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This week we go back 2.5 years and delve into the world of cardiovascular surgery when we review a review of STS data on the pulmonary artery band (PAB). The STS assigns a STAT category of 4 to this operation, denoting higher risk for mortality. Is this warranted? Are all PAB candidates equal? What features are associated with higher or lower mortality rates in patients undergoing banding? Should the data in this work drive innovation to avoid the PAB in some settings? These are amongst the questions posed to the senior author of this week's work, cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Tara Karamlou who is Professor of Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.09.020
Andy Cumpstey and Mike Grocott interview Kate Leslie about the SNaPP study (Sugammadex, Neostigmine, and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications). SNaPP is a pragmatic randomized study run from the University of Melbourne with the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network across 45 sites in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. Patients aged 40+ having major abdominal or thoracic surgery (≥2 hours, overnight stay) were randomized after induction to reversal with sugammadex or neostigmine, with anesthetists unblinded and encouraged to use quantitative neuromuscular monitoring. In this podcast Andy, Mike and Kate discuss the results and their implications for anaesthetists and healthcare systems. Find the paper here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(26)00158-X/fulltext -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - https://ebpom.org/product/ebpom-world-congress-2026/
Dr. Stephanie Maximous chats with Dr. Timothy Rowe about his paper, "Impact of Simulation-Based Mastery Learning on Management of Massive Hemoptysis."
Commentary by Dr. Jian'an Wang.
CardioNerds (Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax, Dr. Dinu Balanescu, and Dr. Jane Ehret) discuss risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism with Dr. Stavros Konstantinides, Chair of the 2019 ESC Pulmonary Embolism Guidelines. Using a real-world case, this episode explores how modern PE care has moved beyond “massive” and “submassive” labels toward a dynamic, physiology-based approach. The discussion highlights the limitations of static risk scores, the importance of right ventricular dysfunction and biomarkers, and why normotension does not imply stability. Special emphasis is placed on intermediate-high risk PE, early identification of impending hemodynamic collapse, and the role of lactate, serial reassessment, and PERT teams in guiding escalation of care. Audio editing by CardioNerds intern, Joshua Khorsandi.The 2026 American multi-society PE guidelines were published after this episode was recorded. Dr. Dinu Balanescu and Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax are Co-chairs for the CardioNerds PE Series, developed in collaboration with the PERT Consortium. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Pulmonary Embolism PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls Stable blood pressure does not mean low risk in PEHypotension is a late finding. Patients may have severe RV failure, hypoxia, and tissue hypoperfusion while remaining normotensive — a key concept behind “normotensive shock.” Risk stratification in PE must be dynamic, not staticLegacy scores like PESI and Bova provide a snapshot and predict 30-day mortality, but they do not capture short-term trajectory or impending hemodynamic collapse. Intermediate-high risk PE is a dangerous and heterogeneous groupPatients with RV dysfunction, positive biomarkers, tachycardia, hypoxemia, and elevated lactate may have in-hospital mortality approaching 15%, rivaling STEMI. Lactate is a critical but underutilized marker in PEElevated lactate reflects tissue hypoxia and early circulatory failure and may identify patients at risk for collapse before blood pressure declines. PERT enables physiology-driven, patient-centered PE carePERT teams operationalize continuous reassessment, integrate imaging, labs, and clinical trajectory, and allow timely escalation — shifting PE management from rigid categories to real-time decision-making. Notes Drafted by Dr. Jane Ehret. 1. What is the contemporary framework for risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism? Modern PE risk stratification prioritizes hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) function rather than clot burden. The 2019 ESC Guidelines classify PE into high risk, intermediate risk (low vs high), and low risk, based on: Hemodynamic status, RV dysfunction on imaging, and Cardiac biomarkers. This framework emphasizes early mortality risk but requires clinical context to guide escalation decisions. 2. Why is normotension insufficient to define “stability” in PE? Blood pressure is a late marker of circulatory failure in PE. Patients can maintain normal BP through Tachycardia, Increased sympathetic tone, and RV compensation. Many patients with preserved BP may already have shock physiology, including hypoxemia, elevated lactate, and RV failure — sometimes referred to as “normotensive shock.” 3. How should intermediate-risk PE be conceptualized clinically? Intermediate-risk PE is heterogeneous, ranging from patients who do well on anticoagulation to those who deteriorate rapidly. Intermediate-high risk PE is defined by RV dysfunction on imaging and positive cardiac biomarkers. Clinical features such as tachycardia, increasing oxygen requirement, and elevated lactate identify patients at highest risk within this group. 4. What are the strengths and limitations of commonly used PE risk scores? Legacy scores are useful for initial risk categorization but are static and limited in predicting short-term deterioration. Most scores were developed to predict mortality or complications at fixed time points rather than dynamic clinical trajectory. 5. What are the commonly used risk scores and clinical tools in PE, and what is each designed to predict? ESC Risk Stratification Algorithm: Identifies high-risk PE by hemodynamics. Uses PESI or sPESI in normotensive patients to distinguish low-risk from non–low-risk PE. Uses RV dysfunction and biomarkers to differentiate intermediate-low from intermediate-high risk. Forms the basis of many institutional PE pathways. PESI and sPESI: Validated to predict 30-day mortality. Widely used to identify low-risk patients appropriate for outpatient management. Heavily influenced by age and comorbidities. Bova Score: Predicts 30-day PE-related complications in normotensive patients. Composite PE Shock Score (CPES): Predicts normotensive shock in hemodynamically stable PE patients. Pulmonary Embolism Progression (PEP) Score: Predicts progression from intermediate-risk to high-risk PE within 72 hours of diagnosis. PE Short-term Clinical Outcomes Risk Estimation (PE-SCORE): Predicts clinical deterioration or death within 5 days of PE diagnosis. Hestia Criteria: Identifies low-risk PE patients safe for outpatient treatment. Wells' Criteria and Revised Geneva Score: Determine pretest probability for diagnostic triage. PERC Score: Rules out PE in very low-risk patients. 6. What is the role of biomarkers in PE risk stratification? Troponin and natriuretic peptides reflect RV myocardial injury and strain. Current guidelines treat biomarkers as binary (positive vs negative), despite risk being continuous. Biomarkers are most helpful for: Initial risk classification. They are less useful for: Short-interval monitoring and Detecting rapid clinical deterioration. 7. Why is lactate an important physiologic marker in PE? Lactate reflects global tissue hypoxia and impaired perfusion. Elevated lactate may identify patients with: Early circulatory failure and Increased risk of imminent hemodynamic collapse. Lactate is not currently included in ESC risk algorithms but may add important prognostic information in intermediate-risk patients. 8. How does trajectory influence decision-making in PE management? Risk stratification should be viewed as a dynamic process, not a one-time label. Worsening clinical trajectory may include: Rising heart rate, Increasing oxygen needs, Rising lactate, and Progressive RV dysfunction. Serial reassessment is essential for timely escalation of care. 9. What role do Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams (PERT) play in risk stratification? PERT facilitates: Multidisciplinary decision-making and Integration of imaging, biomarkers, and clinical physiology. PERT is most valuable for: Intermediate-risk and high-risk PE and Patients with complex comorbidities or uncertain trajectory. PERT enables a shift from category-based to physiology-driven PE care. References 1. Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, et al. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Respir J. 2019;54(3):1901647. Published 2019 Oct 9. doi:10.1183/13993003.01647-2019 2. Leidi A, Bex S, Righini M, Berner A, Grosgurin O, Marti C. Risk Stratification in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Current Evidence and Perspectives. J Clin Med. 2022;11(9):2533. Published 2022 Apr 30. doi:10.3390/jcm11092533 3. Choi WH, Kwon SU, Jwa YJ, et al. The pulmonary embolism severity index in predicting the prognosis of patients with pulmonary embolism. Korean J Intern Med. 2009;24(2):123-127. doi:10.3904/kjim.2009.24.2.123 4. Jiménez D, Aujesky D, Moores L, et al. Simplification of the pulmonary embolism severity index for prognostication in patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(15):1383-1389. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.199 5. Chen X, Shao X, Zhang Y, et al. Assessment of the Bova score for risk stratification of acute normotensive pulmonary embolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Thromb Res. 2020;193:99-106. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2020.05.047 6. Zhang RS, Yuriditsky E, Zhang P, et al. Composite Pulmonary Embolism Shock Score and Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Embolism. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2024;17(8):e014088. doi:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.124.014088 7. Zhang RS, Alam U, Sharp ASP, et al. Validating the Composite Pulmonary Embolism Shock Score for Predicting Normotensive Shock in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2024;17(2):e013399. doi:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.123.013399 8. Ehret J, Wakefield D, Badlam J, Antkowiak M, Erdreich B. Development of the Pulmonary Embolism Progression (PEP) score for predicting short-term clinical deterioration in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: a single-center retrospective study. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2025;58(2):243-253. doi:10.1007/s11239-024-03051-5 9. Weekes AJ, Raper JD, Lupez K, et al. Development and validation of a prognostic tool: Pulmonary embolism short-term clinical outcomes risk estimation (PE-SCORE). PLoS One. 2021;16(11):e0260036. Published 2021 Nov 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0260036 10. Zondag W, Hiddinga BI, Crobach MJ, et al. Hestia criteria can discriminate high- from low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism. Eur Respir J. 2013;41(3):588-592. doi:10.1183/09031936.00030412 11. Wells PS, Anderson DR, Rodger M, et al. Excluding pulmonary embolism at the bedside without diagnostic imaging: management of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism presenting to the emergency department by using a simple clinical model and d-dimer. Ann Intern Med. 2001;135(2):98-107. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-135-2-200107170-00010 12. Wolf SJ, McCubbin TR, Feldhaus KM, Faragher JP, Adcock DM. Prospective validation of Wells Criteria in the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. Ann Emerg Med. 2004;44(5):503-510. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2004.04.002 13. Le Gal G, Righini M, Roy PM, et al. Prediction of pulmonary embolism in the emergency department: the revised Geneva score. Ann Intern Med. 2006;144(3):165-171. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-144-3-200602070-00004 14. Kline JA, Mitchell AM, Kabrhel C, Richman PB, Courtney DM. Clinical criteria to prevent unnecessary diagnostic testing in emergency department patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. J Thromb Haemost. 2004;2(8):1247-1255. doi:10.1111/j.1538-7836.2004.00790.x 15. Kline JA, Courtney DM, Kabrhel C, et al. Prospective multicenter evaluation of the pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria. J Thromb Haemost. 2008;6(5):772-780. doi:10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.02944.x
