No abstract

Endometriosis occurs in approximately 10% of adult women worldwide; however, it is commonly under- or misdiagnosed in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to analyze existing scientific literature for reasons for diagnostic delay of endometriosis and to determine how education regarding endometriosis could be improved. An integrative review was conducted based on articles published between December 1980 and December 2020. Suitable articles were identified from the MEDLINE/PubMed databases, using relevant terms. Eligible studies included discussion on potential causes of diagnostic delay of endometriosis in the adolescent population. Data were extracted from eligible publications and qualitative synthesis was used. The 27 articles included in the study revealed several primary reasons for the delay, such as a physician and/or patient knowledge gap, normalization by physician and patient, lack of research, and physician resistance. Strategies to lessen diagnostic delay of endometriosis in adolescents must include integrated actions by educators and healthcare providers to improve health literacy and awareness of common causes of pelvic pain in this age group.

The current global pandemic due to COVID-19 has resulted in widespread lockdowns, social distancing, and other protective guidelines; these infectious control and mitigation measures challenge the medical system and create anxiety among all populations. In hospitals and healthcare facilities, patient interaction and shared decision making are sacrificed for fear of COVID-19 nosocomial spread. The intangible effects of human interaction with COVID-19 patients, whether of a physician or a patient’s family, are replaced with isolation amid ventilators. Medical professionals must find a way to practice life-saving medical care while maintaining humanistic and professional interactions. This article provides insight into the necessity and challenges of humanistic communication during COVID-19 across various institutions and offers both short- and long-term solutions and reforms through medical education.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The thyroid ima artery (TIA) is an anatomical anomaly that commonly functions as an accessory blood supply for the isthmus and inferior aspect of the thyroid. Limited research has been performed to investigate the relative prevalence and clinical implications of the TIA in present literature.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Dissections were conducted on cadavers in the anatomy laboratory at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York (Harlem Campus), with 94 subjects examined using standard methods to identify thyroid vasculature and to determine the presence of a thyroid ima artery. Known origins of the thyroid ima artery were also examined for possible branching.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Of the 94 cadavers, only one was found to have a thyroid ima artery present, suggesting a prevalence of 1.06 percent.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The thyroid ima artery is significant in its influence in head and neck procedures as well as emergent airway creation. With its relative rarity, its presence is worthy of consideration as a possible hematological source for hemorrhage.</p>

Greater than two-thirds of all Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are chronic, leading to extrahepatic changes in the body. The objective of this article was to describe various musculoskeletal findings that can be elicited during an osteopathic structural exam in the setting of liver dysfunction along with an overview of hepatic viscerosomatics and Chapman’s points. Osteopathic medicine is a branch of modern medicine that utilizes hands-on diagnosis and treatment through musculoskeletal manifestations in addition to the standard allopathic practices. Herein, we presented a case of untreated chronic HCV infection, complicated by polysubstance abuse, with positive findings on osteopathic physical exam consistent with hepatic pathology.