United States

The anterior spinal artery (ASA) supplies the vascular distribution to the anterior ⅔ of the spinal cord. This distribution contains many crucial afferent and efferent tracts, including the spinothalamic tracts and corticospinal tracts. Compromise of this tissue can cause extreme morbidity and even mortality. 

Perfusion to neural tissue is the difference between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intrathecal pressure. The importance of maintaining MAP goals for treating spinal cord ischemia is well documented. However, reducing intrathecal pressure via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage may also help restore and maintain adequate cord perfusion. CSF diversion is well-documented to improve spinal cord perfusion during aortic surgery, and mounting evidence demonstrates its utility following spinal cord injury. However, there have been very few reports detailing the efficacy of CSF diversion via lumbar drainage in spinal cord ischemia unrelated to aortic surgery or traumatic spinal cord injury.

We describe the use of CSF diversion through a lumbar drain in the treatment of ASA syndrome in a 72-year-old female.


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Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage for the Treatment of Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome 

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CASE REPORT – INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF BENIGN BREAST TUMOR IN 93-YEAR-OLD MALE
Gavin Crist, OMS-II1, Jeffrey D. Goodwin, OMS-II1, Joseph Davenport, OMS-II1, Ben Brooks, PhD, MBA2 
1. College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT USA 
2. Department of Clinical Education, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT USA 

Introduction – Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common breast cancer in men but represents less than 1% percent of breast carcinomas diagnosed in the US annually. To date, there is only one identifiable male case reporting carcinoma in the same breast following surgical resection of a benign neoplasm. This case report aims to document an incredibly rare occurrence of IDC in the same location as a previously removed benign neoplasm in a 93-year-old man. 
Case description – A 93-year-old male presented to the surgical oncologist with newly diagnosed left breast cancer, determined to be IDC by a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy. He had a long history of lumps on the left side including gynecomastia at age 20, which was treated without surgery, and a lump that was excised in his late 50s, a (patient-reported) teratoma. A left mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy was performed. The tumor was confirmed IDC, grade 2, 2.5 cm, margins >10 mm, negative lymph nodes (0/6), ER positive (strong, 90%), PR positive (strong, 85%), HER2 negative, Ki-67 15%, Magee score 14, stage IIA (pT2N0). The patient reported no postoperative complications with well controlled pain. 
Discussion – The development of IDC in the same location as a previously resected benign tumor is unusual but highlights the importance of long-term surveillance in patients with a history of breast lesions. The presence of benign precursor lesions, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), can increase the risk of subsequent invasive cancer. In this case, the long interval between the benign tumor and the IDC suggests a de novo malignancy rather than a recurrence with transformation. A retrospective cohort study done by Visscher, et al. showed a correlation between benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer in women, with 9.4% of BBD becoming breast cancer.1 Although no published studies have identified recurrence rates of benign tumors in men, the recurrence rate in women is between three and six percent.2,3 An estimation of the likelihood of benign recurrence with subsequent transformation would be approximately 0.28-0.56%. Although there is no data available to estimate the probability of breast cancer occurring in the same location as a benign tumor over 30 years post-surgery, there is one other documented occurrence where a benign, resected tumor preceded IDC in a male.4 
Conclusion – The scarcity of cases, low likelihood of recurrence with transformation, and long interval between tumors demonstrate the need for consistent vigilance and follow-up care in men with a history of benign breast tumors.
References:
1. Visscher DW, Frost MH, Hartmann LC, et al. Clinicopathologic features of breast cancers that develop in women with previous benign breast disease. Cancer. 2016;122(3):378-385. doi:10.1002/cncr.29766
2. Benign and Low-Grade Fibroepithelial Neoplasms of the Breast Have Low Recurrence Rate After Positive Surgical Margins. Cowan ML, Argani P, Cimino-Mathews A. Modern Pathology : An Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc. 2016;29(3):259-65. doi:10.1038/modpathol.2015.157.
3. Risk of Local Recurrence of Benign and Borderline Phyllodes Tumors: A Danish Population-Based Retrospective Study. Borhani-Khomani K, Talman ML, Kroman N, Tvedskov TF. Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2016;23(5):1543-8. doi:10.1245/s10434-015-5041-y.
4. Nicosia L, Lissidini G, Sargenti M, et al. Ductal carcinoma in situ of the male breast: clinical radiological features and management in a cancer referral center. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2022;196(2):371-377. doi:10.1007/s10549-022-06689-y


Case Report - Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Following Removal of Benign Breast Tumor in 93-Year-Old Male

Background
Allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) represent a common adverse event, particularly with plasma rich blood components like platelets. While most are mild, severe (anaphylactic) reactions can occur, posing significant risks. The underlying pathophysiology is thought to involve complex interactions between donor factors and recipient susceptibility, often mediated by IgE but potentially involving other mechanisms like passive transfer of inflammatory mediators. Our study details two cases of anaphylactic reaction caused by platelet products from the same donor to explore potential underlying factors. 

Methods 

A retrospective investigation was initiated following the two reactions. To investigate potential mechanisms, we applied the Milliplex 48-plex human cytokine panel to compare levels of plasma cytokines in residual donor product, post-transfusion plasma from both affected recipients, and plasma from three random platelet units. All tests were performed in triplicate.

Results
Both reactions were reported as anaphylactic and resolved with epinephrine. Neither recipient had a prior history of allergy or ATRs. Hemovigilance investigation showed that both reactions linked to apheresis platelet units originating from the same donor who is previously a long-time and frequent donor, had donated a separate product two months earlier that also resulted in an anaphylactic reaction. Consequently, the donor was indefinitely deferred from the donor pool.

Cytokine analysis demonstrated that several pro-inflammatory cytokines were elevated in the remaining donor product, including notable increases in TNFa, IL-9, and IL-13, along with chemokines including CCL22 and CCL11. These cytokines are implicated in mast cell function, eosinophil recruitment, Th2 immunity, and IgE class-switching, all potentially contributing to or amplifying an allergic/anaphylactic state. Recipient post-transfusion plasma contained elevated levels of CCL2, IL-10, and IL-6, all inflammatory mediators known to be pre-stored in basophil granules and suggestive of an anaphylactic response.


Conclusion
These cases highlight the complex mechanisms of ATRs and suggest that anaphylactic transfusion reactions may be related to passively transfused biologically active mediators or other factors within the donor component, as evidenced by a single donor causing multiple anaphylactic reactions in different recipients across different donations. The findings underscore the importance of donor history review (identifying potentially problematic donors) and potential of personalized transfusion approaches to enhance patient safety and efficacy in transfusion medicine, setting the stage for further investigations for pathophysiology of ATRs. 



Anaphylactic Transfusion Reactions Linked to a Single Donor: Pathophysiological
Insights

Background: Wildfire ashes from the wildland-urban interface (WUI) can contain high levels of toxic metals, such as chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and incidental nanomaterials. We hypothesized that the viability of mouse atrioventricular cushion mesenchymal (AVM) cells has a negative dose dependent relationship with WUI wildfire ash.

Methods: Mouse AVM cells were seeded into wells at 5x105 cells/mL. After 24 hours the wells were treated with 42 fire ash supernatants at 0.1, 1, 2, 5, and 7.5 mg/mL. After incubation, a 5 mg/mL MTT (3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) solution was added. The solution was then aspirated and dimethyl sulfoxide was added. The absorbance of each well was then taken at 570 nm. The viability of the treated cells was estimated by comparison to controls on each plate. The desired toxic effect was less than or equal to 50% viability (LD50) after treatment. An unpaired t-test was used to compare the LD50 value to the control.

Results: Of the 42 samples tested, 23 showed a decrease in cell viability, 7 showed a decrease of 50% or more, and 6 showed an increase in cell viability. Over two thirds of the samples that achieved a 50% decrease in viability were structural or vehicular burns, such as those found in the WUI. Sample A-013, collected from a trailer, achieved LD50 at 5 mg/mL (p=0.0034). Sample A-031, collected from burned vegetation, had 46% viability at 7.5 mg/mL (p=0.0011). Sample A-081, collected from a burned oak, had 44% viability at 7.5 mg/mL (p=0.0006). Sample A-092, collected from burned artificial wood, showed 32% viability at 7.5 mg/mL (p=0.0019). Sample A-095, collected from a garage, had 44% viability at 5 mg/mL (p=0.0011). Sample A-096, collected from treated wood and burnt electronics, also had 44% viability at 5 mg/mL (p=0.0035). Sample NCWZ 4-B, collected from a burnt car, had a viability of 45% at 7.5 mg/mL (p=0.0161).

Conclusion: Tested WUI fire ashes showed significant toxicity. Samples with treated wood or trace metals were particularly toxic. These fire ash samples are highly prevalent in the WUI. Regardless, the tested fire ashes supported the hypothesis that the viability of AVM cells has a negative dose dependent relationship with WUI fire ash exposure. These results indicate that WUI fire ashes may cause significant cardiotoxicity in vivo. Further studies on the effects of fire ashes on developmental processes, such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition, will also aid in understanding how exposure may influence heart development.

Wildfire Heartburn: Wildfire Ash Induced Cardiotoxicity and Congenital Heart Defects

Background:
Dysferlinopathy encompasses a group of rare autosomal recessive muscular dystrophies caused by mutations in the DYSF gene, which encodes dysferlin, a protein critical for muscle membrane repair. The main clinical phenotypes include Miyoshi muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B, with a prevalence ranging from 1 in 14,000 to 1 in 2 million individuals. These disorders typically present with progressive proximal and/or distal muscle weakness. No disease-modifying treatments currently exist, and management remains supportive. While certain medications may exacerbate underlying muscle pathology, the interaction between psychiatric medications and genetic myopathies is underrecognized.

Objective: 
To describe a case of dysferlinopathy unmasked and worsened in the setting of atypical antipsychotic therapy, highlighting the importance of considering medication-related muscle toxicity in genetically susceptible individuals.

Case Presentation: 
A 23-year-old male with schizophrenia residing in a psychiatric facility presented with progressive muscle weakness and difficulty ambulating over one year. His symptoms coincided with initiation of monthly paliperidone palmitate. Neurologic examination revealed decreased muscle bulk, bilateral proximal upper extremity weakness (MRC 3/5), proximal lower extremity weakness (MRC 3/5), and hyporeflexia. Laboratory evaluation showed creatine kinase 6,100 U/L, AST 90 U/L, and ALT 150 U/L. Aldolase was within normal range. ANA, ANCA, SSA, SSB, anti-RNP, and anti-Jo antibodies were negative. ESR, CRP, TSH, and T4 were normal. Urinalysis, Hepatitis A/B/C, and HIV tests were negative. Testicular ultrasound and chest X-ray showed no evidence of malignancy. MRI of the lumbar spine demonstrated severe atrophy of the lumbosacral erector spinae muscles. Genetic testing confirmed a pathogenic DYSF mutation, consistent with dysferlinopathy. Muscle biopsy of the right thigh revealed marked fiber size variability, necrosis, regeneration, and increased connective tissue. Paliperidone palmitate was discontinued, and the patient received intravenous methylprednisolone, resulting in significant improvement in muscle strength and reduction of CK levels. He was discharged on aripiprazole and quetiapine with neurology follow-up.

Discussion:
This case highlights the potential for antipsychotic medications, particularly paliperidone palmitate, to exacerbate underlying neuromuscular disorders such as dysferlinopathy. Although antipsychotic-induced myopathy is rare, proposed mechanisms include mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and metabolic derangements. The temporal relationship between drug initiation, symptom progression, and improvement following discontinuation supports a drug-induced exacerbation superimposed on a genetic vulnerability. Early recognition and medication adjustment, combined with supportive therapy including corticosteroids, may facilitate meaningful recovery.

Conclusion:
Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for medication-induced worsening in patients presenting with unexplained weakness or elevated CK, particularly those on neuroleptics. This case underscores the need for careful psychopharmacologic management in individuals with known or potential neuromuscular disorders and calls for further research into safe psychiatric treatment strategies for patients with genetic muscle diseases.

The Mind-Muscle Mismatch: Dysferlinopathy Exacerbated By
Paliperidone

Abstract Title: 
Hypochlorous Acid as Adjunctive Therapy in Recalcitrant Postsurgical Endophthalmitis

Background:
Endophthalmitis is an intraocular infection after ocular surgery, optimally managed with urgent and aggressive treatment in order to prevent irreversible vision loss. Topical fortified antibiotics, intravitreal antibiotics, and systemic antibiotics are conventional treatments. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, has shown promise in the management of surface ocular disease but is largely unexplored in the management of intraocular infection. There is a need for adjunctive therapies in the management of recalcitrant endophthalmitis. The present report aims to evaluate the clinical utility of HOCl as an adjuvant in two instances and recommends it for use both in treatment and prophylaxis.

Case Presentation:
Two patients with postsurgical endophthalmitis unresponsive to conventional therapy received adjunctive HOCl 0.01% (Avenova, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals) as part of their treatment regimen.
Case 1: Endophthalmitis after pterygium surgery by the PERFECT technique in a pseudophakic patient.
Case 2: Infection after pars plana vitrectomy in a povidone-iodine-allergic patient, with preoperative use of chlorhexidine.
Both patients had severely impaired vision in spite of antibiotic therapy. HOCl was applied topically off-label. Outcomes were monitored by visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit lamp evaluation, and B-scan ultrasonography. Final visual acuity was the primary outcome.

Discussion:
Both patients had rapid response to HOCl, with resolution of infection within days and restoration of preoperative visual acuity. In the pterygium case, inflammation was severe, yet there was no recurrence at two years, and the patient achieved excellent cosmetic results. These findings are a testimony to the strength of the PERFECT technique and challenge the necessity for steroids after uncomplicated pterygium surgery. HOCl not only halted the progress of disease but also minimized risk of retinal complications. Therefore, HOCl seems to be a promising adjunct in the treatment of endophthalmitis and, as such, an excellent antiseptic choice in preoperative preparation of patients.

To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes HOCl usage in treating postsurgical infectious endophthalmitis.


Hypochlorous Acid as Adjunctive Therapy in Recalcitrant Postsurgical Endophthalmitis

Years of evidence and community accounts consistently highlight pervasive stigmatization against people experiencing homelessness (PEH) within the healthcare system. This stigma often results in healthcare providers excluding unhoused individuals from basic health services and dismissing their health concerns. Consequently, many unhoused individuals rely on emergency rooms as their primary source of care. Recognizing this issue, there is growing support for comprehensive training programs for physicians to provide trauma-informed care to unhoused individuals. This study aims to investigate the specific needs of the community regarding such a program. The study population comprises a group of (number of participants) unhoused individuals who frequent Recovery Cafe Indy in Indianapolis, a social support system for those in recovery. A needs assessment survey was conducted and analyzed to gather insights into their specific requirements. The results of this survey were used as a basis for support for the implementation of trauma-informed care training for physicians working with unhoused individuals. This survey found that unhoused folks strongly wanted to increase trauma-informed care training in their physicians and such training would increase their willingness to take care of their health. Trauma-informed care training for healthcare populations would greatly increase the quality of care given by physicians to unhoused populations. This could allow unhoused individuals to feel a sense of health security that may allow them to further their journey to recovery. Providing enhanced access to basic health services, particularly with a focus on trauma-informed care, would empower individuals to seek regular medical assistance confidently, thereby potentially reducing emergency room visits and alleviating financial burdens on hospitals.


Assessing the Need for Trauma‐Informed Care Training for Healthcare
Professionals Serving the Unhoused Population

Background
The Community Homeless Interprofessional Program (CHIP) serves as a vital resource for providing healthcare education and resources to underserved populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness in the Detroit metropolitan area. This interprofessional, student-run free walk-in clinic was developed in collaboration between health profession students and faculty of pharmacy, medicine, social work, law, and physical therapy within Wayne State University to help address social and health determinants of individuals experiencing homelessness. This project seeks to innovate by developing a comprehensive strategy to quantify and understand food insecurity within CHIP’s patient population, with a particular focus on the impact of the new United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements. With these efforts, CHIP aims to create a more informed and responsive care model that can be integrated into medical education and training.

Methods
The study collected and analyzed survey data from CHIP’s patient population to quantify the prevalence and severity of food insecurity and determine the percentage of patients subject to ABAWD work requirements under the new USDA guidelines. All patients seen at CHIP were screened for food insecurity using a homegrown survey between October 2024 and July 2025 and referred to the appropriate resources. Descriptive statistics were used. WSU IRB determined this research to be exempted. 

Results
Preliminary analysis reveals a complex relationship between food insecurity and homelessness among CHIP clients, emphasizing the significant impacts of nutritional deficiencies on this vulnerable population.

Conclusion
The results will inform the development of tailored interventions to address food insecurity and related health disparities within CHIP’s population. By integrating these insights into medical education and clinical practice, the project aligns with broader goals to optimize learning processes and improve patient outcomes, ultimately enhancing the scope and quality of care provided to underserved populations.

Evaluating Food Insecurity in the Setting of an Interprofessional Student-Run Free Clinic

Background: The purpose of this quality improvement study is to gain a deeper understanding of the metrics that influence patient satisfaction and identify which metrics correlate with decreased patient satisfaction scores at a family medicine outpatient residency clinic. Resident physicians work under the guidance of experienced attending physicians to refine their physician skills as they progress through their training. Patient satisfaction ratings can help physicians assess how their patients feel after their appointments and identify areas where patients would like to see improvement. Our goal is to develop initiatives that enhance patient interactions, improve our quality of care, and help train our residents to become effective family physicians.

Methods: An optional, anonymous, post-visit survey was offered to eligible adult patients for three weeks. The survey questions directly assessed five patient satisfaction metrics: continuity of care, trust, communication, confidence in managing healthcare needs at home, and access to resources. These metrics correlate with physician skills that our clinic values in effective family doctors.

Results: The average patient satisfaction rating for the clinic was 9.81 out of 10. 90.5% of patients reported they could not be more satisfied with the care they received. 60.3% of patients who saw attending physicians reported perceived continuity of care, while only 37.5% of patients who saw resident physicians reported the same. While a similar percentage of patients denied confidence in managing healthcare at home and access to resources, patients who denied access to resources were five times as likely to report lower satisfaction ratings. There was a strong correlation between the number of patient satisfaction metrics denied and lower patient satisfaction ratings for third-year residents and attendings; however, this correlation was weaker for second-year residents and inverted for first-year residents.

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in average patient satisfaction ratings between residents and attending physicians; however, the percentage of patients who could not be more satisfied with their care increased from PGY-1 to PGY-3, with third-year residents exceeding attending physicians in this regard. Patients trusted their physicians at all levels of training. Attending physicians had better perceived continuity of care with their patients. Although continuity of care was the most frequently denied patient satisfaction metric at our clinic, it did
not correlate with lower patient satisfaction ratings. The patient satisfaction metric that most significantly correlated with lower patient satisfaction ratings was access to resources.

Analysis of patient satisfaction metrics between family medicine residents and attending physicians

Background: Liver cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the United States (US), and is one of 13 different types of cancer related to obesity. Access to healthy food is a modifiable factor that reduces liver cancer morbidity and mortality risk, but residing in areas with no grocery store and greater access to unhealthy food options (i.e. food swamps) reduces healthy food access. Georgia ranks ninth in the US with low access to key food resources, with over 80% of Georgia counties having significantly high food swamp scores. The association between food swamps and liver cancer in Georgia is poorly elucidated, so we examined the county-level relationship between food swamps and liver cancer mortality in Georgia. 

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional (ecological) analysis using 2010 – 2020 data from the US Department of Agriculture Food Environment Atlas, US Census, and Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) Wonder database. A total of 86 rural Georgia counties were analyzed with complete information on food environment scores and liver cancer mortality. The ratio of fast food and convenience stores to grocery stores and farmer’s markets defined food swamps. Higher scores indicated greater access to unhealthy food resources. An age-adjusted, mixed-effects regression model was run for the association of food swamp scores with liver cancer mortality rates. 

Results: Rural Georgia counties with high liver cancer mortality rates had higher poverty rates (20.4 vs. 16.3), and food swamp scores (28.9 vs. 27.6) compared to counties with low mortality rates (p - value < 0.05). There were 50% increased odds of having high liver cancer mortality rates among Georgia counties with high food swamp scores vs. low food swamp scores (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 0.48 - 4.65) in fully adjusted models.  

Conclusions: We found a nonsignificant higher association between high food swamp scores and liver cancer mortality. Future steps include utilizing Georgia Cancer Center patient-level data to further elucidate the potential association between food swamps and liver cancer outcomes. New policy and governmental action should be prioritized regarding healthy food access for rural Georgia counties to combat obesity and cancer-related outcomes especially among disenfranchised populations.

The Association Between Food Swamps and Liver Cancer Mortality Among Rural Georgia

Concussions are a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function – typically caused by a head or body impact, which often impacts high school athletes. Post-injury accommodations vary by school, and teachers feel inadequately prepared for students' Return-to-Learning due to their perceived lack of knowledge. We looked at differences between teachers who do not coach and teachers who currently or previously coached a sport at James Campbell High School in ‘Ewa Beach, Hawai’i on their concussion detection and subsequent academic accommodations related knowledge and perceptions. An interview schedule was adapted using items from BAKPAC-TEACH. Teachers and teachers who were also coaches were invited to participate in focus group interviews via zoom. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed for themes using ChatGPT4.5 and the analysis was validated with manual content analysis. Both groups expressed dissatisfaction with their current training because it is ineffective as it is brief and provided alongside unrelated topics. There is a lack of guidelines on academic accommodations, and they wish for more accessible resources that outline accommodations and the Return-To-Learn criteria.

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Case Report - Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Following Removal of Benign Breast Tumor in 93-Year-Old Male

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