PainExam Podcast Show Notes Compression Fractures, Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty & Occipital Neuralgia for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, Dr. David Rosenblum reviews two frequently tested topics on the ABA Pain Medicine Board Examination: Occipital Neuralgia and Vertebral Compression Fractures, including the indications, techniques, complications, and evidence surrounding vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Whether you are preparing for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards, ABPM, ABIPP, FIPP, or simply looking to strengthen your interventional pain knowledge, this episode covers essential board pearls, anatomy, diagnosis, imaging findings, and treatment options. Episode Highlights Occipital Neuralgia Topics discussed include: Anatomy of the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves C2 dorsal ramus anatomy and clinical relevance Diagnostic criteria for occipital neuralgia Differentiating occipital neuralgia from: Cervicogenic headache Migraine Cluster headache Tension headache Physical examination findings Occipital nerve blocks Pulsed radiofrequency ablation Cryoneurolysis Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) Board Pearl The greater occipital nerve originates from the dorsal ramus of C2 and temporary pain relief following a diagnostic occipital nerve block strongly supports the diagnosis. Vertebral Compression Fractures Topics reviewed include: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures Thoracolumbar fracture patterns MRI findings STIR sequence interpretation Patient selection for vertebral augmentation Conservative treatment versus intervention Vertebroplasty technique Kyphoplasty technique Cement leakage and other complications Evidence supporting vertebral augmentation procedures Board Pearl Bone marrow edema on MRI STIR imaging is one of the most important findings suggesting an acute compression fracture. Kyphoplasty vs Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty Direct injection of PMMA cement into the vertebral body Stabilizes micro-motion within the fracture Can provide rapid pain relief Kyphoplasty Balloon tamp creates a cavity before cement placement May partially restore vertebral body height May reduce risk of cement extravasation Often preferred in selected patients with significant vertebral collapse Commonly Tested Complications Cement leakage Pulmonary cement embolism Adjacent level fractures Infection Neurologic injury (rare) High-Yield ABA Pain Medicine Keywords Occipital Neuralgia Greater Occipital Nerve C2 Dorsal Ramus Third Occipital Nerve Cervicogenic Headache Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Vertebral Compression Fracture Kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty PMMA Cement STIR MRI Osteoporosis Cement Extravasation Upcoming Educational Meetings & Conferences 2026 ASPN Annual Meeting – Miami Learn more about the upcoming meeting hosted by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience:
PainExam Podcast Show Notes Compression Fractures, Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty & Occipital Neuralgia for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, Dr. David Rosenblum reviews two frequently tested topics on the ABA Pain Medicine Board Examination: Occipital Neuralgia and Vertebral Compression Fractures, including the indications, techniques, complications, and evidence surrounding vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Whether you are preparing for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards, ABPM, ABIPP, FIPP, or simply looking to strengthen your interventional pain knowledge, this episode covers essential board pearls, anatomy, diagnosis, imaging findings, and treatment options. Episode Highlights Occipital Neuralgia Topics discussed include: Anatomy of the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves C2 dorsal ramus anatomy and clinical relevance Diagnostic criteria for occipital neuralgia Differentiating occipital neuralgia from: Cervicogenic headache Migraine Cluster headache Tension headache Physical examination findings Occipital nerve blocks Pulsed radiofrequency ablation Cryoneurolysis Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) Board Pearl The greater occipital nerve originates from the dorsal ramus of C2 and temporary pain relief following a diagnostic occipital nerve block strongly supports the diagnosis. Vertebral Compression Fractures Topics reviewed include: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures Thoracolumbar fracture patterns MRI findings STIR sequence interpretation Patient selection for vertebral augmentation Conservative treatment versus intervention Vertebroplasty technique Kyphoplasty technique Cement leakage and other complications Evidence supporting vertebral augmentation procedures Board Pearl Bone marrow edema on MRI STIR imaging is one of the most important findings suggesting an acute compression fracture. Kyphoplasty vs Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty Direct injection of PMMA cement into the vertebral body Stabilizes micro-motion within the fracture Can provide rapid pain relief Kyphoplasty Balloon tamp creates a cavity before cement placement May partially restore vertebral body height May reduce risk of cement extravasation Often preferred in selected patients with significant vertebral collapse Commonly Tested Complications Cement leakage Pulmonary cement embolism Adjacent level fractures Infection Neurologic injury (rare) High-Yield ABA Pain Medicine Keywords Occipital Neuralgia Greater Occipital Nerve C2 Dorsal Ramus Third Occipital Nerve Cervicogenic Headache Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Vertebral Compression Fracture Kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty PMMA Cement STIR MRI Osteoporosis Cement Extravasation Upcoming Educational Meetings & Conferences 2026 ASPN Annual Meeting – Miami Learn more about the upcoming meeting hosted by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience:
PainExam Podcast Show Notes Compression Fractures, Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty & Occipital Neuralgia for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, Dr. David Rosenblum reviews two frequently tested topics on the ABA Pain Medicine Board Examination: Occipital Neuralgia and Vertebral Compression Fractures, including the indications, techniques, complications, and evidence surrounding vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Whether you are preparing for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards, ABPM, ABIPP, FIPP, or simply looking to strengthen your interventional pain knowledge, this episode covers essential board pearls, anatomy, diagnosis, imaging findings, and treatment options. Episode Highlights Occipital Neuralgia Topics discussed include: Anatomy of the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves C2 dorsal ramus anatomy and clinical relevance Diagnostic criteria for occipital neuralgia Differentiating occipital neuralgia from: Cervicogenic headache Migraine Cluster headache Tension headache Physical examination findings Occipital nerve blocks Pulsed radiofrequency ablation Cryoneurolysis Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) Board Pearl The greater occipital nerve originates from the dorsal ramus of C2 and temporary pain relief following a diagnostic occipital nerve block strongly supports the diagnosis. Vertebral Compression Fractures Topics reviewed include: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures Thoracolumbar fracture patterns MRI findings STIR sequence interpretation Patient selection for vertebral augmentation Conservative treatment versus intervention Vertebroplasty technique Kyphoplasty technique Cement leakage and other complications Evidence supporting vertebral augmentation procedures Board Pearl Bone marrow edema on MRI STIR imaging is one of the most important findings suggesting an acute compression fracture. Kyphoplasty vs Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty Direct injection of PMMA cement into the vertebral body Stabilizes micro-motion within the fracture Can provide rapid pain relief Kyphoplasty Balloon tamp creates a cavity before cement placement May partially restore vertebral body height May reduce risk of cement extravasation Often preferred in selected patients with significant vertebral collapse Commonly Tested Complications Cement leakage Pulmonary cement embolism Adjacent level fractures Infection Neurologic injury (rare) High-Yield ABA Pain Medicine Keywords Occipital Neuralgia Greater Occipital Nerve C2 Dorsal Ramus Third Occipital Nerve Cervicogenic Headache Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Vertebral Compression Fracture Kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty PMMA Cement STIR MRI Osteoporosis Cement Extravasation Upcoming Educational Meetings & Conferences 2026 ASPN Annual Meeting – Miami Learn more about the upcoming meeting hosted by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience:
Today, Peggy Burkhard talks with Dr. Amar Kelkar of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute about the medical side of survivorship after bone marrow, stem cell, or CAR-T transplant. The conversation begins with the important shift from the urgent “save my life” phase to the longer “protect my health” phase. Dr. Kelkar explains that this transition often starts around the 100-day mark, though timing varies by transplant center, geographical region and patient needs. A major theme is the need to restart routine care that may have been paused during transplant. Dental care, dermatology, ophthalmology, and primary care all become important again. Dental visits are especially important because oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can cause dry mouth, irritation, cavities, and other problems. Skin checks matter because transplant can increase the risk of skin cancers. Dr. Kelkar stresses annual dermatology visits, sun protection, SPF 50 or higher, protective clothing, and smart decisions about sun exposure. Fatigue is another central topic. Dr. Kelkar describes post-transplant fatigue as different from normal tiredness. It can feel deep, physical, and mental, and it may last for months or even years. He encourages patients to pace themselves, listen to their bodies, and build activity back slowly. Returning to work also needs to be individualized. Some patients work remotely during treatment, while others may need extended disability or a gradual return. The episode also covers immune recovery and repeat vaccinations. Dr. Kelkar explains that after transplant, the immune system has been reset, and many childhood vaccines need to be repeated. Most programs begin revaccination around six, nine, or 12 months, depending on immune suppression and other factors. He reassures listeners that many patients have fewer vaccine symptoms early on because their immune systems are still rebuilding. Dr. Kelkar also reviews long-term screening and prevention. Survivors need routine cancer screenings, including mammograms, colonoscopies, lung cancer screening when appropriate, skin exams, and monitoring for thyroid or other changes. Metabolic health is also important. Steroids can affect blood sugar, transplant can change body composition, and quick weight loss often includes muscle loss. Nutrition support and exercise programs can help, and Peggy notes that Blood Cancer United offers nutrition services for patients and caregivers. Blood Cancer United's nutrition program provides free one-on-one consultations with oncology dietitians by phone or email. Bone health, hormone changes, sexual health, and early aging are also discussed. Dr. Kelkar explains that steroids, menopause, testosterone changes, vitamin D deficiency, and time indoors can affect bones. Many centers use DEXA scans and vitamin D supplementation. He also encourages patients to bring up sexual health concerns, including menopause symptoms, low testosterone, pain with intercourse, ulcers, or fear about resuming intimacy. The episode closes with practical advice for everyday life. Food restrictions often loosen around 100 days, but patients should reintroduce foods slowly and carefully. Raw foods, alcohol, tobacco, and inhaled smoke should generally be avoided, especially during the first year. Dr. Kelkar also emphasizes mental health support, counseling, and honest conversations with the medical team. Survivorship is a bumpy road, but the goal is to help patients regain control and thrive. Blood Cancer United Nutrition Offerings: https://bloodcancerunited.org/blood-cancer-care/adults/food-nutrition Thanks to this season's sponsors, Incyte and Sanofi. (00:00) Intro (01:16) Moving from acute treatment to survivorship (02:17) Dental, dermatology, ophthalmology, and routine care (05:45) Fatigue after transplant versus normal tiredness (08:35) Pacing yourself and avoiding setbacks (10:26) Returning to work after transplant (12:24) Resetting the immune system and repeat vaccinations (16:07) Secondary malignancy prevention and cancer screenings (18:59) Sun protection and skin cancer prevention (20:23) Metabolic health, blood sugar, and weight management (23:58) Bone health, vitamin D, DEXA scans, and early aging (29:32) Sexual health and hormonal changes (32:43) Everyday living after transplant (36:07) Psychological and cognitive hurdles in survivorship (38:16) Pulmonary function tests and liver monitoring (40:42) Closing thoughts National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK. Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As part of the May issue, the European Respiratory Journal presents the latest in its series of podcasts. Deputy Chief Editor Don Sin interviews John Fahy (Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA) about his state-of-the-art review of the pathobiology and treatment of mucus plugs in asthma and COPD , published in this issue of the ERJ (https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02358-2025). Cite this podcast as: ERJ Podcast May 2026: Mucus plugs in asthma and COPD. Eur Respir J 2026; 67: 26E6705 [https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.E6705-2026].
