Medicine Forum

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is believed to activate and attack nuclear antigens in genetically susceptible individuals after exposure to environmental factors causing cell damage.^1,2 Although it is most common in females of child-bearing age, initial presentation is not strictly limited to this population, as onset over the age of 50 years is reported in 3-18% of cases.² The common manifestations of SLE affect nearly every system of the body and may include arthralgia, myalgia, fever, rash, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, pleuritis, glomerulonephritis, pericarditis and neuropsychiatric manifestations.^1-3 Common laboratory findings in SLE with varying degrees …

Carbamazepine Induced Bullous Pemphigoid In A 49 Year Old Male, Brendan Gleason, Lisa Matonti, Pharmd, Bcps, Xuejun Alice Wang, Md, Bahar Dasgeb, Md

The Medicine Forum

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering condition mediated by autoantibodies1. It is categorized as an uncommon disorder2-4, with an estimated incidence of 2.4-21.7 cases per million2-6 but carries significant morbidity and mortality, warranting clinical awareness and investigation7,8. A number of medications have been implicated in the development of bullous pemphigoid including loop diuretics, ace inhibitors, and anti-epileptic drugs.

This is a case report of carbamazepine-induced bullous pemphigoid in a 49-year-old male after taking the medication for almost 30 years. Diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid was based on biopsy histology and immunofluorescence, as well as the presence of BP 180 antibody. Clinical …

A Case Of Native Hip Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Septic Arthritis Caused By Vesico-Acetabular Fistula, Tudor Sturzoiu, Md

The Medicine Forum

A 61-year-old man with a past medical history significant for metastatic rectal cancer treated with local resection, chemotherapy, and radiation complicated by vesicocutaneous fistula presented with subacute ambulatory dysfunction secondary to right hip pain. Imaging studies were consistent with a right hip effusion, and fluoroscopyguided hip aspiration revealed septic arthritis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistance patterns identified this strain of Pseudomonas to be the same one that caused pyelonephritis that was treated during the same hospitalization. Although further diagnostic imaging was not pursued, the presentation was most consistent with vesico-acetabular fistula causing native hip septic arthritis. This is a very …

Severely Impaired Gastric Emptying In The Setting Of An Extensive Malignancy History: A Case Of Paraneoplastic Gastroparesis, Gregory Habig, Md, Justin Robbins, Md

The Medicine Forum

Gastroparesis is a disorder of the stomach involving a delay in the emptying of gastric contents that typically presents with nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and weight loss. Though commonly associated with diabetes or as a complication of surgical procedures, etiologies stemming from paraneoplastic processes are important to consider despite often being overlooked. The case presented here describes a patient with a significant malignancy history and evidence of severely impaired gastric emptying concerning for paraneoplastic gastroparesis and highlights the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of the condition.

Acute Mitral Regurgitation Presenting With Right Upper Lobe Opacification, John Wallis, Md, Mark Decaro, Md

The Medicine Forum

We describe a rare entity in which acute mitral regurgitation causes asymmetric findings on chest radiograph. The patient presented with rapid-onset respiratory failure from flash pulmonary edema. She had unilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph, which evoked infectious etiology. However, we identified a flail mitral valve leaflet, for which the patient received an emergent mitral valve replacement. Fortunately, she made a full recovery. We discuss the mechanism of the asymmetric chest radiograph findings, which we were able to confirm using a transesophageal echocardiogram.

Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis Due To Poorly Differentiated Carcinoma Of The Mediastinum, John Wallis, Md, Naman Upadhyay, Md, Fred Karaisz, Md, Mark Decaro, Md, René Alvarez, Md

The Medicine Forum

A 33-year-old male developed subacute effusiveconstrictive pericarditis with recurrent pleural effusions and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. He was found to have poorly differentiated carcinoma of the mediastinum that led to constrictive physiology not amenable to medical or surgical management, ultimately requiring hospice. This case was remarkable for its rare etiology and presentation.

