Which Sport Is More Dangerous: Ice Hockey or Field Hockey? A Review of the Head and Neck Injuries Associated With the Two Sports.

PURPOSE: Ice hockey and field hockey are contact sports with the potential for injury, especially to the head and neck regions. The purpose of this study is to estimate and compare hospital admission (injury severity) between ice hockey and field hockey of those who presented to the emergency department with head and neck injuries. METHODS: The investigators designed and implemented a 20-year retrospective cohort study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. We included data related to ice hockey and field hockey injuries from January 2000 to December 2019 in this study. The primary predictor variable was sport played (ice hockey vs field hockey). Secondary predictor variables and covariates were derived from patient and injury characteristics. The primary outcome variable was hospital admission. Logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for the outcome variable. RESULTS: Our final sample was composed of 5,472 patients: 4,472 patients suffered head and neck injuries from ice hockey while the remaining 1,000 patients suffered head and neck injuries from field hockey. Players less than 18 years old were associated with 2.07-fold odds of admission (P < .01). Injury to the head (odds ratio [OR] = 14.339; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0 to 105.1; P < .01) and neck (OR = 89.260; 95% CI, 11.2 to 712.6; P < .01) were independently associated with an increased odds of admission. Relative to contusions/abrasions, players who suffered a concussion (OR = 141.637; 95% CI, 11.5 to 1,741.5; P < .01), fracture (OR = 155.434; 95% CI, 17.0 to 1,419.2; P < .01), internal organ injury (OR = 186.450; 95% CI, 15.5 to 2,236.8; P < .01), or hematoma (OR = 23.046; 95% CI, 1.2 to 442.5; P < .05) were all independently associated with an increased odds of admission. Ice hockey was not an independent risk factor for admission relative to field hockey. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that ice hockey was more associated with injuries to the head and neck as well as with concussions and internal organ injury compared to field hockey. However, ice hockey was not associated with increased risk of hospitalization relative to field hockey.

A Comparison of 2,845 Head and Neck Injuries in Various Martial Arts.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study is to estimate and compare the frequencies, types, and hospital admission rates of head and neck injuries in subjects who practice different martial art fighting styles, including karate, kung fu, kickboxing, taekwondo, judo, and jiu jitsu. METHODS: The investigators designed and implemented a 20-year cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Information related to head and neck martial art injuries from January 2000 through December 2019 was included in this study. Study variables were obtained from both patient demographics and injury characteristics (date of injury, diagnosis, body part, type of martial art, and disposition). Patient and injury characteristics were compared through χ2 and independent sample tests. RESULTS: Taekwondo was the most likely type of martial art to lead to a head injury (P < .01), whereas jiu jitsu (P < .01) and judo (P < .01) were most likely to cause neck injuries. The type of martial art was not significantly associated with admission rates (P = .190); however, patients with head injuries were more likely to be admitted relative to patients who did not suffer head injuries (P < .05). Moreover, injuries secondary to judo were more likely to result in admissions relative to that of all other martial arts (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Judo was the most severe martial art during this time period as it led to the highest rate of hospital admissions. Karate injuries are most likely to occur in younger populations of fighters under the age of 18 years.

Novel E815K knock-in mouse model of alternating hemiplegia of childhood.

