United States

Background
Chronic endometritis (CE) is defined by persistent inflammation of the endometrium, typically associated with microbial infections, including LPS-producing E. coli and Chlamydia. CE diagnosis occurs mainly in the setting of infertility. CE is commonly diagnosed by counting CD138+ plasma cells in stromal-dense areas of an endometrial biopsy. However, there is no standardized diagnostic criteria and plasma cells alone may be insufficient to reliably diagnose CE. Pathological diagnosis may be improved by measuring endometrial edema and increased endometrial stromal cell (eSC) density. Human eSCs express TLRs, including TLR4 and thus, are targets of LPS and other pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). While previous studies identified increased eSC density and aberrant eSC functions in the setting of CE, these alterations have not been well-defined. In humans and the few species that menstruate, eSCs proliferate during the luteal phase and then eSCs decidualize (a differentiation process critical for implantation) during the mid-secretory phase. Our laboratory has pioneered the use of menstrual effluent (ME, shed endometrial tissue) for studying endometriosis. We hypothesize that infection-related alterations in eSCs will help better understand and diagnose CE.

Methods
Using ME collected from women (18-40 years) with no history of pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or endometriosis, eSCs were isolated and grown in culture media until confluency. Low passage ME-derived eSCs were treated with LPS (0-500 ng/ml) for 3 days and then analyzed for proliferation by CyQuant assay and decidualization potential by measuring the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 (IGFBP1, a decidualization marker) by ELISA.

Results
Overall, proliferation assays revealed a significant increase in eSC numbers following LPS treatment compared to vehicle: 0 ng/ml vs. 25 ng/ml (p = 0.014), 0 ng/ml vs. 50 ng/ml (p &lt; 0.0001), 0 ng/ml vs. 250 ng/ml (p = 0.0017). By contrast, decidualization assays revealed a significant decrease in IGFBP1 concentrations in LPS-treated conditions compared to vehicle: 0 ng/ml vs. 10 ng/ml (p = 0.0078), 0 ng/ml vs. 25 ng/ml (p = 0.0078).

Conclusion
LPS has opposing effects on eSC proliferation and decidualization. An increase in proliferation following LPS exposure supports the increased eSC density reported in the endometrium during CE and may promote endometrial polyp formation in confirmed CE cases. The decreased decidualization following LPS may contribute to the infertility observed in CE. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying these altered eSC phenotypes.

AMA Research Challenge 2025 

Defining the effects of chronic endometritis on the endometrium through menstrual effluent

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Background
Chronic endometritis (CE) is defined by persistent inflammation of the endometrium, typically associated with microbial infections, including LPS-producing E. coli and Chlamydia. CE diagnosis occurs mainly in the setting of infertility. CE is commonly diagnosed by counting CD138+ plasma cells in stromal-dense areas of an endometrial biopsy. However, there is no standardized diagnostic criteria and plasma cells alone may be insufficient to reliably diagnose CE. Pathological diagnosis may be improved by measuring endometrial edema and increased endometrial stromal cell (eSC) density. Human eSCs express TLRs, including TLR4 and thus, are targets of LPS and other pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). While previous studies identified increased eSC density and aberrant eSC functions in the setting of CE, these alterations have not been well-defined. In humans and the few species that menstruate, eSCs proliferate during the luteal phase and then eSCs decidualize (a differentiation process critical for implantation) during the mid-secretory phase. Our laboratory has pioneered the use of menstrual effluent (ME, shed endometrial tissue) for studying endometriosis. We hypothesize that infection-related alterations in eSCs will help better understand and diagnose CE.

Methods
Using ME collected from women (18-40 years) with no history of pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or endometriosis, eSCs were isolated and grown in culture media until confluency. Low passage ME-derived eSCs were treated with LPS (0-500 ng/ml) for 3 days and then analyzed for proliferation by CyQuant assay and decidualization potential by measuring the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 (IGFBP1, a decidualization marker) by ELISA.

Results
Overall, proliferation assays revealed a significant increase in eSC numbers following LPS treatment compared to vehicle: 0 ng/ml vs. 25 ng/ml (p = 0.014), 0 ng/ml vs. 50 ng/ml (p < 0.0001), 0 ng/ml vs. 250 ng/ml (p = 0.0017). By contrast, decidualization assays revealed a significant decrease in IGFBP1 concentrations in LPS-treated conditions compared to vehicle: 0 ng/ml vs. 10 ng/ml (p = 0.0078), 0 ng/ml vs. 25 ng/ml (p = 0.0078).

