Internal Medicine Commons^™

Myxedema Coma-Induced Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Unraveling The Complex Interplay, Mohammad Ali Mozaffari, Batool Shukr, Hafsa Hassan, Khurram Arshad, Antoine Egbe Bessong Tabot, Mariam Jamil, Rajiv John, Adam Hafeez

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction Myxedema coma is a rare condition with a high mortality rate. It poses the risk of cardiovascular complications, typically affects elderly females, and is often triggered by an underlying infection or systemic illness in the setting of preexisting severe hypothyroidism. Patients may exhibit multiorgan dysfunction with altered mentation ranging from disorientation and lethargy to obtundation and coma. Other physical exam findings may include dry scaly skin, non-pitting edema, delayed reflexes, bradycardia, and hypothermia. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are crucial to reducing mortality rates associated with this severe condition. Case description A 74-year-old female with no known past medical …

The Silent Michigan Epidemic: Unraveling Neurological Changes Posed By Recreational Nitrous Oxide Abuse, Tabssum Chauhan, Mariam Jamil, Nada Alsharif, Antoine Egbe Bessong Tabot, Ammara Aftab, Erin Frankowicz, Rajiv John

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction Nitrous oxide (N2O), traditionally considered a benign, odorless gas with analgesic and anesthetic properties, has seen a rise in abuse among young individuals in the United States. This abuse can lead to clinically significant neurological symptoms, including peripheral neuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord due to functional B12 deficiency induced by N2O. This case series examines four patients with N20 toxicity, and the functional recovery observed during subsequent follow-up visits after appropriate management. We will explore their motivation for abusing N20, their sources of access, and why its use is on the rise. Cases Description: The …

Pituitary Cushing's Disease And Compression Fractures: A Case Presentation, Nora Mcheik, Ajaz Banka

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Cushing's disease, arising from a pituitary macroadenoma, is marked by excessive cortisol production. Labs usually signify overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), leading to elevated cortisol levels. While cortisol is essential for various physiological functions, its excess can result in various symptoms and complications associated with Cushing's disease. Notably, individuals with this condition may experience an association with compression fractures, particularly in the vertebrae, due to weakened bones. Prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels contributes to the development of osteoporosis, characterized by weakened bone density, making fractures more likely. These compression fractures can manifest as localized or radiating back pain, …

Moonlighting: A Pilot Project To Assess Impact Of Extracurricular Activities On Career Satisfaction And Quality-Of-Life In Graduate Medical Education, Charlotte O'Sullivan, David Lee, Karen Childers, Justine Nasr

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Moonlighting is the delivery of healthcare outside of training programs in exchange for compensation. The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education allows individual training programs to permit or restrict moonlighting, which leads to variation in prevalence and practice. Guidelines and regulations for moonlighting vary greatly across graduate medical education programs. Yet, limited research has been done to determine resident and fellow physician attitudes towards moonlighting and its impact on quality-of-life. Objective: This pilot study investigates how participating in moonlighting and extracurricular activities may impact resident and fellow physicians’ self-perceptions of quality-of-life and career satisfaction. Methods: 442 residents and fellow …

Euglycemic Dka: Commonly Missed Diagnosis, Atulya A. Khosla, Pawan Gyawali, Twahida Khatoon

Conference Presentation Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Non-Immune Hemolytic Anemia In The Setting Of Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis: Zieve's Syndrome, Morgan Kiryakoza, Nazli Begum Ozturk, Justin Skrzynski