De novo mutations causing dysfunction of the ATP1A3 gene, which encodes the α3 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase pump expressed in neurons, result in alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). AHC manifests as paroxysmal episodes of hemiplegia, dystonia, behavioral abnormalities, and seizures. The first aim of this study was to characterize a novel knock-in mouse model (Atp1a3E815K+/-, Matoub, Matb+/-) containing the E815K mutation of the Atp1a3 gene recognized as causing the most severe and second most common phenotype of AHC with increased morbidity and mortality as compared to other mutations. The second aim was to investigate the effects of flunarizine, currently the most effective drug used in AHC, to further validate our model and to help address a question with significant clinical implications that has not been addressed in prior studies. Specifically, many E815K patients have clinical decompensation and catastrophic regression after discontinuing flunarizine therapy; however, it is not known whether this is congruent with the natural course of the disease and is a result of withdrawal from an acute beneficial effect, withdrawal from a long-term protective effect or from a detrimental effect of prior flunarizine exposure. Our behavioral and neurophysiological testing demonstrated that Matb+/- mice express a phenotype that bears a strong resemblance to the E815K phenotype in AHC. In addition, these mice developed spontaneous seizures with high incidence of mortality and required fewer electrical stimulations to reach the kindled state as compared to wild-type littermates. Matb+/- mice treated acutely with flunarizine had reduction in hemiplegic attacks as compared with vehicle-treated mice. After withdrawal of flunarizine, Matb+/- mice that had received flunarizine did neither better nor worse, on behavioral tests, than those who had received vehicle. We conclude that: 1) Our mouse model containing the E815K mutation manifests clinical and neurophysiological features of the most severe form of AHC, 2) Flunarizine demonstrated acute anti-hemiplegic effects but not long-term beneficial or detrimental behavioral effects after it was stopped, and 3) The Matb+/- mouse model can be used to investigate the underlying pathophysiology of ATP1A3 dysfunction and the efficacy of potential treatments for AHC.

Mechanisms of increased hippocampal excitability in the Mashl+/- mouse model of Na+ /K+ -ATPase dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: Na+ /K+ -ATPase dysfunction, primary (mutation) or secondary (energy crisis, neurodegenerative disease) increases neuronal excitability in the brain. To evaluate the mechanisms underlying such increased excitability we studied mice carrying the D801N mutation, the most common mutation causing human disease, specifically alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) including epilepsy. Because the gene is expressed in all neurons, particularly γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons, we hypothesized that the pathophysiology would involve both pyramidal cells and interneurons and that fast-spiking interneurons, which have increased firing rates, would be most vulnerable. METHODS: We performed extracellular recordings, as well as whole-cell patch clamp recordings from pyramidal cells and interneurons, in the CA1 region on hippocampal slices. We also performed immunohistochemistry from hippocampal sections to count CA1 pyramidal cells as well as parvalbumin-positive interneurons. In addition, we performed video-electroencephalography (EEG) recordings from the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region. RESULTS: We observed that juvenile knock-in mice carrying the above mutation reproduce the human phenotype of AHC. We then demonstrated in the CA1 region of these mice the following findings as compared to wild type: (1) Increased number of spikes evoked by electrical stimulation of Schaffer collaterals; (2) equalization by bicuculline of the number of spikes induced by Schaffer collateral stimulation; (3) reduced miniature, spontaneous, and evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents, but no change in excitatory postsynaptic currents; (4) robust action potential frequency adaptation in response to depolarizing current injection in CA1 fast-spiking interneurons; and (5) no change in the number of pyramidal cells, but reduced number of parvalbumin positive interneurons. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data indicate that, in our genetic model of Atp1α3 mutation, there is increased excitability and marked dysfunction in GABAergic inhibition. This supports the performance of further investigations to determine if selective expression of the mutation in GABAergic and or glutamatergic neurons is necessary and sufficient to result in the behavioral phenotype.

From Beauty to Botulism: A Case Report Highlighting the Rare Risk of Botox Administration.

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a pharmaceutical approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in both cosmetic and therapeutic applications. Despite its increasing use worldwide, Botox carries a rare but potentially life-threatening risk of iatrogenic botulism. This condition, although treatable with antitoxin if promptly recognized, presents a diagnostic challenge to healthcare providers due to its rarity, lack of awareness, and diverse clinical presentations. Here, we present a case of iatrogenic botulism from Botox injections administered in Istanbul, Turkey, in a healthy 47-year-old female. Prompt administration of antitoxin led to remarkable clinical improvement. This case underscores the importance of vigilance among healthcare providers in recognizing and promptly treating iatrogenic botulism, particularly in patients with recent Botox use. Given that the majority of reported cases of iatrogenic botulism occur outside the United States, this case raises concerns about the need for stricter regulations and oversight of Botox administration worldwide.

