Acne On The Valve: A Case Of Cutibacterium Acnes Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis And Aortic Root Abscess,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Acne On The Valve: A Case Of Cutibacterium Acnes Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis And Aortic Root Abscess, Aiden Van Loo, Mitchell Schwocho, Francisco Davila
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the endocardium and the cardiac valves. Its incidence is on the rise, and this has been attributed to the aging population, healthcare-associated infections, and the growing use of intracardiac devices and prosthetic valves. IE is typically caused by gram positive cocci; although other more fastidious organisms can present in a subacute fashion. One such organism that is now becoming identified is Cutibacterium Acnes. It is a gram-positive anaerobe, most commonly known for causing acne. Given its ubiquity as skin flora, it can enter the blood stream and cause systemic infections. Here …
A Case Of Futile Mechanical Thrombectomy In Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
A Case Of Futile Mechanical Thrombectomy In Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension, Daivd Connolly, Michael Barnes
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy is a mainstay therapy in the management of high-risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE), as it reduces pulmonary artery pressure and improves right ventricular function. However, the role of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in the management of chronic PE or acute on chronic PE is unclear. Case Description We present the case of a 46-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with 4 days of worsening dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. Past medical history is significant for class II obesity, prior transient ischemic attack, pulmonary hypertension with right-sided heart failure, and four admissions over the previous 10 …
Unmasking Lupus Through Myopericarditis,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Unmasking Lupus Through Myopericarditis, Athanasios Rempakos, Lark Steafo, Tawhida Khatoon
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem autoimmune that often presents with nonspecific symptoms, complicating diagnosis. Myopericarditis is a rare initial manifestation, mimicking infections or malignancies. We present a case underscoring the importance of considering SLE in refractory multisystem illness. A 26-year-old previously healthy male presented to an outside hospital with a one-week history of left-sided pleuritic chest pain, fever, chills, palpitations, fatigue, cough, sinus congestion, and headache. Initial evaluation revealed marked tachycardia (heart rate 180s/min on exertion). CT pulmonary angiography excluded pulmonary embolism but identified a large right-sided consolidation consistent with pneumonia. His initial troponin was 223 with …
Stroke With Pfo, Uncovering Underlying Mutations And Malignancy: A Case Report,
2025
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
Stroke With Pfo, Uncovering Underlying Mutations And Malignancy: A Case Report, Haiqi Guo, Karan Chhabra, Atulya Khosla, Florian Bukovec, Dilip Khanal
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability, with most cases being ischemic. In patients aged 18–60 years, patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in 10% of strokes. Pathophysiologies include paradoxical thromboembolism and thrombus formation in the PFO, leading to cerebral or systemic embolism. Cancer is a comorbidity in 5–10% of patients with acute stroke, with mechanisms such as direct tumor effects, coagulopathy, and cancer therapy. Two common inherited thrombophilia predisposing to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are Factor V Leiden (FVL) and G20210A Prothrombin gene mutation (PTM). FVL results in poor anticoagulant response to activated Protein C, while PTM …
Not A Cyst, But Gist: A Case Report,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Not A Cyst, But Gist: A Case Report, Jessica Kopchia, Amira Al-Nabolsi, Barbara Senger, Gurveer Gill, Yevhen Drobot
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, although they only account for 1-2% of gastrointestinal tumors. It is suspected that GISTs originate from the Cajal cells, necessary for regulating peristalsis. Diagnosis relies heavily on histopathologic examination, majority of GISTs being caused by an oncogenic mutation in the KIT gene, responsible for the regulation of tyrosine kinase. KIT upregulates the interstitial cells of Cajal, resulting in tumor formation. Therefore, these tumors are predominantly found in the stomach and small intestine, less frequently in colon, esophagus, and rectum. Often these neoplasms are benign, …
An Incidental Finding Of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis In A Patient Presenting With Gastroenteritis,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
An Incidental Finding Of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis In A Patient Presenting With Gastroenteritis, Berk Celik, Ovidiu Niculescu