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Zieve’s syndrome describes a triad of non-immune hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and transient hyperlipidemia found in patients with alcohol-use disorder/alcohol-associated liver disease. This case involves a 39-year-old female with suspected Zieve’s syndrome in the setting of severe alcohol-associated hepatitis. Case Description: A 39-year-old female with alcohol-use disorder presented to the emergency department with complaints of jaundice, lethargy, and confusion. On initial presentation, patient was anemic with a hemoglobin of 7.8 g/dL (12.1- 15.0 g/dL), ALP of 235 U/L (33-120 U/L), AST of 116 U/L (< 35 U/L), ALT of 41 (< 37 U/L) total bilirubin of 24.2 mg/dL (< 1.2mg/dL), direct bilirubin of >15 mg/dL (< 0.4mg/dL). Her blood alcohol level was negative. She was admitted due to concerns for alcohol-associated hepatitis. Her hospital course was complicated by frequent declines in hemoglobin requiring a total of six transfusions of packed red blood cells. No overt bleeding such as hematemesis or hematochezia was ever evident during these declines. Further hematologic workup revealed a normal glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), normal pyruvate kinase, elevated plasma hemoglobin of 150 mg/dL (< 30 mg/dL), decreased haptoglobin of < 8 mg/dL (40-250 mg/dL), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of 595 (100-240 U/L), elevated reticulocyte count of 213 bil/L (21-100 bil/L). Direct Coombs Test was negative. The combination of these labs illustrated a picture of non-immune hemolytic anemia. Patient’s course was further complicated by a persistent rise in her total bilirubin, eventually peaking at 30.6 mg/dL, and ascites which required paracentesis and fluid studies was consistent with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Given the presence of SBP, corticosteroid therapy was not initiated for alcohol-associated hepatitis. Lipid panel remained within normal limits on two separate occasions. Vitamin E level was < 2.5 mg/L (5.5 – 17.0 mg/L). During hospitalization, she tested positive for Influenza A H1N1, developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure, was intubated, and was transferred to the intensive care unit and later extubated. Her mental status during her hospital stay was frequently waxing and waning and never fully recovered. The patient was eventually discharged home with hospice and her hemoglobin levels remained stable after supportive blood transfusions during her stay. Discussion: Zieve’s syndrome is an underdiagnosed cause of anemia in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease. There are multiple proposed mechanisms to explain the pathophysiology behind the red cell lysis seen in this disorder. One leading hypothesis suggests the red cell membrane becomes unstable due to vitamin E deficiency leading to disordered pyruvate kinase. Importance of early recognition of this syndrome is essential as treatment revolves around strict abstinence from alcohol.

Splenic Infarct Following Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery, Khurram Arshad, Yazan Alamro, Rabia Latif, Zaid Mahameed, Omar Nasser Rahal, Rajiv John

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a standard surgical procedure used to treat morbid obesity. Although RYGB is generally considered safe, it's essential to remain vigilant in identifying and addressing rare complications such as splenic infarction. Splenic infarction is a primarily silent condition, and because many cases go undiagnosed, the exact incidence of the condition is obscure and likely underestimated. Similarly, the incidence and severity of these rare conditions in the postoperative period for bariatric surgeries are still unknown. Case presentation: A 31-year-old female with morbid obesity underwent RYGB six weeks before presentation with acute abdominal pain, nausea, and a …

Hydralazine Associated Neutrophilic Dermatosis: A Unique Case Observing Dile, Anca Vasculitis, And Sweet Syndrome, Nicholas Olen, Jacob Horsley, Berk Celik, Joseph Skender, Shailesh Niroula

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: This case report highlights a 73-year-old male with biopsy-proven neutrophilic dermatosis with concern for Sweet Syndrome in the context of suspected hydralazine-induced systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune markers that initially pointed towards hydralazine-induced ANCA vasculitis. Case Presentation: The patient is a 73-year-old male with a past medical history significant for chronic kidney disease, urothelial cancer in 2021, renal cancer in 2013, and stage 1A left lung cancer. The patient additionally underwent workup for low white count and splenomegaly in months leading up to hospitalization, with bone marrow biopsy and workup negative for myelodysplastic syndrome or malignancy. Patient initially presented …

Chronic Schizophrenia Presenting With Psychogenic Polydipsia Masking Stage Iv Uterine Adenocarcinoma, Dakota B. Pastore, Kamayel Jaludi, Angelo Sica

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Psychogenic polydipsia (PPD) is a condition of excessive water intake and seeking behavior with a 6-20% prevalence among patients with psychiatric illnesses, commonly Schizophrenia. It remains unknown how often concomitant disease can mask other, more serious conditions in psychiatric patients.

Case Description: The patient is a 58-year-old Hispanic, white female with chronic schizophrenia complicated by multiple hospitalizations for hyponatremia secondary to PPD. The patient initially presented to the emergency department (ED) in 2016 with abdominal pain, was treated symptomatically and discharged. From 2020 to 2023, the patient was readmitted seven more times, with two suspected aspirin overdoses, an Ambien …

Splenic Artery Aneurysm Masquerading As Chest Pain: A Case Report Of A Rare Clinical Presentation, Emily Forester, Anjeanette Brown

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Splenic artery aneurysms most commonly present with vague epigastric or left upper quadrant abdominal pain that may radiate to the left shoulder. Chest pain associated with splenic artery aneurysm is an unusual phenomena. This case presents a rare occurrence of a splenic artery aneurysm originally presenting as atypical chest pain. Case Presentation: A 46 year old G3P2 AAF patient with family history of hypertension presented to the ER with pleuritic left chest pain, episodes of shortness of breath, and new onset hypertension. Chest x-ray and ECG were unremarkable. Pertinent labs included a hemoglobin of 10.6 and D-dimer of 4.10. …