Conclusion
LPS has opposing effects on eSC proliferation and decidualization. An increase in proliferation following LPS exposure supports the increased eSC density reported in the endometrium during CE and may promote endometrial polyp formation in confirmed CE cases. The decreased decidualization following LPS may contribute to the infertility observed in CE. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying these altered eSC phenotypes.

poster

Background: Rotator cuff repairs often fail due to insufficient biologic healing at the tendon-bone interface (enthesis). Patch augmentation has emerged as a promising strategy that promotes cellular infiltration, organized collagen deposition, and matrix remodeling. The objective of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the histologic and biochemical effects of scaffold augmentation, to compare the effectiveness of different augmentation materials, and to analyze commercially available implants with histologic evaluation in animals and human studies.

Methods: A PRISMA-guided search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase through May 2025 identified forty-two eligible studies. Inclusion criteria were histologic and biochemical outcomes following rotator cuff repair with patch augmentation. Studies limited to biomechanical or imaging outcomes, in vitro or cadaveric models, reviews, editorials, technical notes were excluded. 

Results: Dermal matrix patches accelerated early neovascularization and collagen synthesis but often led to incomplete fibrocartilage formation and persistent type III collagen. ECM-derived patches showed progressive collagen alignment but were associated with inflammation. Synthetic polymers were successful at generating dense type 1 collagen with variable immune responses. Biologically augmented scaffolds demonstrated the highest collagen density and minimal macrophage infiltration. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) achieved mature collagen crimp and fibrocartilage integration by eight weeks with low inflammation.

Among commercial products, REGENETEN, ArthroFLEX, and Dynagraft II demonstrated the most complete scaffold resorption and tendon-like remodeling. Conexa and Zimmer patches showed consistent integration, and Permacol and BioEnthesis exhibited limited improvements.

Conclusion: Patch augmentation enhanced healing following rotator cuff repair. Biologically augmented and DBM scaffolds yielded the most favorable histologic outcomes, followed by ECM-derived and synthetic patches. Dermal matrix patches showed strong early effects but lacked long-term integration. However, no definitive conclusions can be made due to the lack of high-quality human trials. These findings may guide scaffold selection and inform future design aimed at improving tendon-bone healing and reducing re-tear rates.

Rotator Cuff Patch Augmentation: Histologic Outcomes and Comparative Performance of Commercial Implants

Background
Industrial pollution has introduced toxic heavy metals—such as lead, mercury, and cadmium—into the environment, contributing to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and systemic health disorders. Marginalized and low-income communities of color are disproportionately affected due to proximity to industrial sites and legacy pollutants. Melanin, a biopolymer produced by melanocytes, is known for its protective role against ultraviolet radiation and oxidative damage. Emerging studies suggest that melanin may also function in heavy metal detoxification through binding and subsequent excretion via skin desquamation. However, the potential for melanin saturation and its consequences in chronically exposed individuals remain unclear.

Methods
A preliminary scoping review was conducted using PubMed with the search terms “melanin” and “heavy metal detoxification.” Fourteen peer-reviewed articles were identified and reviewed, with supplemental articles included via backward citation tracking and grey literature reviews. Articles were assessed for evidence of melanin-metal interactions, particularly the chelation capacity of eumelanin and pheomelanin. Emphasis was placed on mechanistic studies and environmental context, including disproportionate exposure among racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities.

Results
Experimental studies suggest that melanin binds various heavy metals—including lead, chromium, and arsenic—potentially reducing systemic toxicity. Eumelanin demonstrates higher metal-binding capacity than pheomelanin. Excretion via skin shedding may contribute to detoxification, though prolonged exposure could exceed melanin’s capacity, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. Saturated melanin may lead to dermal bioaccumulation, localized oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. Neuromelanin studies further support this metal-binding hypothesis, though translational human data are limited. Environmental racism and systemic inequities exacerbate exposure risks in communities of color, amplifying potential health burdens.