Qualitative Analysis of Decision to Pursue Electrical Brain Stimulation by Patients With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy and Their Caregivers.

Background and Objectives: To understand why patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) pursue invasive electrical brain stimulation (EBS). Methods: We interviewed patients with DRE (n = 20) and their caregivers about their experiences in pursuing EBS approximately 1 year post device implant. Inductive analysis was applied to identify key motivating factors. Results: The cohort included participants aged from teens to 50s with deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, and chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation. Patients' motivations included (1) improved quality of life (2) intolerability of antiseizure medications, (3) desperation, and (4) patient-family dynamics. Both patients and caregivers described a desire to alleviate burdens of the other. Patient apprehensions about EBS focused on invasiveness and the presence of electrodes in the brain. Previous experiences with invasive monitoring and the ability to see hardware in person during clinical visits influenced patients' comfort in proceeding with EBS. Despite realistic expectations for modest and delayed benefits, patients held out hope for an exceptionally positive outcome. Discussion: Our findings describe the motivations and decision-making process for patients with DRE who pursue invasive EBS. Patients balance feelings of desperation, personal goals, frustration with medication side effects, fears about surgery, and potential pressure from concerned caregivers. These factors together with the sense that patients have exhausted therapeutic alternatives may explain the limited decisional ambivalence observed in this cohort. These themes highlight opportunities for epilepsy care teams to support patient decision-making processes.

The Most Dangerous Game: A Review of Head and Neck Injuries in American Football and Rugby.

Study Design: The investigators designed and implemented a 20-year cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Objective: The purpose of this study is to estimate and compare hospital admission (danger) rates between rugby and football of those who presented to the emergency department with head and neck injuries after playing these sports. Methods: The primary predictor variable was sport played. The primary outcome variable was danger, measured by hospital admission rates. Results: Over the past 20 years, there has been a trend of decreasing incidence of injuries presenting to the emergency department in both sports. There was no difference in the rate of hospital admission when comparing football and rugby (OR, 1.2; P = .1). Male gender was associated with an increased risk of admission. Other variables associated with hospital admission included white racial group, injury taking place in the fall, being either young (15-24 years old) or senior (65 years of age and over), and being injured at school or at a sport/recreational facility. Conclusions: There is no difference in danger as measured by admission rates between American football and rugby. There exists, however, several variables that are associated with admission when sustaining injury to the head and neck, when playing these two sports.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the head & neck: A review of reported cases in the literature.

The aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, blood-filled bony lesion that notoriously affects the vertebral column and long bones of the body. Rarely, ABCs can manifest in the head and neck (HNABC). The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on HNABC. This review includes: case reports and case series on ABCs manifesting in the head and neck region published in the English language. All cases identified via PubMed were analyzed individually. Articles were included according to specified eligibility criteria. The total number of cases analyzed were 72 (39 case reports; 33 case series). The average age at the time of HNABC diagnosis was 19.1 years (range: 0.42-62 years). The ratio of prevalence by gender affected exhibited an even 1:1 male-to-female split. CT in combination with MRI proved to be the most prevalent imaging modality utilized (37.2%). HNABC was most commonly detected in the mandible (37.1%), followed by the sinus (14.3%) and cranium (11.4%). The most frequently employed single treatment modality was surgical excision (94.1%). 94.4% of patients were alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up, while 5.6% of patients exhibited disease at follow-up. The average follow-up period was 3.59 years (range: 0.17-17.0 years). Aneurysmal bone cyst of the head and neck region is a rare condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bony, vascular lesions presenting in the aforementioned locations. Since aneurysmal bone cyst of the head and neck region can present as a rapidly growing, expansive and destructive lesion, it is crucial that clinicians are aware of this entity so that patients are accurately diagnosed and treated.