Impact Of Diabetic Education On Reducing Hospital Readmission Rates: A Literature Review Of Adults With Diabetes, Frank Camarda

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

According to 2018 data from the Diabetes Institute Foundation, adults in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes accounted for 17 million emergency department visits. The readmission rate for patients with diabetes far exceeds the general readmission rates for hospitalized patients. While there is recognition of the need for diabetic education to reduce hospital readmissions, optimizing long-term self-management of diabetics remains a focus of ongoing research.

Relationship Between Gut Microbiota And Dementia, Saad Ahmed, Zack Harris, Russell David Levi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This paper explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota, dietary habits, and dementia, focusing particularly on Alzheimer's disease (AD). Growing evidence suggests a significant link between the composition of gut bacteria, dietary choices, and susceptibility to dementia. Notably, individuals with dementia demonstrate a noticeable reduction in gut bacteria diversity, highlighting the crucial role of a balanced microbiome in maintaining cognitive health. Conversely, dietary preferences characterized by excessive consumption of processed foods and sugars are associated with an increased risk of dementia, emphasizing the critical influence of diet on shaping gut microbiota and subsequent neurocognitive outcomes. Importantly, dietary interventions featuring a …

Cva In Patient With Systemic Sclerosis On Aspirin Therapy: A Case Report, Rahyan Mahmud, Bianna Koutsenko, Kenneth Goich, Usaid Hasan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by microvascular damage and multiorgan fibrosis. These patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular events, but it is difficult to develop strategies for prevention due to limited understanding of underlying pathophysiology.

Case Presentation

A 76-year-old female with a history of systemic sclerosis presented to the emergency department with acute onset slurred speech, facial droop, and left arm pain with a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale of 1. She was outside the thrombolytic window. Other history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia; both were well controlled. MRI confirmed right frontal lobe ischemic stroke …

Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Us Perspective On The Guideline Gap, Maricar Malinis, Lilian Abbo, Jose A Vazquez, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Community-acquired pneumonia continues to be one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality due to infectious disease. The aetiologies, clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities and therapeutic options are changing and outpacing the creation of management guidelines. This educational article summarizes a roundtable activity sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant by Paratek that included US experts discussing these changes and identifying gaps in the current guidelines.

Outcomes Of Mechanical Circulatory Support In Stemi Patients With Cardiogenic Shock: Insights From The National Inpatient Sample, Rahul Gupta, Chukwuemeka Umeh, Priya Hotwani Md, Gagan Kaur, Raghav Dhawan, Benson Eghreriniovo, Tamanna Mohta, Payaam Mahdavian, Eseosa Sanwo, Sabina Kumar, Mark A. Zainea, Jay Mohan

Internal Medicine Residency

Background

Methods

Results

Nationwide Outcomes In Intermediate To High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism Treated With Catheter-Based Therapies, Chukwuemeka Umeh, Rahul Gupta, Priya Hotwani Md, Sabina Kumar, Mark A. Zainea, Jay Mohan

Internal Medicine Residency

Background

Methods

In-Hospital Outcomes Of Patients With Lung Cancer With And Without Superior Vena Cava Thrombosis: A Nationwide Analysis., Ankushi Sanghvi, Dhairya Nanavaty, Sagar Patel, Bhavyakumar Vachhani, Mrunanjali Gaddam, Manasa Ginjupalli, Jayalekshmi Jayakumar, Nawaraj Adhikari, Rishav Sinha, Vikash Kumar, Priya Hotwani Md, Ahmed Nadeem

Internal Medicine Residency

Meeting Abstract: 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Background: Malignant superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical problem that results from the obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava by an underlying malignancy. It may be caused by external compression or internal obstruction due to a thrombus or direct invasion by tumor cells. Though lung malignancy is the most common cause of SVCS, there is a lack of data on in-hospital outcomes in these patients. Methods: We queried the National Inpatient Sample 2018-2020 to identify hospitalizations with lung cancer including both small cell and non small cell lung cancer. …

Intravascular Ultrasound In Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: A Nationwide Overview Of Its Use And Outcomes, Priya Hotwani Md, Chukwuemeka Umeh Md, Rahul Gupta, Gagan Kaur Md, Raghav Dhawan, Benson Eghreriniovo, Tamanna Mohta, Payaam Mahdavian Md, Jessica Ekomerei Obi, Eseosa Sanwo, Sabina Kumar Do, Mark A. Zainea Md Fscai, Jay Mohan Do Fscai