Conclusion
Melanin may play a dual role in detoxifying and accumulating heavy metals in the body. While protective at baseline, chronic exposure may shift melanin’s function toward a reservoir of toxicity, especially in individuals with greater melanin content and in communities facing environmental injustice. These findings underscore the need for further empirical research on melanin-metal interactions in humans and highlight the importance of addressing environmental and structural determinants of health in mitigating toxic exposures.


Melanin-Metal Interactions: A Double-Edged Shield in Environmental Toxicity and Health Disparities

Abstract Title: The Role of the Gut Microbiome in the Pathogenesis of Pre-Clinical Autoimmune Disease and the Prevention of Progression

Background: Autoimmune diseases often develop silently over years, with immune dysregulation and autoantibodies occurring long before symptoms appear. This silent period is what is referred to as “pre-clinical” autoimmunity. Pre-autoimmunity has been observed in several autoimmune diseases, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. The gut microbiome has been increasingly implicated in this pre-clinical phase of autoimmune disease. This review examines how alterations in the gut microbiome can lead to the early stages of autoimmunity before symptoms begin and how the microbiome can be targeted to prevent the progression to autoimmune disease. 

Methods: The author carried out a literature review over PubMed using the keywords Gut microbiome pre-clinical autoimmune disease. 17 articles were reviewed. Peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, primary sources, clinical trials, case reports, cohort studies, interventional studies with appropriate control groups were included, while studies not related to pre-clinical autoimmunity, lacking control groups, in-vitro/ex vivo studies, and non-English publications were excluded. 

Results: A key factor in autoimmune disease pathology is gut dysbiosis, or alterations in the gut flora. This can cause increased gut permeability which allows bacterial byproducts like LPS to enter circulation triggering a cytokine cascade, altered gut-derived metabolites like changes in short chain fatty acids, tryptophan and bile acid metabolism leading to a pro-inflammatory state, and molecular mimicry which causes the immune system to attack self-tissues. Strategies to prevent the progression of pre-clinical autoimmunity to symptomatic autoimmunity include dietary intervention, supplementation of prebiotics and probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, microRNA therapies, targeted antibiotic therapy, autophagy regulation, and use of natural compounds. 

Conclusions: There is increasing recognition of the gut microbiome’s influence on immune system regulation and emerging evidence linking gut dysbiosis to immune dysregulation. Understanding how changes in the gut microbiome influence the expression of autoantibodies before the development of symptoms paves the way for mechanism-targeted, personalized interventions, and more accurate predictive and diagnostic tools, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and potentially prevent the development of autoimmune disease. 


The Role of the Gut Microbiome in the Pathogenesis of Pre-Clinical Autoimmune Disease and the Prevention of Progression

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that modulates immune cell populations, including a distinct subset of SiglecF high neutrophils associated with tumor progression. While previous studies have identified soluble factors like cytokines as key modulators of immune cell behavior, the specific factors driving SiglecF high neutrophil induction in NSCLC remain unclear. We hypothesized that specific soluble factors within the NSCLC TME, particularly granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), synergistically induce the expansion of SiglecF high neutrophils, and that this induction would vary across different cancer models.

Flow cytometry was utilized to identify and quantify SiglecF high neutrophils across different cancer models, including KP NSCLC, B16-F10 melanoma, and 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lines. Cytokine array analysis was conducted to determine the presence and levels of G-CSF, GM-CSF, and TGF-β1 in the TME of these models. ANOVA was used to assess the statistical significance of SiglecF neutrophil populations between the different models and in response to the presence of these cytokines. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

The KP NSCLC model demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of SiglecF high neutrophils compared to the B16-F10 and 4T1 models, which also had elevated levels compared to the naive control. Cytokine analysis revealed that GM-CSF and TGF-β1 were significantly elevated in the KP model compared to others, while G-CSF was highest in the 4T1 model. ANOVA analysis of in vitro cytokine induction indicated that GM-CSF and G-CSF synergistically induced SiglecF high neutrophils, with the highest induction observed when combined with TGF-β1.

The data suggest that the KP NSCLC TME uniquely promotes the induction of SiglecF high neutrophils, primarily through the synergistic effects of GM-CSF, G-CSF, and TGF-β1. These findings implicate these cytokines as key contributors to tumor progression via SiglecF high neutrophil induction, highlighting the potential for therapeutic targeting of these pathways in NSCLC. Future studies will focus on the inhibitory effects of SiglecF neutrophils on T-cell populations and explore strategies to mitigate their pro-tumoral functions. This research was supported by NIH P20GM135004 (Yan/Chesney) and the Summer Scholar Research Program.