Pulmonary AVM may be rare, but missing them can lead to lifelong complications, especially in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). How do you choose the right device and strategy to ensure long-term success with embolization? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy is joined by Dr. Brian Funaki and Dr. Nima Kokabi to unpack the evolving treatment landscape for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM). Through imaging breakdown, review of challenging real-world cases, and a discussion on advanced treatment strategies, the conversation tackles a key debate in pulmonary embolization: are plugs replacing coils as the new standard? --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Okamihttps://okamimedical.com/ --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:43 - Defining HHT and PAVM05:53 - Democratizing Interventions for HHT Patients08:83 - Recommendations to Embolize PAVM13:19 - Imaging Specificity and Procedural Preferences23:29 - Persistence Rates with Plugs and Coils25:59 - Lag in Utilization of Plugs29:18 - Comparison of LOBO to Alternative Vascular Plugs34:26 - Post Embolization Symptoms and Troubleshooting Methods39:04 - PAVM Cases and Treatments54:26 - Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode The discussion begins by defining HHT and PAVM, highlighting the risks associated with untreated PAVM and the critical need for genetic screening and multi-organ evaluation. Drs. Funaki and Kokabi review current treatment recommendations, surveillance imaging, and follow-up protocols, with special considerations for pediatric and high-risk patients. They explore practical tips for optimizing embolization performance, focusing on device selection and the evolving role of vascular plugs. By comparing different plug designs, such as wire count and pore size, and sharing lessons from challenging cases, including persistent lesions, tortuous anatomy, and pseudoaneurysm management, they provide advanced troubleshooting and decision-making strategies to achieve more durable, successful PAVM treatments. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
A mother, advocate and one woman's global fight for access. Beth Vanstone is working to ensure rare disease patients don't have to wait for the treatments they need to survive. Sometimes the most powerful friendships begin in the most unexpected places. Beth Vanstone and I first connected on social media. At the time, we were simply two moms navigating the complicated, emotional, and relentless world of cystic fibrosis. But eventually the online messages turned into something more meaningful. Then, Beth attended one of The Bonnell Foundation's Gala events. That's when we finally met in person. And from that moment on, we became dear friends. It's proof that social media, when used for connection and purpose, can build incredible relationships. But what inspires me most about Beth isn't just our friendship. It's her relentless determination. Beth is the mother of Madi, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just eight months old. Suddenly Beth was navigating a healthcare system, researching treatments, learning medical language, and fighting for her daughter's future. Beth didn't stop there. Instead of focusing only on her own family, she chose to fight for every family. Today, Beth is a powerful advocate in Canada and a member of the Ontario Rare Action Group, where she works to improve access to life-saving therapies for people living with rare diseases like Cystic Fibrosis. And the reality she's fighting against is one many people don't understand. Most healthcare systems, not just in Canada but around the world were built to treat common diseases. They weren't designed for rare conditions that affect smaller populations. Because of that, patients with rare diseases often face enormous barriers: long approval timelines, delayed access to medications, and exhausting advocacy battles just to receive treatments that already exist. In some cases, patients wait months — even years — for medications that could dramatically improve or extend their lives. Beth is working to change that. Through her advocacy, she's pushing for reforms that could make a real difference for patients across Canada and beyond: • Faster access to innovative therapies • Improved newborn screening programs • Better diagnostic pathways • Centers of excellence for rare diseases • Removing financial barriers like deductibles that prevent families from accessing public programs And she's also raising an important global conversation. Here in the United States, lawmakers have debated policies like the Most Favored Nation Model, which look to international drug pricing systems like those in Canada and Europe as a model. But Beth reminds us that every system has challenges, and for rare disease patients, those challenges can be life-changing. Because when access to medication is delayed… Access is denied. And that's why advocacy across borders matters. She's not just advocating for her daughter. She's advocating for every patient still waiting for their breakthrough. And today, we're talking about what needs to change and how all of us can help make it happen. Please like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.orgEmail us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featuredThanks to our sponsors:Vertex: https://www.vrtx.comViatris: https://www.viatris.com/enRead us on Substack: https://substack.com/@lstb?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageWatch our trailer of Embracing Egypt: https://youtu.be/RYjlB25Cr9Y
On this episode Gil and Gregg welcome Dr. Sai Praveen Haranath, Senior Vice President for Medical and Strategy at Apollo HealthAxis and Senior Consultant in Pulmonary and Critical Care at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. Their conversation picks up where a chance green-room meeting at BioAsia 2026 left off. What follows is a candid, wide-ranging dialogue on the future of medicine: tele-critical care delivered from a command center in India to hospitals in rural America and the island of Fiji; AI tools that could restore empathy to time-starved clinicians; a 4.5-billion-person global access gap that demands urgent innovation; and Apollo's four-decade bet that prevention, technology, and human connection belong together. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Bethany Lussier, MD Patients often present with respiratory symptoms that don't quite align with typical pulmonary findings. So what clues should raise our suspicion that something beyond primary lung disease might be driving their condition? Joining Dr. Charles Turck to talk about the pulmonologist's role in identifying respiratory manifestations of thymidine kinase 2 deficiency (TK2d) is Dr. Bethany Lussier. She shares the hallmark features to look out for, like orthopnea and hypoventilation, as well as best practices for using pulmonary function testing and inspiratory pressure measures to distinguish muscle weakness from primary lung disease. Dr. Lussier is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where she's also a member of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.
Raja-Elie Abdulnour is the Chief Clinical Innovation Officer at NEJM Group and an associate physician in the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. A. Sikora, L.A. Celi, and R.-E.E. Abdulnour. Can AI Say “I Don't Know”? N Engl J Med 2026;394:1873-1875.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a critical condition often overlooked in respiratory care. In the first in a series of podcasts about PAH, Brie Soldano, MBA, RRT, RRT-NPS, Respiratory Therapist‑Lead at Nemours Children's Hospital, and Lisa Fuchs, EdD, MHA, RRT, CHWC, FAARC, FNAP, AARC Director of Education, discuss the vital role respiratory therapists play in early detection and intervention. Brie highlights her experiences and actionable insights to improve patient outcomes while underscoring the importance of proactive care in managing PAH, especially in newborns with congenital heart defects. AARC thanks Linde and Mallinckrodt for their support of this episode of the AARC Perspectives Podcast. Send us your thoughts on this podcastThank you for listening! Learn more at aarc.org
In this episode, we review the high-yield topic of Methylxanthines from the Pulmonary section at Medbullets.comFollow Medbullets on social media:Facebook: www.facebook.com/medbulletsInstagram: www.instagram.com/medbulletsofficialTwitter: www.twitter.com/medbulletsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbullets
Beyond the Pearls: Cases for Med School, Residency and Beyond (An InsideTheBoards Podcast)
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Episode 243 NPTEFF Pulmonary Auscultation: Breath Sounds and What They Mean
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CardioNerds Drs. Dinu Balanescu, Billy-Joe Mullinax, and Mariana Garcia discuss systemic thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism with expert Dr. Allison Burnett. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy intern, student doctor, Pace Wetstein. Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the US, and high-risk PE carries a 30-day mortality risk as high as 30-50%. In this episode, we discuss the indications for systemic thrombolysis, including high-risk PE and cardiac arrest. We addressed how to appropriately select candidates for systemic thrombolysis, balancing the high risk of bleeding. Additionally, we discussed anticoagulation management and timing concurrent with lytic therapy, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary PERT teams. The 2026 American multi-society PE guidelines were published after this episode was recorded. Dr. Dinu Balanescu and Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax are Co-chairs for the CardioNerds PE Series, developed in collaboration with the PERT Consortium. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Pulmonary Embolism PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls Risk stratification is crucial in acute pulmonary embolism care. Based on the ESC 2019 guidelines, low-risk PE patients are those who are normotensive with no evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. Intermediate risk includes two categories: intermediate-low, with normotensive patients who have a high PE score with negative biomarkers, and intermediate-high risk, which has elevated biomarkers or signs of RV strain. High-risk PE includes hemodynamically unstable patients (SBP
OsteoBites welcomes Caroline Maloney, MD, PhD, from the Medical College of Wisconsin, who will discuss her research on surgery-accelerated metastasis and developing perioperative therapies.Pulmonary metastasis remains the major cause of death in osteosarcoma. The timing of metastatic relapse defines clinically meaningful subgroups in osteosarcoma with patients who relapse within 6–12 months of surgical removal of their primary tumor having markedly worse survival (10-20%) than those who relapse after completion of therapy (40-50%). While surgical removal of the primary tumor is a fundamental component of the clinical care of solid tumors, surgery induces transient but profound changes in immune and inflammatory responses that can paradoxically accelerate the growth of metastatic disease. Dr. Maloney has demonstrated that surgical removal of the primary tumor accelerates the growth of pre-existing pulmonary metastatic disease and promotes expansion of M2‐like macrophages in the lung microenvironment. Strikingly, short term perioperative treatment with a RIPK2 inhibitor blocks this effect and reprograms macrophages toward an M1-like phenotype, implicating the NOD2–RIPK2 innate immune pathway as a key mediator of post‐surgical immune reprogramming. In contrast, the NOD2 agonist Mifamurtide has shown clinical efficacy when administered as adjuvant therapy to metastatic osteosarcoma patients after primary tumor resection. This data suggests that NOD/RIPK2 signaling may exert context-dependent effects, promoting either pro- or anti-tumor myeloid responses depending on the timing of activation relative to surgery. Understanding how surgical tumor removal alters systemic innate immunity and how RIPK2 signaling orchestrates these responses could identify new strategies to prevent early pulmonary relapse after surgery.