“Covid Nails”, Gillian Naro, Md, Med, Gregory Kane, Md, Macp

The Medicine Forum

A 73-year-old female presented to an outpatient clinic for management of her COPD. Two months prior, she had experienced a febrile illness with a cough and subsequently tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, requiring hospitalization and intubation in an intensive care unit. Physical examination revealed transverse white lines extending across the nail plate about 5mm from the base of the nail on multiple nails. These findings were consistent with Beau Lines, a sign of acute systemic inflammation resulting in the sudden interruption of nail keratin synthesis. The location of the line relative to the growth of the nail can reflect …

From The Editors, Xuejun Alice Wang, Md, Nivethietha Maniam, Md, Hillary Landon, Md, Jillian Cooper, Md, Joseph Grogg, Md, Akanksha Arya, Md

The Medicine Forum

It is our honor to present the product of 22 years of resident-run tradition – the 2020-2021 annual edition of The Medicine Forum. In the world of Jefferson traditions, ours is a small one. There is no regalia, pomp and circumstance, or any such fanfare in this marking of the year’s close. Rather than the celebratory release of those other springtime occasions, this publication is a representation of the yearlong dedication and hard work of our residents and fellows in their academic pursuits.

We at The Medicine Forum know that producing scholarly work even during what would constitute a …

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

The Medicine Forum

The past year has been the most trying many of us have faced as physicians. Despite the challenges, I leave this academic year with hope and gratitude for the future of medicine. The exceptional altruism and dedication portrayed by our colleagues both within and outside the Department of Medicine made this year possible. I've been overwhelmed by the collegiality and dedication of all our colleagues, but specifically our residents. Despite the challenges, they have risen to every encounter with grace and poise working alongside faculty to support the Jefferson mission: We Improve Lives. In the midst of the chaos, our …

Table Of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 22, 2020-2021

The Medicine Forum

Table of Contents: The Medicine Forum Volume 22, 2020-2021

The Medicine Forum: Volume 22

The Medicine Forum

The Journal of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine, Volume 22, 2020-2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Clinical Images

Case Reports

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

Resident Reflection

Mycobacterium Avium Pulmonary Infection Disguised As A Urinary Tract Infection, Megan Rolfzen, Allison Ashford

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

In the United States, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) has been found to be the most common isolate in non-tuberculous disease, and pulmonary infection is the most frequent presentation. It is ubiquitous in the environment, particularly in soil and manufactured water supply sources. Worldwide, M. avium infections, both pulmonary and disseminated, are steadily increasing. Due to MAC’s ability to cause non-specific symptoms and its pervasiveness within the environment, it is paramount to incorporate this diagnosis in the differential, especially in those most susceptible. We report a case of a Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary infection in 72-year-old Caucasian male with history of …

Postoperative Outcomes Of Hip Fracture Surgery In Geriatric Patients On Clopidogrel Or Warfarin At The Time Of Surgery, Josh Locker, Elizabeth Lyden, Justin Siebler

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study is to evaluate if surgical intervention in the setting of an elevated INR or continued use of clopidogrel lead to elevated post-operative mortality and/or morbidity compared to INR reversal or surgical delay.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1,007 patients age > 55 undergoing hip fracture fixation at our institution over a 10 year span. We placed patients into four groups based upon their anticoagulation status at the time of surgery. Descriptive statistics were utilized to evaluate for differences in mortality rates, blood loss, time to surgery, and wound complications.

RESULTS: Comorbid conditions occurred at a higher …

Association Of Lung Cancer With Pneumonia And Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection, Johnny Zakhour Md, Daniel Muller, Alex Glynn, Jose Bordon

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: The degree of association and type of causal versus non-causal relationship between pneumonia and lung cancer (LC) are evolving discussions. We reviewed English publications on the degree of association between pneumonia and subsequent LC.

Methods: We searched the PubMed database using key words for pneumonia, LC, and chlamydia infection. We selected peer-reviewed studies of patients with pneumonia and LC. Case reports and other literature reviews were excluded from this review.

