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Rule AD, Grossardt BR, Weston AD, Garner HW, Kline TL, Chamberlain AM, Allen AM, Erickson BJ, Rocca WA, St Sauver JL. Older Tissue Age Derived From Abdominal Computed Tomography Biomarkers of Muscle, Fat, and Bone Is Associated With Chronic Conditions and Higher Mortality. Mayo Clin Proc 2024; 99:878-890. [PMID: 38310501 PMCID: PMC11153040 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether body composition derived from medical imaging may be useful for assessing biologic age at the tissue level because people of the same chronologic age may vary with respect to their biologic age. METHODS We identified an age- and sex-stratified cohort of 4900 persons with an abdominal computed tomography scan from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020, who were 20 to 89 years old and representative of the general population in Southeast Minnesota and West Central Wisconsin. We constructed a model for estimating tissue age that included 6 body composition biomarkers calculated from abdominal computed tomography using a previously validated deep learning model. RESULTS Older tissue age associated with intermediate subcutaneous fat area, higher visceral fat area, lower muscle area, lower muscle density, higher bone area, and lower bone density. A tissue age older than chronologic age was associated with chronic conditions that result in reduced physical fitness (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and behavioral disorders). Furthermore, a tissue age older than chronologic age was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.84) that was independent of demographic characteristics, county of residency, education, body mass index, and baseline chronic conditions. CONCLUSION Imaging-based body composition measures may be useful in understanding the biologic processes underlying accelerated aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Rule
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension.
| | - Brandon R Grossardt
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Alexander D Weston
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Hillary W Garner
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | - Alanna M Chamberlain
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Alina M Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Bradley J Erickson
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Walter A Rocca
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Women's Health Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jennifer L St Sauver
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Weston AD, Grossardt BR, Garner HW, Kline TL, Chamberlain AM, Allen AM, Erickson BJ, Rocca WA, Rule AD, St. Sauver JL. Abdominal Body Composition Reference Ranges and Association With Chronic Conditions in an Age- and Sex-Stratified Representative Sample of a Geographically Defined American Population. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2024; 79:glae055. [PMID: 38373180 PMCID: PMC10949446 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body composition can be accurately quantified from abdominal computed tomography (CT) exams and is a predictor for the development of aging-related conditions and for mortality. However, reference ranges for CT-derived body composition measures of obesity, sarcopenia, and bone loss have yet to be defined in the general population. METHODS We identified a population-representative sample of 4 900 persons aged 20 to 89 years who underwent an abdominal CT exam from 2010 to 2020. The sample was constructed using propensity score matching an age and sex stratified sample of persons residing in the 27-county region of Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The matching included race, ethnicity, education level, region of residence, and the presence of 20 chronic conditions. We used a validated deep learning based algorithm to calculate subcutaneous adipose tissue area, visceral adipose tissue area, skeletal muscle area, skeletal muscle density, vertebral bone area, and vertebral bone density from a CT abdominal section. RESULTS We report CT-based body composition reference ranges on 4 649 persons representative of our geographic region. Older age was associated with a decrease in skeletal muscle area and density, and an increase in visceral adiposity. All chronic conditions were associated with a statistically significant difference in at least one body composition biomarker. The presence of a chronic condition was generally associated with greater subcutaneous and visceral adiposity, and lower muscle density and vertebrae bone density. CONCLUSIONS We report reference ranges for CT-based body composition biomarkers in a population-representative cohort of 4 649 persons by age, sex, body mass index, and chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Weston
- Digital Innovation Lab, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Brandon R Grossardt
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hillary W Garner
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Timothy L Kline
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alanna M Chamberlain
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alina M Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bradley J Erickson
- Mayo Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, USA
| | - Walter A Rocca
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew D Rule
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer L St. Sauver
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Chhabra N, Christian E, Seseri V, George F, Rizvanolli L. Association of Patient English Proficiency and Diagnostic Imaging Acquisition in Emergency Department Patients with Abdominal Symptoms. J Emerg Med 2023; 65:e172-e179. [PMID: 37635035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) are at risk for communication barriers during medical care in the United States compared with English-proficient (EP) patients. It is unknown how EP affects the utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging (ADI) in the emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the acquisition and findings of ADI in EP and LEP patients with abdominal symptoms. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult ED patients from January 2015 to January 2016. Patients were divided into EP and LEP cohorts. Logistic regression models incorporated language proficiency, interpretation method, and demographic characteristics. We determined crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the acquisition of ADI, defined as either computed tomography or ultrasound, and the proportion with actionable findings. RESULTS In 3324 encounters (2134 EP; 1190 LEP), LEP patients were older (46.3 years vs. 43.8 years), more likely to be female (66.7% vs. 51.5%), and preferred Spanish (91.4%). ADI was obtained in 43.5% of EP and 48.1% of LEP. Adjusting for age, sex, and interpretation method, the OR was 1.09 (95% CI 0.90-1.32). There were no significant associations between interpretation type and acquisition of ADI. The proportion with actionable findings were similar in EP and LEP cohorts (29.6% vs. 26.7%). CONCLUSIONS Accounting for demographic differences, ADI acquisition was similar for ED patients with and without LEP. Further research is needed to determine optimal interpretation modalities in this setting to prevent unnecessary imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Chhabra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, Illinois; University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Errick Christian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Veronika Seseri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, Illinois; University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Faith George