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is an under-recognized entity that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. IVC thrombosis is prevalent (60% to 80%) among patients with congenital IVC anomalies. These anomalies occur in 0.5%–1% of the general population. Thrombosis of the IVC in the absence of congenital abnormalities is rare and is usually a result of a predisposing hypercoagulable state or IVC filter. Here, we present a case of an incidental finding of IVC thrombosis in a patient presenting with gastroenteritis. Case description A 57-year-old female with a past medical history of obstructive sleep apnea, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis …
Recurrent Malignant Retroperitoneal Solitary Fibrous Tumour Leading To Obstructive Uropathy And Sepsis, A Case Report,
2025
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
Recurrent Malignant Retroperitoneal Solitary Fibrous Tumour Leading To Obstructive Uropathy And Sepsis, A Case Report, Wesam Almasri, Imran Bitar, Aagamjit Singh, Yusra Zakria, Dilip Khanal
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction Solitary Fibrous Tumours (SFT) are rare mesenchymal tumours. Although initially described pleural in origin, they can arise from virtually any site. SFTs of retroperitoneal origin are especially rare, with limited literature on their management. Here we present a unique case of an aggressive recurrent retroperitoneal SFT causing mass effect leading to obstructive uropathy. Brief case description A 47-year-old Hispanic man without past medical history presented to a neighboring hospital with months-long abdominal pain and urinary retention. CT showed a 14x12x12 cm pelvic mass that could not be separated from the prostate, together with right hydroureteronephrosis. He was discharged with …
Severe Digital Necrosis In The Context Of Raynaud's Phenomenon, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, And Vasculitis: A Diagnostic Dilemma,
2025
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
Severe Digital Necrosis In The Context Of Raynaud's Phenomenon, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, And Vasculitis: A Diagnostic Dilemma, Silvana Iskandar, Karan Chhabra, Omar Jameel, Tucker Billups
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Abstract: A 73-year-old male with polyarticular gout, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis presented with non-healing necrotic wounds on the distal aspect of his upper extremity digits, most severely affecting the left index finger with eschar. His symptoms had been present for the past six weeks. He also had a history of Raynaud’s phenomenon, which preceded these symptoms. Examination revealed necrotic wounds on the nail beds of seven fingers bilaterally, with significant left index finger necrosis. Despite the severity of his condition, he remained hemodynamically stable throughout hospitalization. Laboratory studies showed positive cardiolipin IgM and beta-2 glycoprotein antibodies on two separate occasions, …
The Silent Progression Of Otomastoiditis: A Case Report On Skull Base Osteomyelitis And Cerebral Venous Thrombosis,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
The Silent Progression Of Otomastoiditis: A Case Report On Skull Base Osteomyelitis And Cerebral Venous Thrombosis, Tabssum Chauhan, Ammara Aftab, Ahamed Abdulbagi, Wafa Ahmed, Rajiv John
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction Otomastoiditis, a common ear infection, can progress to severe complications such as skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) and cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), though these are rare. The incidence of CVT in the context of otomastoiditis is approximately 3 to 4 cases per million adults, but it remains life-threatening. Pre antibiotics, CVT secondary to otomastoiditis showed a near100% mortality rate. Today, early recognition and multidisciplinary management make these complications preventable. This case raises the importance of in-time diagnosis and management in averting severe outcomes such as neurological deficits and death. Case Report A 78-year-old female with uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes (HbA1c 10.3%) …
Streptococcus Pneumoniae Cervical Abscess In A Pcv-Immunized Female With Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinema: Exploring The Role Of Opsosonization Failure And Functional Hyposplenesim Beyond The Spectrum Of Malignant B-Cell Disorders,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Streptococcus Pneumoniae Cervical Abscess In A Pcv-Immunized Female With Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinema: Exploring The Role Of Opsosonization Failure And Functional Hyposplenesim Beyond The Spectrum Of Malignant B-Cell Disorders, Tanya Amal, Paul Johnson, Ayesha Sharif, Usman Bin Hameed
Conference Presentation Abstracts
A 64-year-old female with recently diagnosed Waldenström's macroglobulinemia presented with pain and swelling in the neck. Three weeks prior, she had accidentally punctured her neck with her fingernail, leading to initial swelling. She visited the ER, but workup showed no acute infection. A contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed enlarged bilateral cervical lymph nodes. Over the next two weeks, the swelling became increasingly painful. On presentation, she had sharp, localized pain (10/10 intensity), tachycardia, and a 3x3 cm swelling on the right side of her neck, with redness, warmth, and tenderness. Laboratory results showed lymphocytic leukocytosis (WBC 31.5, lymphocyte 24.8%, neutrophil 6.1%). …
A Rare Case Of Horner Syndrome Secondary To Perineural Catheter Placement After Orif Of The Right Humeral Shaft,
2025
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
A Rare Case Of Horner Syndrome Secondary To Perineural Catheter Placement After Orif Of The Right Humeral Shaft, Joseph Dakki, Natalie Dakki, Sant Yadav, Justine Nasr
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction: Horner Syndrome (HS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the triad of unilateral ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis. HS is caused by an interruption of the oculosympathetic nerve pathway, a three-neuron pathway. Common causes of Horner Syndrome include carotid dissection, stroke, trauma, tumors, cluster headaches, inflammation, and medical and surgical procedures. However, many cases of HS are also idiopathic. The standard workup of Horner Syndrome includes MRI of the brain, cervical spine, and upper thoracic spine and CT angiography of the circle of willis, aortic arch, and intracranial arteries. This case report will analyze an instance of Horner Syndrome that …
The Diagnostic Dilemma Of Multisystemic Vasculitides - A Case Report Of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
The Diagnostic Dilemma Of Multisystemic Vasculitides - A Case Report Of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis, Muhammed Hussain, Tabssum Chauhan, Hafsa Hassan, Marian Jamil, Cecilia Big, Rajiv John
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is a small vessel vasculitis disorder that classically involves the upper and lower respiratory tract as well as the kidneys. However, its presentation is not limited to these organ systems as it can present with ocular, dermatological or cardiac involvement, thus creating a broad differential when evaluating patients. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges with infectious and inflammatory etiologies in a patient with systemic symptoms, concerning imaging and travel to a TB-endemic region. A 57-year-old female with a pertinent history of recurrent sinusitis, left otitis media, and prior sinus surgeries was evaluated for suspicion of possible …
Septic Arthritis Caused By A Rare Yeast, Lodderomyces Elongisporus,
2025
Corewell Health East
Septic Arthritis Caused By A Rare Yeast, Lodderomyces Elongisporus, Osman Muslehuddin, Daphne Pete, Husam Muslehuddin, Hafeezuddin Ahmed
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction: We present a rare case of septic arthritis caused by Lodderomyces elongisporus, a yeast rarely implicated in human infections. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for fungal septic arthritis in an immunocompromised patient. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old African American woman with a complex medical history, including chronic heart failure (CHF), hypertension, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis, severe protein-energy malnutrition on total parenteral nutrition, duodenal switch with malabsorption, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on warfarin, and previous sepsis episodes, presented with worsening dyspnea. She was admitted in August 2024 for acute-on-chronic CHF exacerbation. During her admission, she …
A Rare Presentation Of Necrotizing Fasciits: A Diagnostic Challenge Triggered By Isolated Persistent Atrial Fibrillation With Rapid Ventricular Response (Afib With Rvr),
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
A Rare Presentation Of Necrotizing Fasciits: A Diagnostic Challenge Triggered By Isolated Persistent Atrial Fibrillation With Rapid Ventricular Response (Afib With Rvr), Rosalyn Bloch, Amira Al-Nabolsi, Jessica Kopicha, David Lang
Conference Presentation Abstracts
According to the most recent review on necrotizing fasciitis (NF), NF often presents with nonspecific findings such as pain, erythema, and swelling. Clinical features include pain out of proportion to physical examination, failure to respond to broadspectrum antibiotics, and the presence of cutaneous bullae on the skin. We report a rare case in which the diagnosis of NF was unexpected due to its atypical presentation and was ultimately prompted by further underlying exploration in the setting of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and persistent Afib with RVR. Case Summary: A 61-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with …
Lower Extremity Edema In A 27-Year-Old Female With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Glomerulonephritis: Is It Renal-Related Or Does It Warrant Further Workup?,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Lower Extremity Edema In A 27-Year-Old Female With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Glomerulonephritis: Is It Renal-Related Or Does It Warrant Further Workup?, Christine Buchanan, Rosalyn Bloch
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Lupus myocarditis (LM) is a potentially fatal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurring in 5-10% of SLE patientspatients with SLE (1). Lupus nephritis (LN) is a form of glomerulonephritis that constitutes one of the most severe organ manifestations of SLE (2). We present a unique case of a 27-year-old female with acute lower extremity edema secondary to LM with concomitant LN . This case report highlights LM as a rare manifestation of SLE and the importance of a thorough workup of acute bilateral lower extremity swelling in SLE patientspatients with SLE and glomerulonephritis. A 27-year-old female with a past …