Results: Five studies examined the incidence and/or risk of LC for a total of 415,750 patients, and four studies examined cases with Chlamydia pneumoniae chronic infection at the time …

Synergistic Bleomycin Toxicity And Evali: A Lethal Combination, Daniel O'Connor, Nader Mina, Hira Iftikhar

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Both vaping and bleomycin-based chemotherapy regimens are known risk factors for acute lung injury. Few, if any, cases are documented in the literature of these insults co-occurring. Case description: A 20-year-old male was diagnosed with Stage III testicular cancer in Autumn of 2020. He began BEP (bleomycin-etoposide-platinum), of which he completed three cycles before developing pulmonary sequelae. Social history was notable for marijuana use and vaping, including during his active chemotherapy, to help with cancer-related nausea, anxiety, and anorexia. Winter 2021, he visited the ED for dizziness, fatigue, and diarrhea, felt to be consistent with chemotherapy side effects, but …

Engaging Patients With Late-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer In Shared Decision Making About Treatment, Ronald E. Myers, Shailesh M. Advani, Pamela Myers, Preethi Selvan, Gregory Garber, Brooke Worster, Neal Flomenberg, Andrew Chapman, Ralph Zinner

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Few treatment decision support interventions (DSIs) are available to engage patients diagnosed with late-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in treatment shared decision making (SDM). We designed a novel DSI that includes care plan cards and a companion patient preference clarification tool to assist in shared decision making. The cards answer common patient questions about treatment options (chemotherapy, chemotherapy plus immunotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, clinical trial participation, and supportive care). The form elicits patient treatment preference. We then conducted interviews with clinicians and patients to obtain feedback on the DSI. We also trained oncology nurse educators to implement the prototype. …

Diabetic Preventative Care In A Resident Clinic: A Quality Improvement Study, Karishma Chopra, Charity Owusu-Asare, Aimee Espinosa, Alexandra Halalau

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Studies have shown significant gaps in diabetic preventative care in resident clinics compared to private clinics of practicing physicians. In our medicine-pediatrics resident clinic at Beaumont Hospital, diabetic point of care resources are largely underutilized. We aim to improve the care of patients with diabetes by increasing resident awareness of point of care A1c and retina scan resources. Methods: A team of residents, attendings, and nurses was created. Baseline data looking at use of point of care resources, specifically the number of orders placed in electronic medical record for A1c and retina scan tests, was obtained. A root cause …

Type 1 Cryoglobulinemia Secondary To Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia, Antonio Faieta, Khatoon Tawhida

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a rare and aggressive form of plasma cell dyscrasia that comprises 1% of the plasma cell dyscrasias. Even more rare is its association with type 1 cryoglobulinemia which management can be challenging. A 63-year-old African American male with no past medical history presented with severe burning pain in his legs, necrotizing rash, constitutional symptoms and severe acute kidney injury (AKI). HIV, hepatitis B and C were negative. Serum electrophoresis revealed an M-spike of 5.67, IgG of 7000, free lambda of 152.10 with a K/L of 0 and cryoglobulin of 81%. CT revealed extensive lytic …

Massive Pulmonary Embolism After Pfizer Vaccine, Samiksha Pandey, Bipin Ghimire, Emma Herrmann, Dilip Khanal

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction Vaccines against COVID -19 have been reported to cause venous thromboembolism (VTE). To our knowledge, this is the first case to report the massive, near-fatal Pulmonary Embolism (PE) associated with BNT162b2 Covid-19 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine and discuss the associated risk factors for PE. Case 41-year-old, non-smoker, female on OCP, presented for syncope and seizure-like activity. Upon presentation, she was obtunded and tachypneic. Initial labs showed leukocytosis, mild anemia, and thrombocytopenia, respiratory and metabolic acidosis. She deteriorated quickly to cardiac arrest requiring Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and intubation. Tissue Plasminogen Activator administered for possible PE. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) pulmonary confirmed sagittal pulmonary …

Improving Telemetry Utilization In An Inpatient Hospital Setting, Kamil Sardarli, Lauren Reinhold, Ankit Arora, Sumesh Khanal, Pradeep Kaminoulu, Alexandra Halalau

