Universal EHRs Clinical Decision Support for Thromboprophylaxis in Medical Inpatients: A Cluster Randomized Trial.

Background: Thromboprophylaxis for medically ill patients during hospitalization and postdischarge remains underutilized. Clinical decision support (CDS) may address this need if embedded within workflow, interchangeable among electronic health records (EHRs), and anchored on a validated model.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of a universal EHR-integrated CDS tool based on the International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism plus D-Dimer venous thromboembolism model.

Whole brain radiation therapy resulting in radionecrosis: a possible link with radiosensitising chemoimmunotherapy.

Radionecrosis describes a rare but serious complication of radiation therapy. In clinical practice, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly used in combination with systemic therapy, including chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor and targeted therapy, either concurrently or sequentially. There is a paucity of literature regarding radionecrosis in patients receiving whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) alone (without additional SRS) in combination with immunotherapy or targeted therapies.

The abscopal effect: inducing immunogenicity in the treatment of brain metastases secondary to lung cancer and melanoma.

Purpose: The phenomenon of radiation therapy (RT) causing regression of targeted lesions as well as lesions outside of the radiation field is known as the abscopal effect and is thought to be mediated by immunologic causes. This phenomena has been described following whole brain radiation (WBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of brain metastasis (BM) in advanced melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We systematically reviewed the available literature to identify which radiation modality and immunotherapy (IT) combination may elicit the abscopal effect, the optimal timing of RT and IT, and potential adverse effects inherent to the combination of RT and IT.

Complement-mediated microvascular injury and thrombosis in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19: A review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes acute microvascular thrombosis in both venous and arterial structures which is highly associated with increased mortality. The mechanisms leading to thromboembolism are still under investigation. Current evidence suggests that excessive complement activation with severe amplification of the inflammatory response (cytokine storm) hastens disease progression and initiates complement-dependent cytotoxic tissue damage with resultant prothrombotic complications.

Use of Anticoagulants in COVID-19: A Review.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with elevated rates of major and fatal thrombotic events, postulated to be the result of a hypercoagulable state mediated through inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Early observational studies showed that disease severity and elevated serum D-dimer levels can predict thrombotic risk in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and reported an alarming phenomenon of breakthrough thrombosis despite standard-of-care prophylaxis, suggesting the need for enhanced thromboprophylactic strategies.

Areas Of Uncertainty: Data on anticoagulant agent selection, dosing, and duration for COVID-19 inpatients are now poised to inform updated professional society guidance.

External validation of the IMPROVE-DD risk assessment model for venous thromboembolism among inpatients with COVID-19.

There is a need to discriminate which COVID-19 inpatients are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) to inform prophylaxis strategies. The IMPROVE-DD VTE risk assessment model (RAM) has previously demonstrated good discrimination in non-COVID populations. We aimed to externally validate the IMPROVE-DD VTE RAM in medical patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

A Case of Laryngeal Tuberculosis, Endobronchial Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Coexistent in an Immunocompetent Host.

Historically associated with poor prognosis seen in advanced disease, laryngeal tuberculosis (LTB) now represents only 1% of all cases of tuberculosis (TB). The incidence of LTB has decreased drastically with the introduction of anti-tubercular drugs. LTB can be primary or secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Bevacizumab-Induced Pneumonitis in a Patient With Metastatic Colon Cancer: A Case Report.

Bevacizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor-directed humanized monoclonal antibody used to treat many types of cancer and some eye diseases. Due to inhibition of angiogenesis, many adverse reactions such as bowel necrosis, nasal septal perforation, and renal thrombotic microangiopathy have been described. However, its association with interstitial pneumonitis is scarcely reported in the literature.

Endobronchial aspergilloma-a comprehensive literature review with focus on diagnosis and treatment modalities.

Endobronchial aspergilloma (EBA) is a rare manifestation of pulmonary infection with Aspergillus spp. Comprised of hyphae, mucus, and cellular debris, the massive fungus overgrowth can lead to obstructive pneumonitis in large airways, manifesting as cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, or weight loss. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on endobronchial aspergilloma to further elucidate this disease entity and to classify it as a non-invasive form of pulmonary aspergillosis.

Primary plasma cell leukemia: A case report and review of the literature.

Due to the rarity and fulminant nature of the condition, there are limited data driving dialogue for optimal treatment strategies for plasma cell leukemia (PCL). Additionally, the current diagnostic definition of PCL has not been prospectively studied which may result in delays to initiating early aggressive treatment due to underdiagnosis.

Rhinovirus-induced Rapidly Progressing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in an Immunocompetent Host.

A previously healthy, 59-year-old female presented with respiratory distress and dry cough for one week. Outpatient radiographic findings were suspicious for basilar pneumonia. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics were started; however, she continued to deteriorate rapidly over the next 48 hours, with chest X-ray showing diffuse bilateral multifocal airspace opacities consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Placental transmogrification of the lung associated with unilateral pleural effusion: A case report with a comprehensive review of the literature.

Placental transmogrification of the lung (PTL) is a rare benign pulmonary lesion resembling chorionic villi. With fewer than 40 cases reported in literature, associations have thus far been made with bullous emphysema, pulmonary fibrochondromatous hamartomas and adenocarcinoma of the lung. Typically presenting as unilateral solitary cystic or bullous lesion, we report the first case of PTL presenting with unilateral pleural effusion.

Venous Thrombosis Secondary to Acute Cytomegalovirus Infection in an Immunocompetent Host: Consideration for New Screening Guidelines.

Serious thrombotic complications associated with an acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients are becoming increasingly recognized. While typically asymptomatic and self-limiting, an acute CMV infection appears to demonstrate a rare propensity for a vascular thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombophlebitis, and pulmonary embolism (PE). It remains unclear whether other predisposing factors play a role in its pathogenesis.

Left-sided Catamenial Pneumothorax: A Rare Clinical Entity.

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is an extremely rare pulmonary pathology seen in women of reproductive age, typically occurring within 72 hours from the onset of menstrual bleeding. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the etiopathogenesis of CP; however, the exact underlying mechanism remains elusive. More than 90% of reported cases in the literature describe a right-sided presentation of pneumothorax.