Understanding the Barriers and Benefits to Scholarly Writing Among Internal Medicine Residents: A Pilot Study of an Innovative Education Method.

Background This study addresses the participation gap in scholarly activities among internal medicine residents. While the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education emphasizes the importance of these activities, the variability in their definition and support across residency programs presents a challenge. This study investigates these discrepancies and aims to identify the specific barriers and benefits residents perceive in scholarly writing, especially in case report writing, and to propose effective educational interventions. Methodology A voluntary online survey, pre- and post-educational intervention, was conducted among residents at Sparrow Hospital, Michigan State University. The intervention comprised a two-hour session focusing on case report writing, presentation skills, scientific literature searches, and research project engagement. Responses were obtained on a five-point Likert scale, and the data were analyzed as respective frequencies and percentages. Results Of 45 residents, 23 completed the pre-survey. With a response rate of 51% from the internal medicine residents, the post-intervention data revealed considerable improvement in the residents' understanding and appreciation of scholarly activities. There was a marked enhancement in their skills related to scientific literature search and in recognizing the benefits of scholarly engagement. Additionally, the intervention successfully increased their confidence in presenting scholarly work, networking, and identifying relevant venues for their research. Conclusions The study highlights the challenges residents face in scholarly activities, such as lack of training and mentorship. It suggests that focused workshops and mentorship can significantly enhance residents' research skills and confidence.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Nail-Patella Syndrome: A Case Report.

Nail-patella syndrome (NPS) is a rare genetic disorder with multiple skeletal deformities and a variety of extra-skeletal involvements. We present a 17-year-old male with a clinical tetrad of skeletal abnormalities, multiple bony deformities, advanced renal failure, hypothyroidism, and dilated cardiomyopathy. A clinical diagnosis of NPS was made, supported by radiographic findings, and corroborated by compatible renal biopsy results. There are very few published reports describing the association of dilated cardiomyopathy with this syndrome. A high index of suspicion is needed to make this diagnosis, given myriads of multi-systemic manifestations.

Hypertensive Emergency As Initial Presentation of Systemic Sclerosis Sine Scleroderma.

Hypertensive emergency is a common cause of emergency room (ER) visits. Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is one of the rare causes of hypertensive emergency. SRC is a life-threatening condition that presents with acute onset severe hypertension accompanied by retinopathy, encephalopathy, and rapidly worsening renal function. We present a case of hypertensive emergency and renal failure with positive anti-Scl 70 and RNA polymerase III which is characteristic of SRC. Despite appropriate supportive care and timely treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, the patient progressed to end-stage kidney disease.

Unexplained Bromide Toxicity Presenting as Hyperchloremia and a Negative Anion Gap.

A high serum bromide level can cause erroneously high serum chloride levels measured through routine assays. Here, we describe a case of pseudohyperchloremia in which routine labs showed a negative anion gap and elevated chloride levels measured with ion-selective assay. The serum chloride level was found to be lower when measured with a chloridometer that employs a colorimetric method of quantification. The initial serum bromide level was elevated at 1100 mg/L that was confirmed by repeating the test that again showed an elevated level of 1600 mg/L and appeared to cause erroneous hyperchloremia when using conventional serum chloride quantification methods. Our case highlights lab errors and factitious hyperchloremia as a cause of the negative anion gap caused by bromism, even without a clear history of bromide exposure. The case also underscores the importance of chloride measurement using both colorimetric methods and ion-selective assay in the case of hyperchloremia.

A Case of Successful Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use for the Treatment of Warfarin-Induced Vasculitis in a Patient With Left Ventricular Thrombus.

Cutaneous small vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is isolated to the dependent areas of the skin. LCV can be induced by pharmaceutical drugs, and management requires abrupt discontinuation of the offending drug. Warfarin is a rare medication to cause LCV, with sparse literature to date. Here, we present a case of warfarin-induced LCV, complicated by a patient's comorbid left ventricular thrombus, and successful treatment with discontinuation of warfarin and replacement with a direct oral anticoagulant (apixaban).

Effect of Immunosuppressive Diseases and Rituximab Infusions on Allowing COVID-19 Infection to Relapse.

INTRODUCTION: Relapsing COVID-19 infections have been reported, but their etiology and severity are still unknown. In addition, there have been no cases in the literature that associate relapsing infection with immunosuppression, either from a disease course or medications. CASE PRESENTATION: This case series illustrates two patients who developed a relapsed infection, likely from recent rituximab infusions. In addition, both cases depicted a severe form of infection than the initial one. Laboratory investigations revealed these patients were unable to produce COVID-19 antibodies, even though one of the patients received convalescent plasma. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of relapsing COVID-19, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Because rituximab induces B-cell depletion, it can also decrease the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, these patients should receive the vaccine before their scheduled rituximab infusion.