Internal Medicine Residency

Background

Methods

Results

Gender Disparities In Outcomes Of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Placement, Manoj Kumar, Shafaqat Ali, Faryal Farooq, Priya Hotwani Md, Sanjay Kumar

Internal Medicine Residency

Background

Objective

Methods

Propensity Matched In-Hospital Outcomes Of Acute St Elevation Myocardial Infarction Of Left Anterior Descending (Lad) Coronary Artery In Patients With & Without Chronic Total Occlusion Of Coronaries, Manoj Kumar, Shafaqat Ali, Faryal Farroq, Sanchit Duhan, Priya Hotwani Md, Bijeta Keisham, Sanjay Kumar, Mahin R. Khan

Internal Medicine Residency

Background

Methods

Results

Early Vs Late Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo) For Mechanical Circulatory Support, Manoj Kumar, Shafaqat Ali, Sanchit Duhan, Nomesh Kumar, Priya Hotwani Md, Sanjay Kumar, Fnu Bawna, Faryal Farooq, Muhammad Sultan, Muhammad Sohaib Afzal, M Chadi Alraies

Internal Medicine Residency

Background

Methods

Results

Assessing Impact Of Image-Based Immunization Education On Pediatric Vaccine Uptake Within Families Of Low English Literacy, Ahmed Ali, Mariam Bassalious, Sharfaa Chowdhury, Coral Hufnagel, Salwa Bajjey, Amaal Haimout, Nelia Afonso, Raouf Seifeldin

Posters

• Vaccinations have been hailed as the most effective public health strategy in mitigating infectious diseases. Since the advent of vaccines at the end of the 18th century, the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of vaccine-preventable diseases have markedly decreased.
• Vaccine hesitancy has been increasing within the last decade due to various reasons including misinformation and a lack of understanding. 2 This is especially true amongst patients with limited literacy skills as traditional vaccine education material is not optimal for their understanding.
• Several studies across various healthcare disciplines have shown that the use of picture-based health education for patients with limited literacy …

Ectopic Pregnancy Located At Pelvic Wall And Liver: Two Uncommon Case Reports From Vietnam And Mini-Review Literature, Thanh Hai Pham, Van Hoang Bui, Van Hung Nguyen, Phuc Nhon Nguyen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Abdominal ectopic pregnancy (AEP) located at hepatic region and pelvic-wall ectopic pregnancy (EP) are rare entities, that provoking a potentially life-threatening condition. Due to insufficient data, a proper management of non-specific types remains a challenge for all gynecologists worldwide.

CASE PRESENTATION: Two child-bearing age women were hospitalized due to delayed menstruation and a urine pregnancy test was positive without a determination of intrauterine pregnancy. The first EP case was located at the pelvic wall which identified incidentally during laparoscopy for a presumed tubal ectopic pregnancy on ultrasonography throughout. The second EP case was found at the hepatic …

A Multimodal Approach To Decreasing Hesitancy Of The Influenza Vaccine In The Family Care Setting, Carley J. Ellenberger

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The uptake of the influenza vaccine is the most effective and proactive action an individual can take to defend themselves against the influenza outbreak each season; therefore, it is recommended that everyone at least six months of age and older should receive the annual flu vaccine (CDC, 2022; WHO, 2023). Unfortunately, influenza vaccine hesitancy is demonstrated on a global level affecting the uptake compliance annually each influenza season despite the millions of people that experience influenza symptoms annually (CDC, 2022, WHO, n.d.; Healthy People 2030, n.d.). The PICOT question for this project was in adults, over the age of 18, …

Natural Language Processing Of Clinical Notes Enables Early Inborn Error Of Immunity Risk Ascertainment, Kirk Roberts, Aaron T Chin, Klaus Loewy, Lisa Pompeii, Harold Shin, Nicholas L Rider

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: There are now approximately 450 discrete inborn errors of immunity (IEI) described; however, diagnostic rates remain suboptimal. Use of structured health record data has proven useful for patient detection but may be augmented by natural language processing (NLP). Here we present a machine learning model that can distinguish patients from controls significantly in advance of ultimate diagnosis date.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to create an NLP machine learning algorithm that could identify IEI patients early during the disease course and shorten the diagnostic odyssey.