✨ Este domingo en Historias que Contar ✨Sadia Benzaquen nació en Caracas, Venezuela, el 6 de noviembre de 1972.Es el mayor de cuatro hermanos: Alex, Karen y Gastón, quien falleció en el año 2008.Hijo de José Benzaquen y Sara Wahnich de Benzaquen, ambos nacidos en Tetuán, Marruecos.Nieto de Mojluf y Sara Benzaquen, y de Yahya y Aziza Wahnich — todos nacidos en Tetuán — su historia familiar está marcada por la migración cuando el protectorado español dejó de gobernar la ciudad y pasó a control marroquí.La familia de su padre emigró primero a Israel.La de su madre, directamente a Venezuela.Sus padres se conocieron en Caracas, cuando su padre, trabajando en un barco israelí, hizo escala en Venezuela.Realizó sus estudios en el Hebraica y en el Moral y Luces (Promoción 1990), y se graduó como médico en la Escuela Luis Razetti de la Universidad Central de Venezuela en 1998, donde también ejerció — una etapa fundamental en su formación.En el 2003 emigró a Estados Unidos.Hoy vive en Philadelphia, donde es jefe del Departamento de Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy en el Jefferson Einstein Medical Center y profesor de medicina en el Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University.Durante la pandemia del COVID-19, su voz se convirtió en referencia para miles de personas.Esposo de Julie Simons, y padre de Joseph y Noah.
“Being a CF aunt has shaped so much of my life. Now I get the opportunity to turn that love and connection into helping even more people at Breathe Strong CF." Julie Dunn Eichenberg didn't just find the cystic fibrosis community, she's been part of it for more than 30 years as a proud CF aunt. That personal connection is what makes this next chapter so meaningful. Julie recently stepped into the role of Executive Director at BreatheStrong CF, where the focus is on helping people with cystic fibrosis live stronger, healthier lives through exercise, education, and empowerment. And while she brings decades of experience in leadership, fundraising, and relationship-building, she's honest about getting used to the role. She's learning. Listening. Figuring out the day-to-day. And really taking the time to understand how she can best serve the community in this new position. Before this, Julie spent 20 years at Turner Broadcasting System (now part of Warner Bros. Discovery), and later held leadership roles at Florida State University and Fan Data Insights. But no matter where her career took her, the CF community was always part of her life. She's also been deeply involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, serving as Chair of the Georgia Chapter and contributing at the national level. We talk about what it feels like to step into a leadership role that's so personal. The excitement, the pressure, and the responsibility that comes with it. Julie shares what she's learning, what's surprised her, and why her connection as a CF aunt continues to guide every decision she makes. Because for Julie, this isn't just a job, it's personal. Please like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.orgEmail us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featuredThanks to our sponsors:Vertex: https://www.vrtx.comViatris: https://www.viatris.com/enRead us on Substack: https://substack.com/@lstb?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageWatch our trailer of Embracing Egypt: https://youtu.be/RYjlB25Cr9Y
Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians
In this episode of Better Edge, pulmonologist Maanasi Samant, MD, highlights the multidisciplinary approach to pulmonary embolism (PE) survivorship at Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute's Blood Clot Clinic. The clinic offers structured follow-up for patients recovering from PE, with a focus on persistent symptoms, functional limitation, and early identification of chronic thromboembolic disease, including chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Through standardized post-discharge evaluations, advanced diagnostics, coordinated anticoagulation management, and supportive counseling, the clinic addresses the full spectrum of post-PE syndrome. This comprehensive model supports earlier diagnosis of long-term complications, timely access to advanced therapies, and improved recovery and quality of life, serving as a centralized, evidence-based resource for referring pulmonologists.
Better Edge : A Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians
In this episode of Better Edge, Oncologist Seth M. Pollack, MD, discusses the evolving treatment landscape for leiomyosarcoma and highlights clinical trial data recently published in The Lancet Oncology. Dr. Pollack was co-author on the study, which evaluated the combination of cabozantinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with temozolomide in patients with refractory soft tissue sarcomas. The conversation covers the biologic mechanisms underpinning this strategy, trial design and outcomes, and how the trial's findings compare with existing systemic therapies. The discussion also emphasizes the value of referral to specialized sarcoma centers with multidisciplinary expertise and access to subtype specific clinical trials.
Commentary by Dr. Jian'an Wang.
In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores the physiology and real-world risks of pulmonary edema triggered by both intense physical exertion and high-altitude exposure. Drawing on clinical insight and wilderness medicine experience, she explains how fluid can accumulate in the lungs during extreme exercise and conditions like High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema, breaking down the underlying mechanisms in a clear and practical way. Listeners will learn how to recognize early warning signs—such as shortness of breath out of proportion to effort, cough, and decreased performance—and understand why these symptoms can rapidly become life-threatening. The episode also covers prevention strategies, including proper acclimatization, pacing, and risk awareness, along with guidance on when immediate descent or medical care is critical. Whether you're an athlete, climber, or backcountry traveler, this episode provides essential knowledge to help you stay safe in demanding environments.
Send us Fan MailPaper Discussed in this Episode:Ki-67 Proliferation Index in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Interobserver Agreement Among Pathologists and Comparison of Two Artificial Intelligence-Based Image Analysis Systems. Teoman G, Turkmen Usta Z, Sagnak Yilmaz Z, Ersoz S. MDPI 2026.Episode Summary:In this journal club deep dive, we step into the lab to examine a direct comparison between expert human pathologists and artificial intelligence. We explore a 2026 study that evaluates how two different AI image analysis systems score the critical Ki-67 biomarker in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (PNENs) alongside four experienced human experts. Unlike stories where AI and humans clash, this study explores a different exciting reality: Can AI perfectly match the human gold standard to automate and standardize a highly tedious, labor-intensive medical process?In This Episode, We Cover:• The Diagnostic Challenge of Lung NENs: Understanding Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms, a biologically diverse group of lung tumors ranging from slow-growing typical carcinoids to highly aggressive large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas. We discuss why precise classification is critical for predicting patient outcomes and guiding treatment.• The Spotlight Biomarker (The Speedometer): ◦ Ki-67: The definitive marker of active cellular proliferation, essentially acting as the tumor's "speedometer". While not formally incorporated into the WHO grading criteria for lung NENs, it is a vital clinical tool used to distinguish low-grade from high-grade tumors and identify biologically aggressive lesions.• The Showdown - Humans vs. AI: Four experienced pathologists go head-to-head with two digital heavyweights—the Roche uPath Ki-67 and the Virasoft Virasight Ki-67 algorithms. They analyzed 63 cases across different tumor subtypes, meticulously evaluating approximately 2,000 cells per predefined tumor hotspot.• Round 1 - Impressive Human Concordance: The human experts achieved near-perfect interobserver agreement (an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.998) when utilizing pre-selected hotspot regions, proving that standardized manual counting by experts is highly reliable.• Round 2 - AI Meets the Gold Standard: Both AI systems demonstrated massive, statistically significant correlations with the human experts' assessments. The AI reliably stratified the lung tumors into low, intermediate, and high-risk clinical categories without systematic bias, proving the algorithms can match human accuracy.• The Future of the Lab: Why AI shouldn't replace pathologists, but rather serve as a reproducible, objective assistant in the pathology lab. We discuss how automated AI analysis can reduce observer fatigue, enable rapid assessment of large tumor areas, and standardize testing across institutions, despite current roadblocks like algorithm complexity and a lack of wide accessibility.Key Takeaway:Artificial intelligence doesn't have to disagree with humans to prove its profound clinical worth. By successfully matching the excellent accuracy of top pathologists, these AI systems proved they can reliably handle the exhausting, subjective task of tumor cell counting. This paves the way for faster, highly standardized tumor evaluation, which could ultimately lead to more consistent and reliable prognostic diagnoses for lung cancer patientsSupport the showGet the "Digital Pathology 101" FREE E-book and join us!
Revisit our recent podcast on artificial intelligence. Dr. Nitin Seam chats with Dr. Sara Murray and Dr. Avraham Cooper about their articles, "Large Language Models and Medical Education: Preparing for a Rapid Transformation in How Trainees Will Learn to Be Doctor" and "AI and Medical Education — A 21st-Century Pandora's Box."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changed the dollar value of a statistical life in January 2026, essentially dropping it to zero. What does that mean for the average American? As Anthony Gerber, MD, PhD, University of Kentucky, explains to Air Health Our Health host Erika Moseson, MD, MA, this means the agency will no longer account for the healthcare costs of air pollution and lost lives when determining how account how clean air policies and other key legislation affect communities. In this first part of a two-part series on the EPA's dollar value of a statistical life, Dr. Gerber explains what this change means and why is it significant.