Cytokine-Mediated Induction of SiglecF⁺ High Neutrophils in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumor Microenvironments

Abstract
Background: Arnold-Chiari malformation presents unique considerations during pregnancy and delivery due to its neurological implications. While cesarean delivery is often considered for safety, limited data exist regarding maternal outcomes across different racial groups and delivery methods in Chiari patients.

Objective: To assess maternal and obstetric outcomes by delivery method (vaginal vs. cesarean) in Black and White pregnant patients diagnosed with Chiari malformation.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using TriNetX, an electronic health record-based research network. Separate cohorts of Black and White pregnant patients with Chiari malformation (ICD-10 Q07.0) were constructed. Patients were stratified by delivery method using CPT codes for vaginal and cesarean delivery. Maternal outcomes were compared using ICD-10 codes for gestational hypertension (O13), preeclampsia (O14), eclampsia (O15), perineal laceration (O70), and other labor-related complications (O60–O77).

Results: Among White patients (n=1,522), vaginal delivery was associated with a significantly lower risk of pre-eclampsia compared to cesarean delivery (4.0% vs 7.1%, p=0.02). This association was not statistically significant in Black patients (4.1% vs 5.7%, p=0.246). Although eclampsia was higher in vaginal deliveries for both races, it did not reach statistical significance. Perineal lacerations were significantly more common in vaginal deliveries among Black patients (12.7% vs 2.0%, p<0.001). No significant racial differences were found in rates of headache, fetal heart abnormalities, or hypertensive disorders.
Conclusion: 
White patients with AC malformation had significantly increased risk of pre-eclampsia following cesarean delivery, suggesting a potential benefit of vaginal delivery when feasible. Racial differences in maternal outcomes were limited but suggest potential disparities in delivery-related complications such as perineal trauma. Further studies adjusting for socioeconomic and clinical covariates are warranted.
Key words: Maternal outcomes; Chiari malformation; gestational hypertension, preeclampsia; eclampsia;
Declarations of interest: none
Funding: none


Beyond Assumptions: Racial and Delivery Method Outcomes in Pregnant Patients With Chiari Malformation

Introduction: The treatment of laryngeal cancer often results in alterations of speech and swallowing, which may contribute to the development of depression in this patient population and subsequently affect treatment outcomes and survivorship. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression in patients with laryngeal cancer and identify contributing risk factors. 

Methods: Patients with laryngeal cancer were identified using ICD-10 codes within the TriNetX Research Network. Patients were stratified by treatment type (surgical versus non-surgical), age, socioeconomic (SES) risk factors, and post-treatment side effects. The effect of these factors on the development of depression was analyzed while controlling for cancer stage. 

Results: 93,018 patients with laryngeal cancer were identified. These patients had a significantly higher risk of depression compared to the overall head and neck cancer population (RR=1.15, 95% CI: [1.12,1.18]). Patients under 70 were more likely to develop depression than those over 70 (RR=1.27, 95% CI: [1.22,1.33]). SES risk factors were associated with over double the risk of depression (RR=2.67, 95% CI: [2.42,2.97]). Surgical treatment conferred a higher risk than non-surgical treatment modalities (RR=1.54, 95% CI: [1.41,1.68]). Patients who experienced long-term complications such as dysphagia, xerostomia, or malnutrition had a 7.62% increased risk of depression (p&lt;0.01). 

Conclusions: Patients with laryngeal cancer face a uniquely high risk of developing post-treatment depression. Future studies evaluating optimal screening protocols and supportive care strategies may help improve mental health care in this population.