Central giant cell granuloma of the head & neck: A case report and systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to describe a recent case of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) that rapidly progressed post corticosteroid treatment while also providing a review of the existing literature on CGCG of the head and neck (HNCGCG), with particular emphasis on extra-mandibular and maxillary cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigators designed and implemented a 32-year review of literature, using the online databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Proquest. The total number of cases analyzed was 55 (42 case reports; 3 case series; 8 comparative studies; 1 retrospective cohort). CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a CGCG in a 10-year old male. The lesion originated in the right anterior mandibular body and progressed after corticosteroid treatment. Diagnosis was made using a combination of imaging and histology. A timely debulking procedure of the hemi-mandible was performed and there was no recurrence of the lesion at follow up. RESULTS: The average age at the time of diagnosis of CGCG was 27.5 years. HNCGCG was most commonly detected in the jaw (43.1%), but was also found in the temporal bone (33.3%). The most frequently employed treatment modality was complete surgical excision (76.9%). 93.2% of patients were alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up, while 6.8% of patients exhibited recurrence at follow-up. The median follow up was 13 months. CONCLUSION: It is important for clinicians to recognize that CGCGs are capable of manifesting outside of the jaw. CGCG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-odontogenic radiolucent lesions, especially in young patients. CGCGs also need to be distinguished from brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism (BTH) and giant cell tumors, which are histologically similar.

A framework for examining patient attitudes regarding applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Background: While use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is increasing, little is known about how patients view healthcare AI. Characterizing patient attitudes and beliefs about healthcare AI and the factors that lead to these attitudes can help ensure patient values are in close alignment with the implementation of these new technologies. Methods: We conducted 15 focus groups with adult patients who had a recent primary care visit at a large academic health center. Using modified grounded theory, focus-group data was analyzed for themes related to the formation of attitudes and beliefs about healthcare AI. Results: When evaluating AI in healthcare, we found that patients draw on a variety of factors to contextualize these new technologies including previous experiences of illness, interactions with health systems and established health technologies, comfort with other information technology, and other personal experiences. We found that these experiences informed normative and cultural beliefs about the values and goals of healthcare technologies that patients applied when engaging with AI. The results of this study form the basis for a theoretical framework for understanding patient orientation to applications of AI in healthcare, highlighting a number of specific social, health, and technological experiences that will likely shape patient opinions about future healthcare AI applications. Conclusions: Understanding the basis of patient attitudes and beliefs about healthcare AI is a crucial first step in effective patient engagement and education. The theoretical framework we present provides a foundation for future studies examining patient opinions about applications of AI in healthcare.

Experiences of individuals receiving a sex chromosome multisomy diagnosis.

Sex chromosome multisomies (SCMs) are genomic conditions with variable phenotypes that range from undetectable to requiring extensive clinical intervention. Currently, many individuals with SCMs are diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood based on physical symptoms related to pubertal development and infertility. Given the expansion of genetic testing in routine clinical practice, the diagnosing clinician is increasingly a primary care or family medicine provider. This study aims to help providers better understand the patient experience of receiving a diagnosis. We conducted a survey of individuals (n = 55) with SCMs using closed and open-ended questions. Open-response questions were qualitatively analyzed and are reported here with the descriptive results of the closed-ended questions. Most participants were diagnosed with 47,XXY (n = 51; 85.0%), identified as White race/ethnicity (n = 46; 88.5%), and were college graduates or higher (n = 29; 54.7%). Many participants reported dissatisfaction with the delivery of the diagnosis, expressing that it was rushed and their provider lacked detailed information about the condition. Participants were frustrated by the general lack of availability of high-quality informational resources from both medical and other sources at the time of diagnosis. Some participants also described the social and psychological impact of the diagnosis and how it was delivered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest survey of individuals diagnosed with SCMs, which is notable considering their prevalence and low diagnostic rate. Our findings provide patient-informed insight on how to improve the delivery of SCM diagnoses, especially delivery in a primary care setting, including the provision of up-to-date information and proactive referral to specialty care and counseling services.