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, Illinois; University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lum Rizvanolli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, Illinois
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Roberts SE, Rosen CB, Keele LJ, Wirtalla CJ, Syvyk S, Kaufman EJ, Reilly PM, Neuman MD, McHugh MD, Kelz RR. Rates of Surgical Consultations After Emergency Department Admission in Black and White Medicare Patients. JAMA Surg 2022; 157:1097-1104. [PMID: 36223108 PMCID: PMC9558057 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2022.4959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Importance A surgical consultation is a critical first step in the care of patients with emergency general surgery conditions. It is unknown if Black Medicare patients and White Medicare patients receive surgical consultations at similar rates when they are admitted from the emergency department. Objective To determine whether Black Medicare patients have similar rates of surgical consultations when compared with White Medicare patients after being admitted from the emergency department with an emergency general surgery condition. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective cohort study that took place at US hospitals with an emergency department and used a computational generalization of inverse propensity score weight to create patient populations with similar covariate distributions. Participants were Medicare patients age 65.5 years or older admitted from the emergency department for an emergency general surgery condition between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018. The analysis was performed during February 2022. Patients were classified into 1 of 5 emergency general surgery condition categories based on principal diagnosis codes: colorectal, general abdominal, hepatopancreatobiliary, intestinal obstruction, and upper gastrointestinal. Exposures Black vs White race. Main Outcomes and Measures Receipt of a surgical consultation after admission from the emergency department with an emergency general surgery condition. Results A total of 1 686 940 patients were included in the study. Of those included, 214 788 patients were Black (12.7%) and 1 472 152 patients were White (87.3%). After standardizing for medical and diagnostic imaging covariates, Black patients had 14% lower odds of receiving a surgical consultation (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.85-0.87) with a risk difference of -3.17 (95% CI, -3.41 to -2.92). After standardizing for socioeconomic covariates, Black patients remained at an 11% lower odds of receiving a surgical consultation compared with similar White patients (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.88-0.90) with a risk difference of -2.49 (95% CI, -2.75 to -2.23). Additionally, when restricting the analysis to Black patients and White patients who were treated in the same hospitals, Black patients had 8% lower odds of receiving a surgical consultation when compared with White patients (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90-0.93) with a risk difference of -1.82 (95% CI, -2.18 to -1.46). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, Black Medicare patients had lower odds of receiving a surgical consultation after being admitted from the emergency department with an emergency general surgery condition when compared with similar White Medicare patients. These disparities in consultation rates cannot be fully attributed to medical comorbidities, insurance status, socioeconomic factors, or individual hospital-level effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanford E. Roberts
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Claire B. Rosen
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Luke J. Keele
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Christopher J. Wirtalla
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Solomiya Syvyk
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Elinore J. Kaufman
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Patrick M. Reilly
- Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Mark D. Neuman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Matthew D. McHugh
- Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Rachel R. Kelz
- Leonard David Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Metri S, Shesser R, Pourmand A. Recurrent abdominal pain visits to the emergency department: A case report using the Central Sensitization Inventory. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 63:177.e1-177.e4. [PMID: 36150946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain conditions are among the most common complaints seen in the emergency department (ED). Exacerbations of these conditions are often approached as one would an acute painful condition, with liberal use of imaging, labs, and analgesics. This patient population is often prescribed short courses of opioids without a definite explanation for their painful episodes and often leave the ED dissatisfied with their experience. We describe a patient with a history of chronic abdominal pain who presented to the ED with an exacerbation of his pain. Upon further review of his previous records, we noted that this patient experienced many similar events, resulting in 46 imaging studies over the past year. At this point, the patient was given the Central Sensitization Inventory, and his score demonstrated severe underlying central sensitization. The patient was counseled about his condition and provided with appropriate follow-up care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Metri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Robert Shesser
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Ali Pourmand
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States.
