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AMA Research Challenge 2022

Protein S Deficiency in Pregnancy

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Welcome to the largest national, multi-specialty research event **featuring research from 750 medical students, residents and fellows, and international medical graduates.**


#### Event Details
The 2022 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. Log in at any time throughout the event to:
* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Laurel Road.
 

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**Oct. 20, 6 — 7 p.m. Central**
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 **Speakers**
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Ricardo Correa, MD, EdD
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Stuart M. Greenstein, MD
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Stephanie Strohbeen, MD
 
 **Oct. 22, 11 a.m. — Noon Central**
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 **Speakers**
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Jessica Li, MD/PhD Candidate
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Charles Lopresto, DO

### Sponsor
AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in the judging or scoring process to select the winner. The winner will be announced on Dec. 7 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

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Welcome to the largest national, multi-specialty research event featuring research from 750 medical students, residents and fellows, and international medical graduates.


Background: Herpes infections can be dormant and recurrent in patients and in the eye, can cause corneal scarring. This coupled with cataracts in patients leaves them blinded with no treatment options since the herpetic scars will reoccur if removed. 
 
Case Presentation: A 72 year old Caucasian female was referred with a Herpetic corneal scar post a prior LASIK surgery. Her best corrected vision was a distorted 20/60 with an irregular cornea. Using Excimer Laser Corneoplastique™, her cornea was brought to a measurable outcome which then allowed her to undergo accurate premium cataract surgery. 
 
Discussion: By using a two step surgical method, the patient was able to achieve emmetropia, a feat normally not possible for most herpes patients. Each problem was separately addressed: first the corneal scar secondary to herpes, and next the cataracts with a Corneoplastique technique.

Converting Irregular Herpes Cornea to Regular for Accurate Premium Cataract Surgery to 20/20

Abstract Title: Impact of Pregnancy on Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Series of 13 Patients
Richard Pellizzari BS, Nathan Lambert-Cheatham DO, Nathaniel Pasmanter DO, PhD, Beom Lee BS, Neysa Miller BS, Lina Nagia DO, David Kaufman DO

Background
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome in which intracranial pressure is elevated due to unknown causes leading to papilledema and potentially permanent vision loss. Due to the association of weight gain to worsening papilledema, it has been believed that pregnancy induced weight gain could worsen IIH exacerbations. Current literature has challenged this assertion. These findings have raised questions about the impact of pregnancy in IIH and how this differs from weight gain outside the context of pregnancy. To explore these questions, our study reviews the changes in papilledema and symptoms in pregnant IIH patients at Michigan State University.

Methods
Charts were reviewed for patients who had diagnoses of IIH, had at least two clinic visits with neuro-ophthalmology, were seen during pregnancy, and did not have prior surgery for IIH. Data collected included demographics, weight/BMI, gestation, diagnostic studies (OCTs, Humphrey visual fields, head imaging, lumbar punctures), clinical tests (visual acuity, color vision, alignments, disc edema grade), and treatments. For analysis, data collected during pregnancy was compared to data from their initial IIH diagnosis, their baseline exam prior to pregnancy, and their first clinical visit after delivery.

Results
13 patients were identified who met selection criteria. 11/13 patients gained more than their previous exacerbation weight. 8/13 patients gained more weight than their goal during pregnancy. 6/13 had pharmacologic therapy for IIH discontinued during pregnancy. 3/13 patients developed a clinically significant increase in disc edema during pregnancy. 2/3 of the patients developed optic nerve atrophy and new visual field defects post pregnancy.

Conclusion
In our case series, most patients had risk factors for worsening papilledema including increased weight from initial exacerbation, weight gains over goal for pregnancy, and discontinuation of pharmacologic therapy. With these risk factors, we would expect most patients to have worsening papilledema. Despite this, only 3 patients had worsening papilledema. This finding suggest that weight gain during pregnancy likely has less impact on papilledema than traditional weight gain in IIH.

Impact of Pregnancy Weight Gain on Papilledema and Vision in IIH Patients: A Case Series


Abstract Title: MOG-Positive Optic Neuritis In A Child Presenting With Bilateral Disc Edema And Pre-Retinal Hemorrhage

Rasika Sudharshan1, Mark S. Borchert2, Melinda Y. Chang2
1USC Keck School of Medicine, 2Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Ophthalmology 

Background
Our case discusses an 8-year-old male with no relevant past medical history or trauma, who presented with two weeks of progressive bilateral vision loss that acutely worsened over 3 days. This case demonstrates typical features of optic neuritis in children, including bilaterality, severe vision loss, disc edema, and the atypical finding of extensive retinal and preretinal hemorrhages in the macula. 

Case Presentation
On presentation, his visual acuity was light perception with dilated and poorly reactive pupils. Fundus exam showed bilateral optic disc edema (with pallor) and retinal venous tortuosity without cotton wool spots. Pupil exam showed a right RAPD. His left fundus exam was also significant for preretinal and intraretinal hemorrhages. Lumbar puncture showed an elevated opening pressure (36mmH2O) with normal glucose, abnormal protein at 77, and mildly elevated pleocytosis at 12. Brain MRI showed an incidental small posterior fossa arachnoid cyst but no white matter lesions, and orbit MRI showed bilateral optic nerve enhancement consistent with optic neuritis, right greater than left. Lab tests showed a normal CBC and a MOG-Ab positive titer level of 1:100. 

After six doses of IV methylprednisolone and completion of five days of plasmapheresis, visual acuity improved to 10/200 OD and 20/100 OS. Then, after three rounds of IVIG and prednisone taper, his visual acuity improved to 20/80 and 20/30. Forty-eight days after treatment, bilateral optic disc edema and retinal hemorrhages resolved. His final examination showed bilateral optic atrophy OU and visual acuity of 20/40 OD and 20/20 OS. 

Discussion
Due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) on lumbar puncture and intra- and preretinal hemorrhages, papilledema or leukemia were considered. Increased ICP has not been consistently reported in patients with MOG-Ab ON, and ICP was believed to be falsely elevated in this case due to excessive hypercapnia associated with sedation. Retinal hemorrhages are rare in optic neuritis, which typically occurs without disc edema in adults. In children, optic neuritis may be associated with disc edema and peripapillary hemorrhages in severe cases, especially in those with MOG-Ab positivity. This is the first case, to our knowledge, of preretinal hemorrhage in the macula associated with MOG-Ab positive optic neuritis.


MOG-Positive Optic Neuritis In A Child Presenting With Bilateral Disc Edema And Pre-Retinal Hemorrhage

Background: Pigmentary retinal dystrophy (PRD) is a group of inherited disorders involving the progressive degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which can progress to pigmentary retinopathy (PR). We present a case of PRD in a female pediatric patient with mutations in the PRPH2 and PEX1 genes.

Case Presentation: A 4-year-old female patient presented to the pediatric ophthalmologist with concern for developmental delay and “feeling around for objects” despite full-time glasses wear. Comprehensive evaluation revealed visual acuities of 20/180 in the right eye and 20/270 in the left eye via Teller cards, hyperopia with astigmatism, extensive retinal pigmentation 360° in the mid-periphery, and decreased foveal reflexes that were concerning for macular edema bilaterally. Optical Coherence Tomography of the macula revealed thickened retinal segments and schisis/edema of the outer retinal segments. The patient was also diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Subsequent genetic evaluation yielded pathogenic homozygous mutation for the PEX1 c.2528G>A, p. (Gly843Asp) gene and a heterozygous mutation for the PRPH2 c.806C>G, p. (Thr269Arg) gene. Treatment for severe macular edema has included topical dorzolamide and intravitreal dexamethasone injection with successful improvement in macular edema and vision.


Discussion: The PEX1 gene mutation is associated with peroxisome biogenesis disorder-Zellweger syndrome spectrum (PBD-ZSS) and resulting retinal dystrophies. Furthermore, the PRPH2 mutation may play a role in macular edema and PRD, as it is implicated in macular degeneration, choroid defects, and photoreceptor dysfunction. This case demonstrates the potential for multiple gene etiologies in a single patient with PRD and the significant resulting visual impairment. Ocular findings in historical cases of PBD-ZSS have consistently included loss of photoreceptors, RPE, and ganglion cells. Retinal pigment dispersion, optic disc pallor and hypoplasia, and narrowed retinal arterioles were also consistently observed. PBD-ZSS has less consistently been associated with cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal clouding. Treatment remains supportive, aiming to control macular edema and correct refractive errors.

Retinal Dystrophy associated with Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorder-Zellweger Syndrome Spectrum

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae, a gram-negative anaerobic rod-shaped bacterium, is a rare cause of endogenous endophthalmitis. We describe a case of Klebsiella endophthalmitis presenting with a uniquely rapid time course and evidence of intraocular abscesses.

Case Presentation: 
A 37-year-old Hispanic male, with no known ocular history and a past medical history significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus and recent diagnosis of COVID19, was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath, chest pain and hyperglycemia. Ophthalmology was consulted due to subjective change in vision in the right eye. On examination, his near visual acuity was 20/40 and 20/25 in the right eye and left eye, respectively. Funduscopic exam was notable for mild macular edema with exudates and scattered intraretinal hemorrhages in the right eye, which was attributed to diabetic retinopathy. 
One day after the ophthalmologic consultation, the patient acutely decompensated requiring intubation and transfer to the MICU. Blood cultures grew gram negative rods speciating to Klebsiella. Two days later, he was noted to have worsening redness in the right eye, and ophthalmology was re-consulted. Fundoscopic exam at this time was limited, but showed inferonasal white-centered hemorrhages. B-scan ultrasound demonstrated vitreous debris with a grossly attached retina. He was started on treatment for endophthalmitis with intravitreal antibiotic injections. 
Subsequent repeat examinations showed continued decreased visual acuity to light perception (LP), then no light perception in the right eye and development of a near total retinal detachment. Goals of care were discussed, and a decision was made to focus on comfort measures for the right eye, less than a month after his initial examination.

Discussion: In contrast to previously published case reports, our patient had a bedside visual acuity of 20/40 upon initial consultation which, within six days of the initial evaluation, worsened to LP. This rapid deterioration of vision is likely a function of the bacteria’s quick doubling time of 2.31 hours. Due to the rapidly progressive nature of Klebsiella endogenous endophthalmitis, we recommend to primary teams to consult ophthalmology for daily funduscopic examinations once blood cultures have confirmed the causative organism.


Unrelenting Vision Loss: The Virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Background:
Posterior labral tears are common in the shoulders of collision athletes and frequently present with instability and dysfunction. These can be successfully stabilized arthroscopically, but it is essential to identify and treat the full extent of the injury, especially in high demand athletes. We present a surgical technique utilized to repair a 180˚ posterior and inferior labrum tear in a professional collision athlete with symptomatic posterior instability.

Indications:
Arthroscopic stabilization of posterior labral tears is indicated in athletes with recurrent instability events and the inability to return to their previous level of play with nonoperative management.

Technique Description:
This arthroscopic 180˚ posterior and inferior labral repair is performed in the lateral decubitus position. An EUA helps guide surgical management, as identifying and treating the full extent of the labral tear is essential for successful management. An accessory posteroinferior 7 o’clock portal is necessary for low posterior anchor placement. Stability is critical in collision athletes so slightly overtightening the shoulder is optimal, and large bites in the capsule allow for an aggressive capsular shift. Multiple suture tapes are utilized per anchor, increasing the number of fixation points in the capsule and labrum, creating a very robust repair. A large spread between sutures in the same anchor is avoided to prevent bunching of the labrum. Percutaneous anchors are placed to completely address superior and anterior extension.

Results
Arner, McClincy and Bradley have shown very successful outcomes following posterior labral repairs in American football players. 93% returned to play with 79% returning at the same level, and 96.5% were satisfied with the procedure. They showed these players can safely return to contact sports at 6 months following surgery. Our patient followed a similar course, returning to professional collision sports at 6 months post op and was very satisfied with his outcome.

Discussion/Conclusions:
Arthroscopic posterior labral repair can be a very successful procedure if the full extent of the labral tear is identified and addressed. Robust fixation and an aggressive capsular shift are the goals in collision athletes.


180˚ Posterior and Inferior Labral Tear in A Professional Collision Athlete with Symptomatic Posterior Shoulder Instability, A Case Report.

Background
Compartment syndrome (CS) is a known and severe complication of extremity injury and can result in permanent loss of limb function and vital organ damage. CS typically develops within 48 hours of injury and may be diagnosed clinically or with direct compartment manometry. Here we will present a polytrauma patient who developed CS 13 days after intramedullary fixation of a tibial diaphysis fracture.

Case Presentation
Our patient was a 38-year-old male who presented to our facility as a level 2 trauma after being struck by a car while on his bicycle. Examination and radiographic studies were significant for left mid-shaft tibia fracture with associated fibular shaft fracture and nondisplaced posterior malleolar fracture, left nondisplaced scapular body fracture, and right distal third clavicle fracture. Left lower extremity was splinted with strict ice and elevation with compartment checks performed every four hours. He underwent percutaneous fixation of the posterior malleolus and intramedullary fixation of the tibial shaft fracture on the morning of hospital day 1 with simple posterior slab splint application. Postoperatively, compartment checks were continued, and he demonstrated no signs or symptoms concerning for compartment syndrome. He presented to clinic on post-operative day 13 with complaints of new onset paresthesia and increasing pain. Splint was removed in clinic where left leg was noted to be very firm to palpation, and patient expressed increased pain with passive motion of the great toe, findings concerning for compartment syndrome. Direct compartment manometry was then performed using Stryker Intra-Compartmental Pressure Monitor System finding compartment pressure as follows: Anterior 49 mmHg, lateral 41 mmHg, superficial posterior 31 mmHg, and deep posterior 30 mmHg. Patient was deemed to have compartment syndrome at this time, and went for urgent four-compartment fasciotomy of the left leg with negative pressure wound therapy device application.

Discussion
Intracompartmental pressure may increase during reduction and intramedullary nailing, but intramedullary nailing is not associated with an increased risk for developing compartment syndrome. Although this patient went on to an uneventful outcome from this fracture and subsequent CS, his experience demonstrates the need for increased suspicion if clinical signs and symptoms are concerning.



Compartment Syndrome in Polytrauma Patient

Background
Talar neck fractures are an uncommon injury, representing less than one percent of bony injuries of the foot (Shamrock & Byerly, 2022). They are associated with high-energy trauma, such as MVCs. Due to the risk of avascular necrosis, recognition and treatment are crucial (Matthews et al., 2022). Surgical treatment employs a dual anteromedial and anterolateral incision approach with open reduction and internal fixation (Lee et al., 2020). Post-traumatic arthritis or osteonecrosis can lead to fair to poor functional outcomes.

Case Presentation
A 23-year-old Asian-American male presented to an urgent care with a chief complaint of right ankle pain after landing awkwardly during a recreational basketball game. The patient had no significant past medical history or medications. Interestingly, he was a first-year medical student.

On examination, the patient was unable to bear weight on his right foot with diffuse pain in his ankle and hindfoot. The right foot had intact skin with edema and ecchymosis to the lateral ankle with limited range of motion and was resting in a slightly plantarflexed and inverted position. Radiographs and CT scans demonstrated a fracture of the right talar neck, warranting a referral to orthopedics. Orthopedics confirmed a talar neck fracture with subtalar subluxation. 

A standard anteromedial and anterolateral approach was used for open reduction internal fixation. Two pilot holes were drilled into both the lateral and medial talar neck and pointed reduction clamps provided reduction. Two 3 mm headless compression screws were placed laterally, and two 4 mm headless compression screws were placed medially through the talar neck. Two 2.5 mm headless compression screws affixed a portion of displaced articular cartilage, achieving anatomic reduction. The patient was placed in a short leg splint and remained non-weight-bearing until seven weeks postoperative. One year postoperative, the patient ambulates with no limitations.

Discussion
This case demonstrates a low-energy mechanism of injury for a talus fracture. This patient presented similarly to an ankle sprain or fracture due to diffuse pain and mechanism of injury. Intolerance to weight-bearing, diffuse pain, and edema warranted radiographs and CT, leading to prompt diagnosis. Surgery sought to improve healing rates while allowing an early range of motion. Despite the high rate of poor outcomes following talar fractures, the patient had an excellent outcome with a full range of motion and normal gait. 

Sources:

1. Shamrock AG, Byerly DW. Talar Neck Fractures. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 2, 2022.
2. Matthews AH, Davis DD, Fish MJ, Stitson D. Avascular Necrosis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; April 16, 2022.
3. Lee C, Brodke D, Perdue PW Jr, Patel T. Talus Fractures: Evaluation and Treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2020;28(20):e878-e887. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-20-00116





Medical Student Sustains a Basketball-Related Talus Fracture

Introduction: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in the United States. With nearly 500,000 cases performed annually, the success rate has been estimated to be around 90-95%. Known complications from THA are classified into early or late stages. The association between arterial thrombotic events such as ischemic colitis (IC) and acute limb ischemia following THA has not been highly reported. 

Case Report: 62-year-old male nine days status post right THA presented to ED for altered mental status. On arrival, BP was 95/57, HR 104, and O2 sat 88% on 10L NC. The bilateral lower extremities were swollen and cool to touch with absent DP pulses. The abdomen was distended with diffuse tenderness. CT abdomen/pelvis was concerning, and the decision to proceed with exploratory laparotomy was made. Upon entry into the peritoneum, foul-smelling, purulent fluid was present. It was evident that the patient had an ischemic left colon in the distribution of the IMA with sparing of the rectum. The ischemic colon was resected, and an ostomy was brought out. Despite aggressive resuscitation attempts, the patient continued to worsen and remained intubated. On postoperative day 7, due to severe acidosis and deteriorating multiorgan failure, the patient's family opted to withdraw care. 

Discussion: To our knowledge, there has been only one published report of mesenteric ischemia following THA. The standard of care following THA to prevent thromboembolism has changed over the last ten years from Warfarin to direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), with recent literature describing the beneficial efficacy of monotherapy with aspirin. Due to life-threatening complications, strict compliance with VTE prophylaxis is necessary for all post-operative patients.

Conclusion: With THA volume increasing yearly, we aim to emphasize the importance of recognizing these rare and potentially devastating postoperative vascular complications.


Next from AMA Research Challenge 2022

Converting Irregular Herpes Cornea to Regular for Accurate Premium Cataract Surgery to 20/20

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