Prevalence of Hypertension and Related Characteristics: Perspectives from an Outpatient Podiatric Medical Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a highly prevalent condition in the general population, conferring a high risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Associated with the condition are many well-characterized controllable and noncontrollable risk factors. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of hypertension in the outpatient podiatric medical clinic setting and to determine the relevance of hypertension risk factors in this setting. METHODS: A survey tool was created to characterize relevant risk factors, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded. Descriptive statistics were generated after conclusion of enrollment. Analysis was also performed to determine the relationship between individual risk factors and systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: Of the 176 patients, 56 (31.8%) had an incidentally high blood pressure at intake, including 18.5% of patients without a known history of hypertension and 38.5% with a known history of hypertension. Three risk factors were found to be significantly associated with increasing systolic blood pressure: weight (P = .022), stress level (P = .017), and presence of renal artery stenosis (P = .021). There was also a near-statistically significant inverse relationship between systolic blood pressure and amount of time spent exercising (P = .068). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a relatively high prevalence of incidental hypertension was identified, including among patients not previously diagnosed as having hypertension. Consideration of risk factors and awareness of the prevalence of the condition can be useful for practitioners, even as they manage presenting podiatric medical concerns. Future investigations may consider interventional or preventive strategies in the outpatient clinic setting.

Provider Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence-Guided Screening for Low Ejection Fraction in Primary Care: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform health care is threatened by a tangle of challenges that emerge as new AI tools are introduced into clinical practice. AI tools with high accuracy, especially those that detect asymptomatic cases, may be hindered by barriers to adoption. Understanding provider needs and concerns is critical to inform implementation strategies that improve provider buy-in and adoption of AI tools in medicine. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe provider perspectives on the adoption of an AI-enabled screening tool in primary care to inform effective integration and sustained use. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted between December 2019 and February 2020 as part of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial at a large academic medical center in the United States. In all, 29 primary care providers were purposively sampled using a positive deviance approach for participation in semistructured focus groups after their use of the AI tool in the randomized controlled trial was complete. Focus group data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach; iterative analysis was conducted to identify codes and themes, which were synthesized into findings. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that providers understood the purpose and functionality of the AI tool and saw potential value for more accurate and faster diagnoses. However, successful adoption into routine patient care requires the smooth integration of the tool with clinical decision-making and existing workflow to address provider needs and preferences during implementation. To fulfill the AI tool's promise of clinical value, providers identified areas for improvement including integration with clinical decision-making, cost-effectiveness and resource allocation, provider training, workflow integration, care pathway coordination, and provider-patient communication. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of AI-enabled tools in medicine can benefit from sensitivity to the nuanced context of care and provider needs to enable the useful adoption of AI tools at the point of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04000087; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04000087.

Horner Syndrome Secondary to Osteochondroma of the First Rib: A Case Report.

Osteochondroma is the most common benign tumor of bone that often produces no symptoms unless the enlarged mass affects nearby structures. Rarely, Horner syndrome can be caused by an osteochondroma. A five-year-old female with a past medical history of seizure-like activity presented to the emergency department on three separate occasions within one month. She exhibited neurological deficits, including miosis and ptosis, resulting in the diagnosis of Horner syndrome. Computerized tomography (CT) demonstrated a calcified and ossified lesion arising from the right first rib and transverse process that was suspicious for an osteochondroma or chondrosarcoma with neuroblastoma lower on the differential diagnosis. Given the patient's escalating clinical symptomatology and suspicious features of the lesion, a CT guided-bone biopsy was performed. Pathology revealed an osteochondroma that was eventually resected by neurologic and orthopedic surgeries. In this case report, we review the sympathetic innervation to the head, eye, and neck, the most common etiologies of Horner syndrome, and elucidate imaging modalities useful for diagnosing osteochondroma. Horner syndrome secondary to osteochondroma of the first rib has been documented only once before.

What Effect Does Epstein-Barr Virus Have on Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma Prognosis? A Review of 153 Reported Cases.