Depression Among Patients With Laryngeal Cancer: A Retrospective TriNetX Study

Background
Developing novel, safe treatments for adolescent depression is imperative, as rates of depression are rising and conventional pharmacotherapies are often limited by modest efficacy and considerable side effects. Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINTTM), an optimized precision-targeted form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, is FDA-cleared for treatment-resistant depression in adults but remains understudied in adolescents. This pilot study investigates if SAINT, a rapid-acting noninvasive intervention with minimal side effects, can address this urgent need. We evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SAINT in treatment-naïve adolescents experiencing their first episode of depression who remain antidepressant-free throughout treatment. By studying this demographic, we provide compelling evidence for SAINT as a first-line treatment. SAINT, however, requires a substantial time commitment—5 consecutive 10-hour days. This study introduces Truncated SAINT: a half-dose protocol of five consecutive 5-hour days supported by SAINT trials showing depression remission in highly treatment-resistant subjects after an average of 26 sessions. We hypothesize Truncated SAINT will yield equivalent antidepressant effects to Standard SAINT, with greater acceptability, preference, convenience, and overall satisfaction.

Methods
Two study arms will recruit 20 participants each to receive Standard or Truncated SAINT in a single-blind open-label design. The primary outcome is change in Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) scores one month post-treatment. Pre- and post-treatment interviews with adolescents and their parents provide measures of acceptability, preference, convenience, and satisfaction. All participants receive a brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance image (rs-fMRI) before treatment to identify the personalized treatment target. Two additional brain rs-fMRIs are obtained at the immediate and one-month follow-up visits to investigate changes in functional connectivity from baseline. Participants remain antidepressant-free for one month post-treatment, after which they resume standard psychiatric care. Participants are followed for 6 months to assess treatment durability.

Results
As of this writing, four participants have completed treatment for the study with three completing the primary outcome measure CDRS-R at the one-month follow-up. No adverse events have been reported. CDRS-R decreased from 60 to 22, 36 to 17, and 49 to 21 from baseline to one-month post-treatment in these subjects. 

Conclusion
Preliminary results suggest that both Standard and Truncated SAINT are safe and efficacious with no adverse events reported. Both participants who completed their one-month follow-up achieved depression remission. We expect SAINT to continue to demonstrate safety and efficacy and ultimately be considered as a first-line treatment for adolescent depression.


Investigating a Truncated Version of SAINT in Treatment-Naive Adolescents with Depression: An Open-Label Acceptability Trial.

Background
Cardiac myxomas are rare, benign tumors and the most common primary cardiac neoplasms. They are typically found in the left atrium and may present with nonspecific symptoms related to obstruction, embolization, or systemic effects. These tumors can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. Because of their subtle and varied presentation, they can be overlooked until symptoms become severe. Cardiac imaging, such as transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiogram (TTE/TEE) is essential to accurate diagnosis. While traditional management involves open thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a less invasive alternative in select cases. Close follow-up with cardiology is important for management of supraventricular arrythmias that may occur after surgery. 

Case Presentation
A 49-year-old woman with no significant past medical history began experiencing dizziness, fatigue, chest discomfort, and near-syncopal episodes over a two-month period, worse with her typical exercise and running patterns. Initial neurologic evaluation, including brain MRI, showed a small colloid cyst and nonspecific left parietal findings but no clear explanation for her symptoms. An initial cardiac evaluation, which did not include imaging, was unremarkable and reassurance was given. After persistent symptoms, her primary care provider ordered a TTE, which revealed a large, mobile mass measuring 6.3 x 3.6 cm nearly filling the left atrium and prolapsing into the left ventricle, suspicious for a myxoma. She was urgently referred and underwent coronary angiography, which showed normal vessels and incidental blood flow to the mass. The patient quickly proceeded to surgical resection of the mass via thoracotomy. Pathology confirmed a left atrial myxoma measuring 6.2 x 5.5 x 2.5 cm. Postoperatively, she developed symptomatic atrial flutter with rates >200 bpm, thought to have stemmed from the right atriotomy during surgery. It was initially managed with TEE-guided cardioversion and ultimately resolved with catheter ablation. She has since returned to sinus rhythm and normal activity.
Discussion
This case highlights how cardiac myxomas can present with vague, nonspecific symptoms and mimic neurologic conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis. In this patient, echocardiography was critical in identifying the underlying cause of her symptoms. Prompt surgical resection prevented potential complications such as embolism or sudden cardiac death. The patient’s postoperative atrial arrhythmias underscore the importance of ongoing cardiac monitoring and follow-up. Clinicians should consider cardiac etiologies in patients with unexplained presyncope or exertional symptoms, especially when neurologic workup is inconclusive. Early detection and multidisciplinary care can lead to excellent outcomes in cases like this.