Three decades caring for patients with CF, that's Dr. Alan H. Cohen. His experience continues to shape everything he does today. As a pediatric pulmonologist (board-certified) , he has walked alongside patients through some of their hardest moments, including advanced lung disease and transplantation. Dr. Cohen was previously co-director of the largest pediatric lung transplant program in North America.Those years at the bedside are what ultimately led Dr. Cohen into drug development, where he has spent more than 25 years working to turn scientific innovation into real-world therapies for people who are still waiting for better options. As the Chief Medical Officer of Arcturus Therapeutics, he brings both clinical perspective and urgency to the company's work in mRNA-based therapies for cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases.“Clinical trials aren't just about science, they're about people who are willing to help move the field forward.”In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, Dr. Cohen reflects on how cystic fibrosis care has evolved over the past 35 years, from symptom management to breakthroughs in gene therapy and mRNA technology. Dr. Cohen discusses why clinical trials are essential to progress, especially for rare diseases, and why patient participation plays such a critical role in moving new therapies forward. Dr. Cohen also shares how the strength of the CF community continues to inspire his work, offering both realism and hope for the future of CF research.You'll also hear more about the personal side of this wonderful scientist! The Arcturus team packed Bonnell Foundation Hospital Bags with comfort products for caregivers, and CF adults for California CF Clinics. #teamworkClinical trials are an important step to understand whether a medicine works for its intended purpose. Please see our active clinical trials below. For any questions email: Community@ArcturusRx.com. Please like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.orgEmail us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featuredThanks to our sponsors:Vertex: https://www.vrtx.comViatris: https://www.viatris.com/enRead us on Substack: https://substack.com/@lstb?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageWatch our trailer of Embracing Egypt: https://youtu.be/RYjlB25Cr9Y
In this episode, we review the high-yield topic of Pulmonary Edema from the Respiratory section.Follow Medbullets on social media:Facebook: www.facebook.com/medbulletsInstagram: www.instagram.com/medbulletsofficialTwitter: www.twitter.com/medbullets
In this episode of our Critical Care Series, we break down the fundamentals of mechanical ventilation with a practical, physiology-based approach designed for the bedside.Join us for a high-yield, clinically focused discussion covering ventilator modes, how ventilator breaths work (trigger, limit, and cycle), and how to interpret pressures and waveforms in the ICU. Whether you're an internal medicine resident, pulmonary fellow, or critical care learner, this episode will help you build a framework to understand and troubleshoot ventilators with confidence.Hosts:Dr. Tanya S. Jain and Dr. Avtandil Kochiashvili, Chief Medical Residents, UConnGuest Expert:Dr. Ethan Bernstein, Attending Physician, Pulmonary & Critical CareAuthor:Dr. Tanya S. Jain, Chief Medical Resident, UConnEdited by:Dr. Avtandil Kochiashvili, Chief Medical Resident, UConnMusic:LoFi Girl by Snoozy Beats | Free Music Archive | License: CC BY
A flaw in one of medicine's most trusted devices - the pulse oximeter - was first documented in the 1990s, then largely forgotten. It took the COVID-19 pandemic to bring it back to the forefront.Michael Sjoding, a pulmonologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Michigan, was treating critically ill patients during the pandemic when he noticed something that didn't add up: pulse oximeter readings were overestimating blood oxygen levels compared with arterial blood gas tests. The discrepancy wasn't random. Black patients were significantly more likely to receive inaccurate readings than White patients.In this episode, we talk about the impact of the study Dr. Sjoding and his colleagues published in the New England Journal of Medicine, what it reveals about the design of medical devices - and why he believes this is a problem that can be solved.We discuss:Why pulse oximeters can produce less accurate readings in patients with darker skin - and what that means for clinical decision-makingWhat the pulse oximeter problem reveals about inclusive design in medicineWhy Dr. Sjoding believes his study gained traction where earlier research did notAbout Michael SjodingDr. Michael Sjoding is an Associate Professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on developing new computational tools to support diagnosis and identify optimal treatment for patients with lung disease. He also studies how to effectively deploy these tools to support clinical decisions at the bedside.Read the NEJM study on racial bias in pulse oximetry measurement: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMc2029240---Other episodes you might like:How to design a fairer healthcare system---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/
In this week's episode we interview Joseph Parambil, MD, staff member in the department of pulmonary, allergy and critical care medicine at Cleveland Clinic, about the current challenges of interstitial lung disease, or ILD. · Intro by Adam J. Brown, MD 0:12 · Welcome back Joseph Parambil, MD 0:32 · But first, some medical history on ILD 1:04 · ILD vs. IPF 2:26 · A quick aside into silicosis and bleomycin 4:27 · Trying to describe pulmonary fibrosis 5:23 · The different types of ILD 9:44 · Finding a slow progression of disease and autoimmune conditions 10:59 · Pulmonary fibrosis diagnoses in 1963 14:41 · The modern era of ILD 16:22 · Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia 20:12 · Handing things over to Dr. Parambil 23:01 · Helping rheumatologists understand ILD/The alphabet soup 24:34 · The shift from biopsies and using immunosuppression 33:07 · Is the workup similar for UIP and NSIP? 35:26 · Is there a standard protocol for workup in terms of serologies? 36:30 · The danger of choosing the wrong treatment 38:43 · Immunosuppression in patients with pulmonary hypertension and ILD 40:52 · UIP and ANCA vasculitis 42:12 · Compared to ten years ago, how are we doing with treatments? 43:10 · Where are we with lung transplants? 50:49 · Looking at hematopoietic stem cell transplants 53:24 · The importance of early diagnosis 54:14 · Antifibrotic medicines 56:15 · Chronic and acute interstitial lung diseases 58:41 · Thank you, Dr. Parambil 1:03:54 · A conclusion from Dr. Brown 1:04:20 · Thank you for listening 1:04:55 We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Brown at rheuminationspodcast@healio.com. Follow us on Twitter @HRheuminations @AdamJBrownMD @HealioRheum. Joseph Parambil, MD, is a staff member in the Respiratory Institute and the director of the HHT Center of Excellence and the Vascular Anomalies Center at the Cleveland Clinic. He is associate professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner College of Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with additional specialty certification in pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine. References: Homolka J. CMAJ. 1987;PMID:3315158 Liebow A, et al. : "Frontiers of Pulmonary Radiology." The interstitial pneumonias, pp. 102-141. 1969. Grune & Stratton. Liebow A, et al. Calif Med. 1969;PMID:PMC1501512 Noble PW, et al. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2005;doi:10.1165/rcmb.F301 Scadding JG, et al. Thorax. 1967;doi:10.1136/thx.22.4.291 Disclosures: Brown and Parambil report no relevant financial disclosures.
We are unbelievably excited this week to be reviewing the hot-off-the-presses 2026 Multi-Society (AHA/ACC/ACCP/ACEP/CHEST/SCAI/SHM/SIR/SVM/SVN) Pulmonary Embolism Guidelines with lead author Dr. Mark A. Creager. We will talk about key updates in these guidelines compared to prior practice, including the new risk classification model, and provide an overview from diagnosis to follow-up. Given the clinical importance and prevalence of pulmonary embolism, these guidelines are certainly going to shape practice going forward, so this episode is a can’t miss! Watch the full video of this episode with graphics and helpful teaching visuals on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pulmpeeps Meet Our Guest Dr. Mark Creager is a Professor of Medicine at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center where he specializes in Cardiovascular Medicine with an emphasis on venous thromboembolic disease. He served as the lead author of the 2026 Pulmonary Embolism Guidelines. Article and Reference Creager MA, Barnes GD, Giri J, Mukherjee D, Jones WS, Burnett AE, Carman T, Casanegra AI, Castellucci LA, Clark SM, Cushman M, de Wit K, Eaves JM, Fang MC, Goldberg JB, Henkin S, Johnston-Cox H, Kadavath S, Kadian-Dodov D, Keeling WB, Klein AJP, Li J, McDaniel MC, Moores LK, Piazza G, Prenger KS, Pugliese SC, Ranade M, Rosovsky RP, Russo F, Secemsky EA, Sista AK, Tefera L, Weinberg I, Westafer LM, Young MN. 2026 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ACEP/CHEST/SCAI/SHM/SIR/SVM/SVN Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2026 Feb 19:S0735-1097(25)10161-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2025.11.005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41712898. Key Learning Points Why these guidelines matter: This is the first joint AHA/ACC clinical practice guideline specifically on acute PE, bringing together a truly multidisciplinary writing committee (cardiology, pulmonology, hematology, emergency medicine, interventional radiology, surgery, and others). Prior guidelines existed from individual societies, but nothing this comprehensive had been updated in roughly five to six years. New PE clinical categories (A through E): One of the most impactful changes is replacing the old “massive/submassive” and “low/intermediate/high risk” labels with five categories that form a severity continuum. Category A is subclinical (incidental PE found on imaging in asymptomatic patients). Category B covers symptomatic but low-severity patients. Category C is where much of the clinical complexity lives — symptomatic, hemodynamically stable patients subdivided into C1, C2, and C3 based on RV function and biomarkers. Category D represents incipient cardiopulmonary failure (transient hypotension, normotensive shock with end-organ dysfunction). Category E is frank cardiopulmonary failure, with E2 being the sickest — refractory or recurrent cardiac arrest. Respiratory modifiers (hypoxia requiring supplemental oxygen) layer onto C, D, and E. Diagnostic approach: Clinical evaluation comes first — history, exam, and validated decision tools (Wells score, revised Geneva, PERC). If clinical probability is low and D-dimer is normal, imaging can be safely avoided. If either is concerning, imaging is warranted. CTPA remains the preferred imaging modality due to superior sensitivity, specificity, wide availability, and ability to assess clot burden and alternative diagnoses. VQ scanning is still appropriate when CTPA is contraindicated, and VQ SPECT offers better reproducibility and specificity than traditional planar VQ if available. Echocardiography is not a diagnostic test for PE but is important for risk stratification — RV size, TAPSE, and tissue Doppler measures all contribute prognostic information. Anticoagulation updates: Anticoagulation remains the cornerstone of treatment. For patients potentially needing advanced therapies (C3, D, E), parenteral anticoagulation is started first. A notable recommendation: low molecular weight heparin is generally preferred over unfractionated heparin, based on evidence showing more effective VTE risk reduction, more predictable pharmacokinetics, no need for routine monitoring, lower rates of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and no increase in major bleeding. The committee acknowledged this may create discomfort for clinicians accustomed to unfractionated heparin’s easy reversibility, but the difficulty of achieving and maintaining therapeutic levels with UFH was a significant concern. Advanced therapies: Catheter-based thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, systemic thrombolysis, and surgical embolectomy all received mostly class 2B recommendations (“can consider”) for C3 and D categories, reflecting that current evidence shows improvement in short-term surrogate measures (RV/LV ratio, hemodynamics) but lacks definitive hard outcome data on mortality. For category E1 patients, recommendations are stronger (class 2A). Multiple trials are expected soon — HI-PEITHO, PEERLESS-2, PE-TRACT, PERSEVERE, TORPEDO, and PROG — that should substantially inform future updates. PERT teams: Pulmonary embolism response teams are encouraged, particularly for C3, D, and E patients. They’ve been shown to reduce length of stay. For institutions without PERT capability, establishing consultation networks with larger centers is recommended. Post-PE follow-up: Patients shouldn’t be “left in the wilderness” after discharge. The guidelines recommend communication within the first week to ensure understanding of diagnosis and treatment, an in-person visit at or before three months to assess for persistent symptoms and discuss anticoagulation duration, ongoing surveillance for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease, and periodic reassessment for those on extended anticoagulation. Infographics
Mawi, Paul, and Shelly discuss follow up on hypothermia, a listner email about neurogenic pulmonay edema, and an email about anesthesiologists as Respiratory Therapists during COVID. Join the Wise Guys for another medley of stories.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease that is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment that can slow its course. Mridul Gupta, M.D., provides an overview of who is most affected, how to recognize and diagnose IPF, and what treatment approaches are available. Learn how clinicians and patients weigh the risks and benefits of treatment options (especially with older patients) and how more personalized therapies may be on the horizon.
Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. Guest: Kathryn del Valle, M.D. Chronic liver disease can result in a variety of complications which can involve multiple organs. One of these complications can occur in the pulmonary vascular system. Two of the most clinically significant include hepatopulmonary syndrome and Portopulmonary hypertension. Patients with these syndromes may present to their primary care provider and if the medical condition is unrecognized, it can affect morbidity and ultimately the prognosis of the patient. What are the early symptoms and physical findings of hepatopulmonary syndrome and Portopulmonary hypertension? How are they diagnosed, and should we be screening patients with chronic liver disease for these pulmonary vascular disorders? My guest for this podcast is Dr. Kathryn del Valle, from the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the Mayo Clinic and we'll be discussing “Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease”. Connect with us! Mayo Clinic Talks Podcast Season 6 | Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development
In this episode of Talking Sleep, host Dr. Seema Khosla welcomes Dr. Reena Mehra, professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, and Dr. Dennis Aukley, professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, to discuss the newly released AASM clinical practice guidelines for evaluating and managing obstructive sleep apnea in hospitalized adults. The guidelines address a significant gap in inpatient care: how to systematically screen for sleep apnea in hospitalized patients, prioritize high-risk groups, determine when and where to perform testing, and ensure appropriate outpatient follow-up. Dr. Mehra and Dr. Aukley explain the impetus behind developing these guidelines and the PICO question process used to examine existing evidence, acknowledging the challenges of working with limited data in this emerging field. The conversation systematically walks through the four key recommendations: in-hospital screening for OSA as part of an evaluation and management pathway, use of inpatient PAP treatment for newly diagnosed or untreated moderate-to-severe OSA, availability of sleep medicine consultation, and implementation of discharge management plans to ensure timely diagnosis and effective outpatient management. Practical implementation receives extensive attention. How should patients be screened—using STOP-Bang or facility-specific methods? Should screening be built into the EMR? Which patient populations and hospital units should be prioritized? Who performs the screening—sleep navigators, nursing staff, or hospitalists? Can sleep consultations be conducted via telemedicine at the bedside? The experts emphasize the critical need for a program champion and comprehensive education initiatives. Dr. Aukley shares invaluable lessons from his experience creating an inpatient sleep program, discussing what he wishes he'd known before starting and practical insights gained through implementation. A particularly frustrating issue receives attention: patients who bring their own PAP devices to the hospital but never have them set up or used during their stay. The guidelines address this common scenario and provide frameworks for ensuring treated patients continue therapy during hospitalization. Legal liability considerations are explored: What responsibilities exist for untreated patients diagnosed with OSA during hospitalization? What about high-risk patients who haven't been formally diagnosed? The experts discuss strategies for ensuring outpatient follow-up, recognizing that effective discharge planning is essential for translating inpatient identification into long-term management. Whether you're considering establishing an inpatient sleep program, frustrated by gaps in hospital-based sleep apnea care, or seeking evidence-based approaches to identifying and managing OSA in hospitalized patients, this episode provides essential guidance and practical implementation strategies. Join us for this important discussion about bringing systematic sleep apnea evaluation and management into the inpatient setting.
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In this episode:Diving into the depths of psychological performance in sports, this episode of the TriDoc Podcast features an engaging discussion between host Jeff Sankoff and psychologist Dr. Jim Taylor. They explore the concept of mastering adversity as a way to enhance athletic performance, particularly in triathlons. The conversation kicks off with a humorous nod to Jeff's raspy voice, a remnant of his recent battle with a respiratory infection, which he cleverly ties into the theme of overcoming challenges. Dr. Taylor shares invaluable insights on resilience, emphasizing that the mental tools athletes develop through life experiences can be incredibly beneficial when facing adversity in sports. They discuss how athletes can prepare mentally for various scenarios during races, highlighting the importance of rehearsing potential challenges in advance. As they delve deeper, they touch upon the five attitudes that can hinder performance, including over-investment, perfectionism, fear of failure, preoccupation with results, and excessive expectations. By shedding light on these psychological barriers, Jeff and Dr. Taylor provide listeners with practical strategies to combat them, encouraging a mindset that prioritizes enjoyment and personal progress over rigid expectations and outcomes. This episode is a treasure trove for athletes looking to enhance their mental game while navigating the thrilling yet intimidating world of triathlons. The Medical Mailbag will be exploring the risk of swimming induced pulmonary edema in triathletes, and will investigate the data from studies done in Sweden to educate the audience on the risks and ways of ceasing the progression of pulmonary edema.Segments:[4:51]- Medical Mailbag: SIPE[36:13]- Interview: Dr. Jim TaylorLinksDr. Jim's Facebook page@drjimtaylor on Instagram@drjimtaylor on XDr. Jim on YouTube
This inaugural episode of the CardioNerds Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Series explores the evolution of acute PE care. Dr. Ibrahim Zahid, Dr. Dinu Balanescu, and Dr. Billy Joe Mullinax join guest expert Dr. Kenneth Rosenfield to discuss the shifting landscape of PE management. Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and a frequent diagnostic challenge, often masquerading as myocardial infarction or a benign illness. Over the past decade, PE care has evolved from anticoagulation-only strategies to nuanced, risk-stratified, multidisciplinary management. Modern approaches integrate hemodynamics, biomarkers, and advanced imaging to guide therapy, including catheter-directed interventions and large-bore thrombectomy. The Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) model addresses historical gaps by coordinating rapid, multispecialty decision-making and standardizing care pathways. The PERT Consortium further advances PE care through education, research, and the world's largest PE registry, while fostering leadership and research opportunities for trainees. Despite advances, long-term outcomes and post-PE syndromes remain important areas for future investigation. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy intern, student doctor, Pace Wetstein. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. CardioNerds Pulmonary Embolism PageCardioNerds Episode PageCardioNerds AcademyCardionerds Healy Honor Roll CardioNerds Journal ClubSubscribe to The Heartbeat Newsletter!Check out CardioNerds SWAG!Become a CardioNerds Patron! Pearls PE is a “master masquerader”—maintain suspicion for atypical presentations like myocardial infarction, heart failure, flu, or anxiety. Multidisciplinary management mediated through pulmonary embolism response teams improves outcomes and standardizes care. Risk stratification integrates hemodynamics, biomarkers, and imaging. Advanced therapies have expanded beyond anticoagulation. Long‑term follow‑up and post‑PE syndrome need more research. Notes Notes: Notes drafted by Dr. Ibrahim Zahid. 1. How has the clinical approach to PE changed over the past decade? PE is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death and historically under‑recognized. Symptoms mimic MI, HF, asthma, syncope, and more.PE is a silent killer, and it should be recognized more as a cause of spontaneous cardiac arrest. Where life threatening disease like stroke which is owned by neurological specialists and MI is primarily managed by cardiac specialists, PE is an entity without a professional home. The PERT Consortium brings the specialties together for PE care. 2. Ten years ago, a 58-year-old patient with a large bilateral PE, RV dilation, and positive biomarkers might have been managed with anticoagulation and close observation alone. Today, with evolving—but still uneven—data on advanced therapies, PE care feels far more nuanced and highly dependent on where you practice. What are the major gaps in traditional PE management that clinicians should recognize, and what care pathways should they be aware of across different hospital systems? Care has shifted from anticoagulation‑only to multidisciplinary approaches like catheter directed thrombectomy. Risk‑based pathways and the use of CT angiogram has improved early recognition. Risk stratification tools must be used as tools for early recognition of intermediate risk PE. Untreated PE leads to chronic complications like chronic thromboembolic disease and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, which requires long term clinic follow up. 3. What is the role of risk stratification tools such as PeSI, sPeSI scores, cardiac biomarkers, and imaging findings in PE, and how do they guide treatment decisions in real world practice? Integrate vitals (blood pressure and heart rate), biomarkers (troponin, pro-BNP), RV/LV ratio assessment, acid‑base status, and scores. Tools include PESI, sPESI, BOVA, HESTIA, FAST, Geneva, NEWS, shock index. Vitals, lactate, acid-base status, and tools like NEWS or shock index track clinical evolution. PESI/sPESI estimate 30-day mortality and help identify low-risk patients who may be candidates for early discharge or outpatient therapy. Clinical judgment matters—scores don't fully capture clot burden, trajectory, or bleeding risk. 4. How was the pulmonary embolism response team created, and since its creation, what evidence or outcome data became available to support the PERT model? Originated after a sentinel case at MGH: A young, pregnant woman in her 30s, who collapsed at home, underwent thrombectomy, and had to be on ECMO for a few days. The case brought cardiology, cardiac surgeons and critical care physicians together for planning and improvement in her health, which was rewarding. Thereby, it was decided to bring specialties involved in PE care together to create a response team. The name of the team, Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT), was coined by Richard Channick in the first meeting. Posters were set up all over the hospital to call a centralized line when an acute PE is recognized A meeting was held to present the concept of putting together a consortium, with development of action items and a PERT database. Enabled rapid multidisciplinary input using early teleconferencing tools. 5. Given concerns about having too many ‘cooks in the kitchen' during the initial PE call—especially with rotating teams—how can institutions reconcile workflow complexity with standardized pathways in a way that meaningfully supports and justifies the added burden on frontline clinicians? Every hospital's PERT is different, catering to their needs and workflow At least two disciplines are needed to make a PERTData is currently being collected to guide further on how the workflow can be standardized Most importantly, the team brings in resources that were not available prior to PERT formation. 6. What are the main goals of the PERT consortium, and how does it support clinicians and institutions involved? To improve care and improve outcomes for patients with PE Expand education, refine algorithms, standardize care with Centers of Excellence. Maintain the largest PE registry for research and outcomes improvement. 7. Beyond global networking, shared learning from successful systems, and the pathway toward Center of Excellence designation, what additional benefits can clinicians and health systems gain by participating in the PERT Consortium? The ability to learn from other systems, the ability to share experiences. Allow people to develop their professional careers like leadership experience, becoming a member of the trainee council Initiate projects and receive funding for your ideas 8. For trainees interested in pulmonary embolism care, how can a trainee be a champion at their institution? Does PERT provide assistance and how can they really contribute meaningfully even before becoming a fellow/attending? Medical students and residents interested in PE should reach out to the consortium and the consortium will hook you up with the correct mentors who can nurture you along. Listen to the podcasts. Participate with your local PERT team PERT wants involvement of people who are social media savvy to help spread the word on PE. Top three take-away points from this episode Acute PE care has advanced and multiple treatment modalities for acute PE including catheter directed therapy, large bore thrombectomy, are becoming standard of care. Multidisciplinary models like PERT improve coordination and outcomes. Trainees play a vital role in advancing PE care through involvement, research, and education References Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, Bueno H, Geersing GJ, Harjola VP, Huisman MV, Humbert M, Jennings CS, Jiménez D, Kucher N, Lang IM, Lankeit M, Lorusso R, Mazzolai L, Meneveau N, Ní Áinle F, Prandoni P, Pruszczyk P, Righini M, Torbicki A, Van Belle E, Zamorano JL; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS). Eur Heart J. 2020 Jan 21;41(4):543-603. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz405. PMID: 31504429. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504429/ Rosovsky R, Zhao K, Sista A, Rivera-Lebron B, Kabrhel C. Pulmonary embolism response teams: Purpose, evidence for efficacy, and future research directions. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2019 Jun 9;3(3):315-330. doi: 10.1002/rth2.12216. PMID: 31294318; PMCID: PMC6611377. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6611377/ Rosenfield K, Bowers TR, Barnett CF, Davis GA, Giri J, Horowitz JM, Huisman MV, Hunt BJ, Keeling B, Kline JA, Klok FA, Konstantinides SV, Lanno MT, Lookstein R, Moriarty JM, Ní Áinle F, Reed JL, Rosovsky RP, Royce SM, Secemsky EA, Sharp ASP, Sista AK, Smith RE, Wells P, Yang J, Whatley EM; Pulmonary Embolism Research Collaborative (PERC) Attendees. Standardized Data Elements for Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Consensus Report From the Pulmonary Embolism Research Collaborative. Circulation. 2024 Oct;150(14):1140-1150. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.067482. Epub 2024 Sep 12. PMID: 39263752; PMCID: PMC11698503. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39263752/ Sharifi M, Awdisho A, Schroeder B, Jiménez J, Iyer P, Bay C. Retrospective comparison of ultrasound facilitated catheter-directed thrombolysis and systemically administered half-dose thrombolysis in treatment of pulmonary embolism. Vasc Med. 2019 Apr;24(2):103-109. doi: 10.1177/1358863X18824159. Epub 2019 Mar 5. PMID: 30834822. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30834822/ Pandya V, Chandra AA, Scotti A, Assafin M, Schenone AL, Latib A, Slipczuk L, Khaliq A. Evolution of Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams in the United States: A Review of the Literature. J Clin Med. 2024 Jul 8;13(13):3984. doi: 10.3390/jcm13133984. PMID: 38999548; PMCID: PMC11242386. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38999548/ Rivera-Lebron B., McDaniel M., Ahrar K., Alrifai A., Dudzinski D.M., Fanola C., Blais D., Janicke D., Melamed R., Mohrien K., et al. Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow Up of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Consensus Practice from the PERT Consortium. Clin. Appl. Thromb. Hemost. 2019;25:1076029619853037. doi: 10.1177/1076029619853037.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31185730/
Welcome to Transmission Interrupted! In this episode, host Jill Morgan sits down with the principal investigators of NETEC—Dr. Aneesh Mehta, Dr. Vikramjit Mukherjee, and Dr. John Lowe—to reflect on a decade of advancing special pathogen preparedness across the U.S. healthcare system. Together, they revisit the origins of NETEC, tracing back to the transformative events of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and share their unique journeys as infectious disease experts, critical care clinicians, and scientists on the front lines. The conversation dives into the challenges and lessons learned while building a national network equipped for high-consequence infectious diseases, the evolution from isolated specialty units to a system-wide approach, and the critical importance of healthcare worker safety. You'll hear insights on what it takes to maintain readiness in a landscape of ever-changing threats, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and a call to expand this “tight-knit club” of preparedness champions. Whether you're a healthcare professional, public health advocate, or just curious about how the U.S. prepares for medical crises, this episode delivers an inspiring look at the past, present, and future of special pathogen response—and why it matters to us all. Guests John-Martin Lowe, PhD John-Martin Lowe, PhD, is the director of the Global Center for Health Security, assistant vice chancellor for health security training and education, and professor of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he leads research and training initiatives to advance environmental risk assessment and infection control for high consequence pathogens. As a virologist and environmental exposure scientist, Dr. Lowe has worked extensively throughout the U.S., Africa, Asia and Europe as an educator, researcher, and in health emergency risk management related to infectious disease, infection control and emergency response. As a professor of environmental and occupational health, his expertise focuses on infectious disease risk assessment and management of risk for clinical, community and industrial environments. Dr. Lowe also has extensive experience in emerging pathogens and health security. He is co-PI for the U.S. National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center, established an international network for emerging infectious diseases, and served lead investigator for a multi-country bio-surveillance network in Africa. He has experience in a broad range of health security topics from surveillance, public health response and clinical response to health emergencies. Dr. Lowe led successful COVID-19 efforts in 2020 at the National Quarantine Unit and Nebraska Biocontainment Unit to provide monitoring and care for repatriated U.S. citizens exposed to and infected with SARS Coronavirus 2. He also led early and continued efforts to characterize the transmission dynamics of SARS Coronavirus 2 which were presented to in a joint meeting hosted by the Academy of Medicine and American Public Health Association on April 15, 2020. Dr. Aneesh Mehta, MD, FIDSA, FAST Aneesh Mehta is a Professor of Medicine and of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, and also serves as the Chief of Infectious Diseases Services and Assistant Director of Transplant Infectious Diseases at Emory University Hospital. He is a board-certified infectious diseases physician, who received an MD from the University of Oklahoma and completed Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases training at Emory University. Aneesh has been one of the core physicians of the Emory Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU) since 2009. He was admitted physician for Emory's first patient with Ebola Virus Disease and was highly involved in care of the four patients with EVD, one patient with Lassa Fever, and several PUIs cared for by the Emory SCDU. During the Ebola activation, Aneesh was involved in all aspects of unit management, patient care, laboratory handling, and research. Aneesh is a co-Principal Investigator at NETEC. He also has been involved in development of the Special Pathogens Research Network Biorepository and evaluation of Medical Countermeasures. Vikramjit Mukherjee, MD, FRCP (Edin) Vikramjit Mukherjee is an intensive care physician who serves as the Chief of Critical Care at NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue. He also is the Chief of Bellevue's Special Pathogens Program. Dr. Mukherjee is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Mukherjee serves as co-Principal Investigator for NETEC, as a steering committee member for the National Special Pathogens System of Care, and as an executive member of the Task Force for Mass Critical Care. His research interests include special pathogen preparedness and mass critical care. Vikramjit Mukherjee completed his medical training at Armed Forces Medical College, India, before arriving in the United States. Here, he completed his residency and chief residency at Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center and fellowship and chief fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at New York University Medical Center. Following completion of training in 2015, he joined faculty in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources About NETECNETEC LeadershipTransmission Interrupted PodcastNational Special Pathogen System (NSPS)NETEC Resource Library About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center's mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.
This week I'm reading from Shannon Cain's book 'Journey of an Eternal Soul: My Journey Through Past Lives to Spiritual Awakening' Transcend to a higher plane through this gripping memoir of spiritual discovery. Join me as I recount my profound past life regression journey that forever changed my perspective. Through enthralling sessions with the gifted La Donna Permenter, I accessed secrets from distant times and planets. I lived as a fierce warrior, devoted husband, accused witch, and extraterrestrial from an advanced civilization, recalling intricate details about these vivid past lives. My soul traveled through mystical realms where I encountered spirit guides and my council on the other side. They shed light on karmic patterns and offered guidance to align me with my true path. This experience awakened dormant gifts and abilities within me. The revelations from my soul's journey have already created a monumental spiritual awakening, improving all aspects of my life. But this is only the beginning. The adventure continues as I seek answers to humanity's biggest mysteries. What wisdom lies in the Akashic records? Where do our loved ones go when they pass? What is the meaning of life? Unlock these secrets and more as you join me on this captivating voyage of self-discovery! Bio My name is Shannon Cain, and I'm proof that the universe has a sense of humor. Born into the rolling hills of Kentucky where survival often mattered more than spirituality, I spent decades believing I was broken, weird, and fundamentally flawed. What I didn't understand was that the very experiences that felt like curses were actually preparing me for the greatest adventure of my life. I'm not a professional writer—I barely made it through high school and have always struggled with traditional learning. I'm not a certified therapist or ordained minister. I don't have letters after my name or degrees on my wall. What I do have is a direct line to experiences that transformed not just my understanding of life and death, but my entire relationship with reality itself. After twenty years of marriage to my soulmate and six children who continue to teach me what unconditional love looks like, I thought I had life figured out. I was successful in business, comfortable in my routines, and thoroughly convinced that the strange experiences of my childhood were just imagination running wild. Then the universe decided it was time for me to remember who I really was. This book chronicles that remembering—the past-life regressions that showed me I had lived before and would live again, the communications with deceased relatives that proved love transcends death, the journeys to other dimensions that revealed the magnificent architecture of consciousness itself. I'm sharing this story not because I want attention or credibility, but because I was given a mission: help others understand that the strange experiences they're having aren't signs of mental illness but evidence of awakening. The vivid dreams, the sense of knowing things you've never learned, the feeling that this world isn't quite real—trust those experiences. They're pointing you toward the truth of who you really are. We live in an incredible time when more humans are remembering their spiritual nature than ever before in recorded history. If this book finds its way to you, it's probably no accident. Something in your soul recognizes these truths, even if your logical mind wants to dismiss them. Listen to that recognition. Follow it. Because on the other side of that leap of faith lies a reality more beautiful and interconnected than you ever dared imagine. The whispers are calling you home. All you have to do is listen. Shannon Cain currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife and children, where he continues to explore the endless frontier of consciousness while somehow managing to pay the bills and remember to take out the trash. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQJZN5XP La Donna Permenter I have been driven my entire life with the desire to help people, by working in the medical field I have been able to fulfill that dream. I have spent 35 years in the medical field starting in the EMS services, then 25 (+) years in Pulmonary and Infectious Disease working with a wonderful group of doctors at the forefront of HIV-AIDS in the late 80's. I also spent several years as a clinical manager for a large pain management practice. In 2009, I started my own company in the outpatient mental health field. I built the practice into a group of 12 Psychotherapists, including Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Psychologists. I enjoyed my many years in medicine, and I see now how all of this was also a part of my journey, by experiencing the interactions with all of the beautiful people that were my patients over the years. It was during this time that I realized there had to be another way to expand on the care to assist people further and in a much deeper way. In medicine we focus on healing the body, but we must not forget to integrate the healing of the body, mind and the Soul. With this desire to expanded and connect at a deeper level, I sold the mental health practice and dedicated myself full time to what I now know is my true calling in life, completely. During many years of research and studying to expand my knowledge on this level of deeper care, I discovered Dolores Cannon's QHHT -Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique /PLR regression therapy. It was Dolores Cannon that developed the practice of QHHT; she developed this procedure over her 50 years of success, helping others awaken to their life purpose. I realized that this is my calling, and I promptly became a certified dedicated provider. I have spent hundreds of hours of study and practical hands on application throughout the studies of QHHT -Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. https://yoursoulrecovery.com/ https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeMy book 'Verified Near Death Experiences' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXKRGDFP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week I'm talking to Shannon Cain about his book 'Journey of an Eternal Soul: My Journey Through Past Lives to Spiritual Awakening' and we are also joined by Past Life Regression practitioner La Donna Permenter. Transcend to a higher plane through this gripping memoir of spiritual discovery. Join me as I recount my profound past life regression journey that forever changed my perspective. Through enthralling sessions with the gifted La Donna Permenter, I accessed secrets from distant times and planets. I lived as a fierce warrior, devoted husband, accused witch, and extraterrestrial from an advanced civilization, recalling intricate details about these vivid past lives. My soul traveled through mystical realms where I encountered spirit guides and my council on the other side. They shed light on karmic patterns and offered guidance to align me with my true path. This experience awakened dormant gifts and abilities within me. The revelations from my soul's journey have already created a monumental spiritual awakening, improving all aspects of my life. But this is only the beginning. The adventure continues as I seek answers to humanity's biggest mysteries. What wisdom lies in the Akashic records? Where do our loved ones go when they pass? What is the meaning of life? Unlock these secrets and more as you join me on this captivating voyage of self-discovery! Bio My name is Shannon Cain, and I'm proof that the universe has a sense of humor. Born into the rolling hills of Kentucky where survival often mattered more than spirituality, I spent decades believing I was broken, weird, and fundamentally flawed. What I didn't understand was that the very experiences that felt like curses were actually preparing me for the greatest adventure of my life. I'm not a professional writer—I barely made it through high school and have always struggled with traditional learning. I'm not a certified therapist or ordained minister. I don't have letters after my name or degrees on my wall. What I do have is a direct line to experiences that transformed not just my understanding of life and death, but my entire relationship with reality itself. After twenty years of marriage to my soulmate and six children who continue to teach me what unconditional love looks like, I thought I had life figured out. I was successful in business, comfortable in my routines, and thoroughly convinced that the strange experiences of my childhood were just imagination running wild. Then the universe decided it was time for me to remember who I really was. This book chronicles that remembering—the past-life regressions that showed me I had lived before and would live again, the communications with deceased relatives that proved love transcends death, the journeys to other dimensions that revealed the magnificent architecture of consciousness itself. I'm sharing this story not because I want attention or credibility, but because I was given a mission: help others understand that the strange experiences they're having aren't signs of mental illness but evidence of awakening. The vivid dreams, the sense of knowing things you've never learned, the feeling that this world isn't quite real—trust those experiences. They're pointing you toward the truth of who you really are. We live in an incredible time when more humans are remembering their spiritual nature than ever before in recorded history. If this book finds its way to you, it's probably no accident. Something in your soul recognizes these truths, even if your logical mind wants to dismiss them. Listen to that recognition. Follow it. Because on the other side of that leap of faith lies a reality more beautiful and interconnected than you ever dared imagine. The whispers are calling you home. All you have to do is listen. Shannon Cain currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife and children, where he continues to explore the endless frontier of consciousness while somehow managing to pay the bills and remember to take out the trash. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQJZN5XP La Donna Permenter I have been driven my entire life with the desire to help people, by working in the medical field I have been able to fulfill that dream. I have spent 35 years in the medical field starting in the EMS services, then 25 (+) years in Pulmonary and Infectious Disease working with a wonderful group of doctors at the forefront of HIV-AIDS in the late 80's. I also spent several years as a clinical manager for a large pain management practice. In 2009, I started my own company in the outpatient mental health field. I built the practice into a group of 12 Psychotherapists, including Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Psychologists. I enjoyed my many years in medicine, and I see now how all of this was also a part of my journey, by experiencing the interactions with all of the beautiful people that were my patients over the years. It was during this time that I realized there had to be another way to expand on the care to assist people further and in a much deeper way. In medicine we focus on healing the body, but we must not forget to integrate the healing of the body, mind and the Soul. With this desire to expanded and connect at a deeper level, I sold the mental health practice and dedicated myself full time to what I now know is my true calling in life, completely. During many years of research and studying to expand my knowledge on this level of deeper care, I discovered Dolores Cannon's QHHT -Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique /PLR regression therapy. It was Dolores Cannon that developed the practice of QHHT; she developed this procedure over her 50 years of success, helping others awaken to their life purpose. I realized that this is my calling, and I promptly became a certified dedicated provider. I have spent hundreds of hours of study and practical hands on application throughout the studies of QHHT -Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. https://yoursoulrecovery.com/ https://www.pastliveshypnosis.co.uk/https://www.patreon.com/ourparanormalafterlifeMy book 'Verified Near Death Experiences' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXKRGDFP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episode 214: Valley Fever Complications. Dr. Arreaza: Welcome back to the podcast. I'm Dr. Arreaza, and today we're talking about a topic that's very relevant here in the Central Valley but often not well known in the rest of the country, it is called ValleyFever, or coccidioidomycosis. For more info about the Valley Fever diagnosis and initial treatment, please go to our previous podcast on the subject! Episode 143, recorded by wonderful Dr. Lovedip Kooner. To help us walk through this, I'm joined by Jordan, a medical student. Jordan, welcome back and Dr. Schlaerth, please introduce yourself. Jordan: Thanks, Dr. Arreaza. This is such an important topic, especially in endemic areas like where we live, the Central Valley of California, and Arizona. The public may think of Valley Fever as a mild pneumonia that just goes away eventually. But that's not always the case. Some patients develop serious, life-altering complications, and a small but important number develop disseminated disease. Dr. Arreaza: Exactly. So today, we're going to break this down systematically: pulmonary complications, dissemination to other organs, CNS disease, musculoskeletal involvement, systemic symptoms, and then we'll touch on treatment principles and why follow-up matters so much. Dr. Schlaerth: Valley Fever can be missed in areas where it is not as common as in the Valley. 1989, earthquake in LA.Pneumonias that is not responding to treatment can be pulmonary cocci. Dr. Arreaza: Before we dive into specific complications, let's zoom out. What percentage of patients get a complicated disease? Jordan: So, most infections are self-limited, but about 5–10% of patients develop chronic or progressive pulmonary disease, and 1% develop extrapulmonary disseminated disease. That sounds small, but given how common Valley Fever is in endemic areas, that's still a lot of people. Dr. Arreaza: And the complications can be devastating, and they are not always in primary infection. Dr. Schlaerth: Dissemination can be silent. We don't know exactly why dissemination happens; some ethnicities are more susceptible or other groups. Dr. Arreaza: Let's start where Valley Fever usually begins: the lungs. What are the major pulmonary complications clinicians should know about? Jordan: The most common long-term complications are chronic pulmonary sequelae. These include: cavitary disease, pulmonary nodules, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pleural complications like effusions, empyema, or pneumothorax. Dr. Arreaza: Cavitary disease comes up a lot. What does that look like clinically? Jordan: Cavities form in about 5–15% of cases. Many are asymptomatic, but symptomatic cavities can cause fever, fatigue, cough, sputum production, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. The tricky part is that symptoms often wax and wane, and even with treatment, current antifungals don't eradicate the organism from chronic cavities. Dr. Arreaza: That's very unfortunate, and sometimes those cavities remain and patients might not know that they have them, and those cavitary lesions may rupture. Jordan: Yes, rupture can lead to pyopneumothorax, which is a surgical emergency requiring prompt intervention. Dr. Kooner: Hello everyone, this is Dr. Kooner, and today I want to talk about one of my favorite topics: coccidioidal cavitary disease—because nothing says “fun lung pathology” like a hole in the lung that refuses to leave. Coccidioidal cavitary disease is a chronic pulmonary manifestation of infection. Many times, it's found incidentally on imaging. Sometimes patients are being evaluated for respiratory symptoms, sometimes for systemic complaints, and sometimes for something completely unrelated—like when a chest X-ray was ordered for a pre-op clearance and suddenly… surprise cavity. Pulmonary cavities develop in about 5-10% of patients with Valley Fever. Most of the time, they appear as thin-walled residual lesions. They can be solitary or multiple, and they can range from a few centimeters to much larger. And while textbooks love to show the “classic look,” in real life they can be a little more… creative. These cavities can persist for years. Some patients feel completely fine and never know they have one. Others develop chronic symptoms or complications like rupture into the pleural space, secondary infection, or bleeding, which is when everyone suddenly becomes very interested in that cavity. Here's an important teaching point: about 20% of patients with cavitary disease also have disseminated infection, most commonly involving bone. This challenges the old-school teaching that cavitary lung disease and dissemination rarely happen together. One major risk factor for cavitary disease—and for more severe or complicated infection overall—is diabetes mellitus. So how do patients usually present? Symptoms often overlap with classic Valley Fever symptoms. The most common presenting symptoms for cavitary disease that usually trigger evaluation are cough, hemoptysis, fever, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis and monitoring rely heavily on chest imaging. Plain chest X-rays are usually enough for stable disease. CT scans are typically saved for when you're worried about complications. Serologic testing is also key, especially complement fixation titers. In general, higher titers correlate with more severe disease and higher relapse risk. Management depends on symptoms and host factors.If the patient is asymptomatic and immunocompetent, they often don't need antifungal therapy. These patients can usually be followed with periodic clinical and imaging monitoring watch closely and don't panic. Symptomatic patients are typically treated with oral triazoles, most commonly fluconazole or itraconazole. Treatment is long—usually at least 6 to 12 months, and often longer—because symptoms love to come back once therapy stops. These medications are usually suppressive rather than curative, although newer data suggests triazoles may help with cavity closure in some patients. Relapses happen in about 25 to 33% of immunocompetent patients, and even more often in immunocompromised patients or transplant recipients. Many of these patients end up needing long-term or even indefinite therapy. Not ideal—but still better than uncontrolled disease. Surgery still has a role, but it's more selective now. It's usually reserved for complications like life-threatening hemoptysis or rupture into the pleural space. Early ruptures might be managed with chest tube drainage. More complicated or delayed cases may need decortication or lung resection. So, the big picture: symptomatic coccidioidal cavitary disease can be a chronic management challenge. It requires individualized treatment decisions, prolonged therapy for many patients, and long-term follow-up with imaging and serologic monitoring to catch relapses early and prevent complications. And if there's one takeaway, it's this: if you find a stable cavity in someone known to have Valley Fever, sometimes the best move is careful monitoring—not chasing it with endless tests that make everyone nervous, including the patient. Thanks for listening—and remember, sometimes the lung keeps souvenirs from infections… and sometimes those souvenirs stick around for years. Now, let's continue with the discussion about pulmonary nodules. This is Dr. Kooner, signing off.
A Podcast from Obstetrics & Gynecology highlighting the latest research and practice updates in the field. This episode features an interview with Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, author of "Childhood Pulmonary Outcomes After Late Preterm Antenatal Corticosteroids."