Curēus
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Introduction Differences between appendicoliths associated with appendicitis and those found incidentally have not been studied. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of appendicoliths that are associated with acute appendicitis. Methods A cross-sectional study of patients with appendicoliths identified on computed tomographic (CT) scan from January 2008 till December 2014 was conducted. ⋯ IA: 71 (69%) vs. 28 (13%), p < 0.001]. On multivariate analysis, more than one appendicolith [Odds ratio (OR): 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.4; p = 0.02] and diameter of 5 mm or more (OR: 13, 95% CI: 7.1-23.6; p < 0.001) were independently associated with acute appendicitis. Conclusion Multiple appendicoliths and appendicoliths larger than 5 mm are associated with acute appendicitis.
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Objective To investigate gender difference patterns in article citations, by first and last authors, in four radiology journals. Materials and methods Articles by authors published in four major radiology journals from 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014 were categorized into 12 subspecialties. The number of citations, references used, co-authors, and length of the article (number of pages) were documented. ⋯ However, there was no statistical difference demonstrated in article citations between male and female last authorship (OR 0.9990, 95% CI: 0.9966-1.0013, p=0.392). Conclusions Primary female authorship garnered fewer citations than men, despite the increasing frequency of authorships. However, this differential in the number of citations is narrowing.
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Background Recent literature highlights the alarming prevalence of burnout, depression, and illness during residency training; a trend that is also linked to suboptimal patient care. Dedicated wellness curricula may be one solution to this concerning issue. Purpose To determine the effect of a multi-faceted wellness curriculum during emergency medicine residency training on wellness scores and to assess resident satisfaction with the program. ⋯ Participants consistently reported positive satisfaction scores with RWC initiatives. Conclusions Dedicated RWC, with input from both faculty and resident physicians, improved wellness during residency training with a high degree of participant satisfaction. Such programs are needed to support resident physicians during their training.
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Umbilical lesions are rare, but it is important to cautiously inspect and investigate every umbilical nodule or growth to rule out the possibility of embryological remnant and associated congenital anomaly in infants and children and hidden malignancy in adults. Certain umbilical anomalies can be expected in association with certain syndromes (i.e., known unknowns), and at times can be identified during prenatal screening, while others are simply unforeseeable conditions that may arise unexpectedly (i.e., unknown unknowns). ⋯ Certain lesions such as umbilical granuloma can be managed conservatively, while exomphalos and complicated umbilical hernia require urgent surgical intervention. This review article will help to elucidate the spectrum of umbilical lesions, with special emphasis on the importance of proper evaluation of often neglected, but clinically important entities.
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Case Reports
Spinal Cord Stimulator Explant and Revision Complicated by Syrinx Formation: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to be a safe, effective, and drug-free treatment option for many chronic pain conditions including refractory low back pain. The most commonly reported complication of SCS is equipment failure. We report a case of spinal cord injury (SCI) during SCS explant and revision. This 61-year-old female veteran complained of intermittent shock-like sensations 3-4 times a week for three months prior to her clinic visit. The device was initially implanted in 2009 secondary to neurogenic claudication with appropriate relief. The battery was replaced in 2015. Pain Management Service referred the patient to neurosurgery for replacement of the original SCS unit. Immediately following surgery she complained of severe left lower extremity pain concentrated in the medial thigh radiating into the groin and buttock. She also complained of pain, weakness and numbness in both legs (left more than right). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an edematous area in the left spinal cord between T11-T12. The patient was placed on steroids, ketamine infusion for pain control, and MRI the next day showed slight improvement of the edema and she was discharged home. Follow-up MRI two months later revealed mild diminution in the size of the cord edema. Her pre-operative shock-like sensations had not returned. While rare, spinal cord injury can occur and should be identified and managed expeditiously. Our case here reports for the first time an association between SCS explant/revision and syrinx formation.