Unexplained Presyncope Unveils a Cardiac Myxoma: A Case of Delayed Diagnosis

Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) is a rare condition characterized by hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction not caused by cardiac disease, pericardial disease, or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. We present a case of BCS initially mistaken for metastatic liver cancer, highlighting the diagnostic challenge posed by its variable radiologic appearance.
A 36-year-old woman with a past medical history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and distension, nausea, bilious vomiting, and bilateral lower extremity edema. She had been diagnosed with IBS by her primary care provider after months of abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. She denied alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use, and her only medication was an oral contraceptive pill. On presentation, she was hemodynamically stable. Laboratory studies were notable for WBC 12.09 × 10⁹/L, total bilirubin 1.9 mg/dL, and alkaline phosphatase 172 U/L; AST and ALT were within normal limits. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed hepatic parenchymal heterogeneity with nodular, enhancing foci and moderate ascites. A viral hepatitis panel was negative, and CA-125 was elevated at 237 U/mL. MRI revealed an abnormal, heterogeneous liver with morphologic distortion, and compression, but no occlusion, of the hepatic veins. Persistent ascites and omental abnormalities raised concern for peritoneal carcinomatosis. Differential considerations included multifocal hepatic adenomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, or metastatic disease. The caliber of the hepatic veins suggested possible BCS. A percutaneous liver biopsy and peritoneal fluid cytology were obtained. Liver histology showed cirrhotic changes consistent with BCS, without evidence of malignancy. Cytology of ascitic fluid was negative for malignant cells. Additional workup, including alpha-fetoprotein (2.8 ng/mL), autoimmune liver markers, and ceruloplasmin, was unremarkable. The patient was diagnosed with cirrhosis secondary to BCS with features of portal hypertension. She underwent Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) placement, which reduced the portosystemic gradient from 15 mmHg to 8 mmHg. The patient’s symptoms resolved and she was discharged home on lactulose and apixaban.
This case illustrates how Budd-Chiari syndrome can mimic hepatic malignancy on imaging due to liver heterogeneity and nodularity, vascular distortion, hepatomegaly and ascites. Early recognition and appropriate intervention, such as TIPS, can lead to clinical improvement and avoidance of unnecessary oncologic treatments. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for BCS in patients presenting with abnormal liver imaging, ascites, and risk factors for venous thrombosis. Timely biopsy and hepatic venous assessment are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome Masquerading as Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Pediatric dog bites frequently result in imaging evaluations, but geographic disparities influencing these practices are poorly understood. This study investigates whether rurality of patient residence, defined by Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes, impacts imaging use in pediatric dog-bite injuries.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS), which included 13,901 pediatric dog-bite encounters across 45 U.S. children's hospitals from 2021 to 2022. Patient residences were categorized by RUCA codes, ranging from 1 (most urban) to 10 (most rural). Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for demographics, insurance status, hospital disposition, and length of hospital stay, assessing associations between RUCA codes and the likelihood of diagnostic imaging (e.g., radiographs, CT scans, ultrasounds).

Results: Imaging was performed in 21.5% (2,992/13,901) of pediatric dog-bite encounters. Stratification by RUCA classification revealed an increasing trend of imaging use in more rural areas, with the lowest imaging rates in the most urban groups and the highest in the most rural groups. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between RUCA codes and imaging utilization (p = .002), accounting for approximately 72% of the variance in imaging rates (R² = 0.72). Logistic regression further indicated that each one-point RUCA increase was independently associated with higher odds of imaging (β = 0.042 per RUCA point; OR ≈ 1.04 per point; p = .0016). Additionally, longer hospital stays were significantly linked to increased imaging utilization (β = 0.341 per day; OR ≈ 1.41 per day; p < .001).

Conclusion: Pediatric patients from rural areas are significantly more likely to undergo diagnostic imaging for dog-bite injuries than their urban counterparts. This disparity likely reflects differences in available resources, clinical practice patterns, and provider experience rather than differences in injury severity. Although imaging may provide reassurance in rural settings, unnecessary utilization raises concerns about excess radiation exposure and healthcare costs. These findings emphasize the importance of establishing standardized, evidence-based imaging guidelines and enhancing pediatric-specific resources in rural trauma centers to ensure equitable and appropriate pediatric trauma care.

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