The primary aim of this review is to identify the relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and prognosis in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Additionally, a literature review of ENKTL was carried out. The investigators designed and implemented a 21-year literature review using the online databases PubMed and Google Scholar. The total number of cases analyzed was 153 (64 case reports; one comparative study; one systematic review). Information related to ENKTL from July 1999 to February 2021 was included in the study. Study variables included: patient demographics, tumor classification, screening modalities, tumor characteristics, symptomatology, treatment, and prognosis. The average age at diagnosis was 50.9 years (range: 4-90 years). Patients of Asian ethnicity were most commonly affected, and there was a 1.6:1 male to female ratio. ENKTL was most frequently detected in the head and neck region, and 53.1% of cases metastasized. Of all head and neck cases, the nose was the most affected location. Immunohistochemistry positivity included: EBV (32.0%), CD2 (96.6%), CD3ϵ (81.7%), CD43 (91.7%), CD56 (86.4%), Granzyme (97.1%), Perforin (90.9%), TIA-1 (97.8%), p53 (33.3%). The most frequently employed single treatment modality was chemotherapy alone, and 34.2% of patients expired within five years of diagnosis. The average follow-up period was 16.51 months (range: 0.25-66 months). EBV was significantly associated with metastatic ENKTL (χ2 = 4.36; CV = 3.84; p = 0.037). We found no association between EBV and ENKTL prognosis (χ2 = 17.2; CV = 21.0; p = 0.14).

The Expert in the Room: Parental Advocacy for Children with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies.

OBJECTIVE: Owing to fragmentation in the medical system, many parents of children with disabilities report taking on a care coordinator and advocate role. The parental advocacy and care coordination requirements are further amplified in this population because of a lack of awareness about sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) in medical and social services settings, as well as the complex needs of affected children. This burden disproportionately affects mothers and low-resource families as a result of gendered ideas of parenthood and social stratification in resource access. The aim of this study is to understand the unique parental burdens of SCAs and family support needs. METHODS: We conducted 43 interviews with individuals with SCAs and/or their parents and qualitatively coded and analyzed the transcripts for themes relating to parent advocacy, medical services, social and educational services, and coping. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that parents must repeatedly advocate for their concerns about their child to be taken seriously before diagnosis and continue to advocate for services and interventions throughout childhood and adolescence. Parents also report the need to educate health care professionals about their child's medical condition. A majority of the parent participants were women, and single mothers reported high levels of emotional burden. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with SCAs shoulder additional roles of medical advocate and care coordinator. This causes excessive burden on families but also disadvantages families in which parents are unable to act as an advocate for their child.

Fertility-Preserving Management of Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation in a 16-Year-Old Female.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins without a capillary bed, creating high- and low-flow areas that are prone to bleeding. Uterine AVMs can be congenital or acquired with an incidence of 0.1%. Acquired cases are usually caused by uterine instrumentation, trauma, infection, or gestational trophoblastic disease. Patients typically present with sudden onset of heavy vaginal bleeding. Diagnosis is made using angiography, ultrasound, computerized tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. After patients are stabilized, management depends on their desire for future fertility and may include hysterectomy or endovascular embolization. We present the case of a 16-year-old G1P0010 female with recurrent vaginal bleeding caused by a uterine AVM. To preserve the patient's fertility, a selective embolization approach was employed using microcoils and gel foam. This case highlights a unique treatment option for uterine AVMs in patients who desire fertility preservation. Additionally, we review the diagnostic imaging and treatment options for uterine AVMs.

Fibrinolytic Administration via EkoSonic™ Endovascular System (EKOS) Catheter Used in Acute Aortic Occlusion Secondary to COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 is the virus responsible for the 2019 global pandemic. Pulmonary complications of COVID-19 are well established in the literature. However, the virus causes numerous extrapulmonary manifestations, notably acute aortic occlusion (AAO). COVID-19 creates a hypercoagulable state via the upregulation of numerous procoagulant cytokines in endothelial cells of blood vessels. We present a case of a 63-year-old patient without a previous history of prothrombotic disorders who developed AAO in the distal abdominal aorta and bilateral common iliac arteries after contracting COVID-19. The patient was a poor surgical candidate and was treated with fibrinolytics that were administered via an EkoSonic™ Endovascular System (EKOS) catheter using a bilateral transfemoral approach. This case highlights a unique treatment option for non-surgical candidates with AAO.