METHODS: Our approach involved extracting a large corpus of IEI patient clinical-note text from a major …

Improvements In Appropriate Placement Of Dental Sealants After Implementation Of A Clinical Decision Support System, Joanna Mullins, Ryan Brandon, Nicholas Skourtes, Elsbeth Kalenderian, Muhammad Walji

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Dental sealants are effective for the prevention of caries in children at elevated risk levels, and increasing the proportion of children and adolescents who have dental sealants on 1 or more molars is a Healthy People 2030 objective. Electronic health record (EHR)-based clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) have the ability to improve patient care. A dental quality measure related to dental sealant placement for children at elevated risk of caries was targeted for improvement using a CDSS.

METHODS: A validated dental quality measure was adapted to assess a patient's need for dental sealant placement. A CDSS was implemented to …

Performance Of A Stool-Based Quantitative Pcr Assay For The Diagnosis Of Tuberculosis In Adolescents And Adults: A Multinational, Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study, Alexander Kay, Anca Vasiliu, Lucia Carratala-Castro, Bariki Mtafya, Jose Euberto Mendez Reyes, Nontobeko Maphalala, Shilzia Munguambe, Durbbin Mulengwa, Tara Ness, Belen Saavedra, Jason Bacha, Gugu Maphalala, Rojelio Mejia, Godwin Mtetwa, Sozinho Acacio, Patricia Manjate, Edson Mambuque, Nosisa Shiba, Nokwanda Kota, Mangaliso Ziyane, Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, Christoph Lange, H Lester Kirchner, Andrew R Dinardo, Alberto L Garcia-Basteiro, Anna Maria Mandalakas, Stool4tb Global Partnership

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing availability of rapid molecular tests for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in high-burden settings, many people with tuberculosis are undiagnosed. Reliance on sputum as the primary specimen for tuberculosis diagnostics contributes to this diagnostic gap. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and additive yield of a novel stool quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in three countries in Africa with high tuberculosis burdens.

METHODS: We undertook a prospective diagnostic accuracy study in Eswatini, Mozambique, and Tanzania from Sept 21, 2020, to Feb 2, 2023, to compare the diagnostic accuracy for tuberculosis of a novel stool qPCR …

Relationship Between Food Security, Nutrition Security, And Diabetes: The Role Of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation, Maha Almohamad, Jayna M Dave, Eric E Calloway, Ruosha Li, Shreela Sharma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Inadequate nutrition and poor diet quality are associated with a heightened risk of diabetes. The connection between food insecurity measures and diabetes has been established, with evidence indicating that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation contributes to reductions in food insecurity. Recently developed nutrition security measures, defined as the ability to acquire healthful foods to prevent diseases, and their association with diabetes and SNAP participation are not yet understood.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relationship between food security and nutrition security in relation to diabetes overall and by SNAP participation and nutrition security as potential modifiers.

METHODS: …

Establishing Kidney Transplantation In A Low-Income Country: A Case In Tanzania, Francis F. Furia, Jaqueline G. Shoo, Paschal Ruggajo, Jonathan W. Jonathan W. Mngumi, Valentine Valentine, Mahmoud A. Muhiddin, Kim Kim, Isaack Mlatie, Moses Mulungu, Namala Mkopi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background

Sub-Saharan African countries, including Tanzania, have a high burden of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and limited capacity for the provision of services. Tanzania and other countries in the region have made signifcant improvements in the provision of services for patients with CKD, including hemodialysis. Few countries are ofering kidney transplantation services, which is the defnitive treatment for patients with CKD and kidney failure. This study was conducted to review the steps taken by Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) to establish a kidney transplantation service in Tanzania.

Methods

This study was based on the review of the activities that were undertaken …

Intrabiliary Metastasis Of Colorectal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Choledocholithiasis 18 Years After The Primary Tumor, Sumaya Abdul Ghaffar, David Pfau, Nikhil Madhuripan, Robert Christopher Harmon, Antonio Galvao Neto, Ana Luiza Gleisner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This case report presents a 62-year-old male who had previously undergone curative colectomy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 2005 for colorectal cancer. He presented with jaundice, which was initially attributed to choledocholithiasis. After cholecystectomy and repeat ERCPs, hyperbilirubinemia persisted. There was persistent dilation of the right posterior duct on imaging, concerning for biliary stricture, possibly due to cholangiocarcinoma or intraductal papillary neoplasm. During a right posterior hepatectomy, a peripheral liver lesion was found in association with the dilated bile duct. On frozen evaluation, the lesion was found to be invasive adenocarcinoma. The final pathology was compatible with a metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma …