ABSTRACT
African Americans continue to have a low rate of colonoscopy screening despite the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce's (USPSTF) recommendations and its proven benefits. Colonoscopy has proven to be an effective screening and therapeutic procedure. Understanding the root cause of the problem is a crucial step toward achieving the desired colonoscopy rate among this population. This paper evaluates factors that contribute to the underutilization of colonoscopy. The paper also analyzes strategies that could be maximized to increase colonoscopy rates, minimize colorectal cancer inequalities, and promote optimal colorectal health among African Americans.
ABSTRACT
Artificial intelligence (AI) has birthed the new "big thing" in modern medicine. It promises to bring about safer and improved care that will be beneficial to patients and become a helpful tool in the hands of a skilled physician. Despite its anticipation, however, the implementation and usage of AI are still in their elementary phases, particularly due to legal and ethical considerations that border on "data." These challenges should not be brushed aside but rather be recognized and resolved to enable acceptance by all relevant stakeholders without prejudice. Once these challenges can be overcome, AI will truly revolutionize the field of medicine with improved diagnostic accuracy, a reduction in physician burnout, and an enhanced treatment modality. It is therefore paramount that AI be embraced by physicians and integrated into medical education in order to be well-prepared for our role in the future of medicine.
ABSTRACT
Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary artery anomaly involving an overlying myocardium's partial or complete encasement of a coronary artery segment. The obstruction can lead to significant cardiac symptoms, resulting in myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. Several approaches, including invasive and non-invasive methods, have been proposed to diagnose and manage MB. Invasive modalities, such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and coronary angiography, offer high specificity and sensitivity. In contrast, non-invasive methods like Doppler ultrasound, multislice computed tomography (MSCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are advantageous due to their non-invasive nature, high sensitivity and specificity, and cost-effectiveness. Treatment options for MB mainly focus on relieving symptoms and preventing adverse outcomes. The use of pharmacological agents and surgical and percutaneous interventions has been documented in numerous studies. Studies conclude that MB is a treatable cardiac anomaly, and a combined approach of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up is necessary to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.