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Telemetry is a cardiac monitor that continuously records heart activity and monitors abnormal rhythms. Most current clinical indications are limited to 48 hours maximum, but telemetry monitoring service (TMS) is commonly used for a greater duration. This leads to resource exploitation that may create limitations of the resource and also comes with economic burden. Limiting usage to appropriate indications and durations can reduce overall costs and improve profit margin for the hospital and also cut down on unnecessary burden for patients. Through our study, we aim to decrease TMS overuse. Methods: The study was done at Beaumont Hospital Royal …

Granular Cell Tumor Of The Breast: A Breast Malignancy Mimicker, Emma Herrmann, Markie Zimmer, Bana Antonios, Bipin Ghimire, Mohammad Muhsin Chisti

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Granular cell tumors are soft tissue neoplasms that can arise from virtually any body site. They are thought to arise from Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system. The overwhelming majority are benign, with only 1-2% of cases being malignant. Granular cell tumors of the breast can often mimic breast malignancy. A 62-year-old female with past medical history of hypertension and prior tobacco use had abnormal screening mammography. Family history was positive for breast malignancy in 2 sisters and a maternal first cousin. Prior mammography was unremarkable, aside from one year prior which revealed a concerning 6 mm nodule in …

Refractory Non-Tumor Lambert Eaton Syndrome Treated With Rituximab, Bipin Ghimire, Samiksha Pandey, Ashbina Pokharel, Emma Herrmann, Mohammad Muhsin Chisti

Conference Presentation Abstracts

With a worldwide prevalence of 3-4 per million, Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a rare entity. It often occurs as a paraneoplastic syndrome, most commonly associated with small cell lung cancer. Less frequently, it occurs as an autoimmune disease in the absence of cancer. Both entities demonstrate circulating immunoglobulins against presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels and Electromyogram (EMG) with an increase in compound muscle action potential on repetitive stimulation. A 35-year-old female with past medical history of hypothyroidism presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness, generalized fatigue, blurry vision, and slurred speech in 2010. Upon further workup, Lambert-Eaton syndrome was diagnosed after she tested …

Metronidazole Neurotoxicity--Not Your Usual Suspect, Markie Zimmer, Bana Antonios, Emma Herrmann, Ramona Berghea

Conference Presentation Abstracts

An 85-year-old female with past medical history notable for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Stage III Merckel cell carcinoma presented to our hospital for evaluation of generalized weakness of a few weeks duration. Notably, she had a recent hospital admission for E. coli bacteremia in the setting of hepatic abscesses that underwent ultrasound guided drainage. She was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation, and ultimately home, with a planned six-week course of ceftriaxone and metronidazole, in addition to oral vancomycin for C. difficile infection. Upon readmission, she was fatigued and had progressive lower extremity weakness. She denied any bowel or bladder incontinence or …

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine For The Prevention Of Herpes Zoster In Immunocompromised Adults Diagnosed With Select Cancers In The United States, Desmond Curran, Brandon Patterson, Justin Carrico, Ahmed Salem, Elizabeth La, Stephane Lorenc, Katherine Hicks, Sara Poston, Christopher Carpenter

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction / Background / Significance: Immunocompromised (IC) populations diagnosed with cancer are at increased risk for herpes zoster (HZ) due to their underlying disease and/or therapy. This risk is highest among individuals receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) to treat multiple myeloma, lymphomas, or other diseases. HZ is characterized by a painful vesicular rash. IC populations with HZ are also at increased risk of developing HZ-related complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent pain that can last for months or years. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) versus no vaccine for the prevention of HZ in …

Late Onset Burkitt Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (Ptld) Following Solid Organ Transplant, Melinda Sager, Devika Aggarwal

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) is an uncommon complication after solid organ transplant, with several different monomorphic subtypes; Burkitt Lymphoma PTLD (B-PTLD) is particularly rare and aggressive.

A 30 year old female with a history of IgA nephropathy and two renal transplants presented to the emergency room with nausea, vomiting, and diffuse abdominal distention and pain that started one week prior to presentation. CT imaging showed significant mesenteric and pelvic lymphadenopathy with moderate ascites, paracentesis was performed. Her immunosuppressive therapy was adjusted: azathioprine was held, tacrolimus was decreased for lower target level, and steroid was continued. A lymph node biopsy …

Social Determinants Of Health Correlating With Mechanical Ventilation Of Covid-19 Patients; A Multi-Center Observational Study, Alexa Giovanatti, Heba Elassar, Patrick Karabon, Tracy Wunderlich-Barillas, Alexandra Halalau

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Importance: Several studies have relayed the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities, however few have specifically examined the association between social determinants of health and mechanical ventilation (MV). Objective: To determine which demographics impact MV rates among COVID-19 patients. Design: This observational study included COVID-19 patient data from eight hospitals’ EMR between February 25, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Associations between demographic data and MV rates were evaluated using uni- and multivariate analyses. Setting: Multicenter (8 hospitals), largest health system in Southeast Michigan Participants: Inpatients with a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swab. Exclusion criteria were missing demographic …

Intracardiac Leiomyomatosis Presenting As Syncope, Ujjwal Karki, Bijaya Thapa, Shailesh Niroula, Bipin Ghimire, Tucker Billups, Shrinjaya Thapa

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with incidence less than 0.1 percent. Secondary tumors are 20 times more common. Tumor thrombus extending to the right heart is commonly seen with renal cell carcinoma. Less common etiologies include intravenous leiomyoma, gynecological malignancies, Wilms tumor, hepatoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. 46-year-old female with history of uterine fibroid presented with two episodes of syncope, lasting 30 seconds each. Echocardiogram revealed a mobile echogenic mass in right atrium extending from the inferior vena cava (IVC) and moving across the tricuspid valve, causing dynamic obstruction. Cardiac MRI showed the mass originated from the renal vein with similar …

Gallstone Ileus Complicating Rectal Cancer: A Red Herring Cause Of Abdominal Pain, Nicholas Lazar, Ovidiu Niculescu, Carol Lima, Neiberg Lima

Conference Presentation Abstracts

A 68-year-old male with a history of alcohol abuse presented with a one-week history of fatigue and weakness, and a one-year history of fecal incontinence. On admission, vital signs were stable. Physical exam revealed cachexia, skin pallor, and mild abdominal distention. Fecal occult blood testing was positive. Laboratory analysis was significant for hemoglobin of 6.8g/dL. Of note, computed tomography (CT) scans of his chest, abdomen, and pelvis done months prior for evaluation of anemia and incontinence had shown rectal wall thickening, lung nodules concerning for metastasis, and gallstones. He declined further diagnostic evaluation and was lost to follow up. During …

Outcomes Of Primary Versus Revisional Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: A Multicenter Analysis Of Ten-Year Experience, Pouya Iranmanesh, John Fam, Thomas Nguyen, David Talarico, Kavita D Chandwani, Kulvinder S Bajwa, Melissa M Felinski, Leon V Katz, Sheilendra S Mehta, Stephan R Myers, Brad E Snyder, Peter A Walker, Todd D Wilson, Angielyn R Rivera, Connie L Klein, Shinil K Shah, Erik B Wilson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Postoperative morbidity after laparoscopic bariatric surgery is considered higher for patients undergoing revisional versus primary procedures. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare outcomes between patients undergoing primary versus revisional robotically assisted laparoscopic (RAL) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

METHODS: Data of all patients who underwent RAL primary and revisional RYGB between 2009 and 2019 at two accredited, high-volume bariatric surgery centers-the Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX, and the Tower Health, Reading Hospital, Reading, PA, were analyzed. Primary outcomes were early (< 30 days) and overall postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative complications, operative times, conversions to laparotomy, length of hospital stay, early (< 30 days) postoperative readmissions and deaths.

RESULTS: Data of 1072 patients were analyzed, including 806 primary and 266 …