A Rare Case Of Esophageal Perforation: Esophageal Perforation Following Cervical Spine Hardware Removal,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
A Rare Case Of Esophageal Perforation: Esophageal Perforation Following Cervical Spine Hardware Removal, Amira Al-Nabolsi, Jessica Kopchia, Cameron Hubbard, Hussein Hamade, Mouhamed Shatila
Conference Presentation Abstracts
An esophageal perforation is an uncommonly encountered life-threatening emergency that can lead to leakage of gastric contents into surrounding esophageal tissue. It is most commonly due to iatrogenic injury, typically involving endoscopy, intubation, or esophageal surgery. We describe an unusual case of esophageal perforation secondary to the removal of infected cervical spine hardware. A 73-year-old male with cervical spine central stenosis with history of an anterior cervical spinal fusion of C5-C7 over 40 years ago presented to the emergency department at the request of his pulmonologist. A CT scan of the neck was obtained in the outpatient setting, as the …
Case Report - Complex Management Of Tricuspid And Pulmonic Valve Endocarditis In An Intravenous Drug User: A Case Report And Review Of Challenges And Outcomes,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Case Report - Complex Management Of Tricuspid And Pulmonic Valve Endocarditis In An Intravenous Drug User: A Case Report And Review Of Challenges And Outcomes, Luxhman Gunaseelan, Michael Kattula, Sam Alsabti, Ahmad El-Gammal, Khurram Arshad, James Richard Spears
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Background: Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE), commonly associated with intravenous drug use (IVDU), primarily affects the tricuspid valve (TV). With sustained bacteremia, the pulmonic valve may also become involved. Staphylococcus aureus remains the leading cause of tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (TVIE), diagnosed using Duke’s criteria, which integrate clinical findings, blood culture results, and echocardiographic evidence. The management of TVIE poses unique challenges, particularly in patients with IVDU, who often face barriers to surgical intervention despite severe complications like tricuspid regurgitation (TR), which normally carries a poor prognosis if left untreated. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 39-year-old female with …
Development Of Parapneumonic Effusion In A Patient Using Kratom,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Development Of Parapneumonic Effusion In A Patient Using Kratom, Emma Glover, Morgan Kiryakoza, Nader Mina
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction: “Kratom” refers to both Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, and to its products, derived from the tree’s leaves, which are marked as an herbal supplement. Kratom is an herbal supplement with both opioid and stimulant-like effects. While there are no approved uses for kratom by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is frequently used by individuals to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings (especially related to opioid use), pain, fatigue, and mental health disorders. Furthermore, because kratom is unregulated, it can contain contaminants, including heavy metals and harmful bacteria. This case details the development of parapneumonic …
Silent To Stressed: Evaluation Of An Incidentaloma With Elevated Normetanephrine Levels,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Silent To Stressed: Evaluation Of An Incidentaloma With Elevated Normetanephrine Levels, Julia Meireles, Berk Celik, Ajaz Banka
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction/Background: The prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas varies between 1.4-7.3% rising with age due to an increase in imaging studies performed for other reasons. Additional workup is typically done to evaluate for presence of functional masses that over secrete hormones. Elevated catecholamines in the context of an adrenal mass should trigger clinical suspicion for pheochromocytoma, an adrenal medulla tumor. However, for isolated elevations in normetanephrines a broader differential should include paraganglioma as well as stress, certain foods, and medication side effects requiring a thorough history and clinical evaluation. We present a case of an adrenal mass with elevated normetanephrine levels in …
Hiding In The Midgut: A Case Of Small Bowel Diverticular Bleeding In An Elderly Female,
2025
Corewell Health East Resident
Hiding In The Midgut: A Case Of Small Bowel Diverticular Bleeding In An Elderly Female, Aagamjit Singh, Nishant Aggarwal, Faid Odish
Conference Presentation Abstracts
Introduction Diverticulosis in the colon is a common cause of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Non-Meckel diverticula in the small bowel have been reported in the literature; however, they rarely cause significant bleeding. We present a case of an 88-year-old woman with a bleeding jejunal diverticulum that was diagnosed and treated with a push enteroscopy. Case Description An 88-year-old African-American female with a past medical history of colonic diverticulosis and atrial fibrillation on rivaroxaban presented with a 4-day history of melena. She reported having soft, black stools 2–3 times a day, associated with persistent epigastric discomfort and nausea. Her last dose …