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Broder JS, Oliveira J E Silva L, Bellolio F, Freiermuth CE, Griffey RT, Hooker E, Jang TB, Meltzer AC, Mills AM, Pepper JD, Prakken SD, Repplinger MD, Upadhye S, Carpenter CR. Guidelines for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department 2 (GRACE-2): Low-risk, recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:526-560. [PMID: 35543712 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This second Guideline for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department (GRACE-2) from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine is on the topic "low-risk, recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department." The multidisciplinary guideline panel applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations regarding four priority questions for adult emergency department patients with low-risk, recurrent, undifferentiated abdominal pain. The intended population includes adults with multiple similar presentations of abdominal signs and symptoms recurring over a period of months or years. The panel reached the following recommendations: (1) if a prior negative computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) has been performed within 12 months, there is insufficient evidence to accurately identify populations in whom repeat CTAP imaging can be safely avoided or routinely recommended; (2) if CTAP with IV contrast is negative, we suggest against ultrasound unless there is concern for pelvic or biliary pathology; (3) we suggest that screening for depression and/or anxiety may be performed during the ED evaluation; and (4) we suggest an opioid-minimizing strategy for pain control. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The GRACE-2 writing group developed clinically relevant questions to address the care of adult patients with low-risk, recurrent, previously undifferentiated abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED). Four patient-intervention-comparison-outcome-time (PICOT) questions were developed by consensus of the writing group, who performed a systematic review of the literature and then synthesized direct and indirect evidence to formulate recommendations, following GRADE methodology. The writing group found that despite the commonality and relevance of these questions in emergency care, the quantity and quality of evidence were very limited, and even fundamental definitions of the population and outcomes of interest are lacking. Future research opportunities include developing precise and clinically relevant definitions of low-risk, recurrent, undifferentiated abdominal pain and determining the scope of the existing populations in terms of annual national ED visits for this complaint, costs of care, and patient and provider preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Broder
- Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Fernanda Bellolio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Caroline E Freiermuth
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard T Griffey
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Emergency Care Research Core, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Edmond Hooker
- Department of Health Services Administration, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy B Jang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Andrew C Meltzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Angela M Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.,Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Michael D Repplinger
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suneel Upadhye
- Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher R Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Emergency Care Research Core, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
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Al-Dulaimi R, Duong PA, Chan BY, Fuller MJ, Ross AB, Dunn DP. Revisiting racial disparities in ED CT utilization during the Affordable Care Act era: 2009-2018 data from the NHAMCS. Emerg Radiol 2021; 29:125-132. [PMID: 34713355 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-021-01991-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the trends in CT utilization in the emergency department (ED) for different racial and ethnic groups, factors that may affect utilization, and the effects of increased insurance coverage since passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) for the years 2009-2018 were used for the analysis. The NHAMCS is a cross-sectional survey which has random and systematical samples of more than 200,000 visits to over 250 hospital EDs in the USA. Patient demographic characteristics, source of payment/insurance, clinical presentation, and disposition from the ED were recorded. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed. RESULTS Between 2009 and 2018, the rate of uninsured patients in the ED decreased from 18.1% to as low as 9.9%, but this was not associated with a decrease in the disparity in CT utilization between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients. CT use rate increased 38% over the study period. Factors strongly associated with CT utilization include age, source of payment, triage category, disposition from the ED, and residence. After controlling for these factors, non-Hispanic White patients were 21% more likely to undergo CT than non-Hispanic Black patients, though no disparity was seen for Hispanic or Asian/other groups. CONCLUSION Despite increased insurance coverage over the sample period, racial disparities between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients persist in CT utilization, though no disparity was seen for Hispanic or Asian/other patients. The source of this disparity remains unclear and is likely multifactorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragheed Al-Dulaimi
- Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132-2140, USA
| | - Phuong-Anh Duong
- Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132-2140, USA
| | - Brian Y Chan
- Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132-2140, USA
| | - Matthew J Fuller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Andrew B Ross
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dell P Dunn
- Department of Radiology & Imaging Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132-2140, USA.
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Choinski K, Sanon O, Tadros R, Koleilat I, Phair J. Review of Malpractice Lawsuits in the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections. Vasc Endovascular Surg 2021; 56:33-39. [PMID: 34159854 DOI: 10.1177/15385744211026455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aortic aneurysms and dissections are prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality. The management of aortic pathologies may be called into question in malpractice suits. Malpractice claims were analyzed to understand common reasons for litigation, medical specialties involved, patient injuries, and outcomes. METHODS Litigation cases in the Westlaw database from September 1st, 1987 to October 23 rd, 2019 were analyzed. Search terms included "aortic aneurysm" and "aortic dissection." Data on plaintiff, defendant, litigation claims, patient injuries, misdiagnoses, and case outcomes were collected and compared for aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, and overall cases. RESULTS A total of 346 cases were identified, 196 involving aortic aneurysms and 150 aortic dissections. Physician defendants were emergency medicine (29%), cardiology (20%), internal medicine (14%), radiology (11%), cardiothoracic (10%) and vascular surgery (10%). Litigation claims included "failure to diagnose and treat" (61%), "delayed diagnosis and treatment" (21%), "post-operative complications after open repair" (10%) and "negligent post-operative care" (10%). Patients with aneurysms presented with abdominal (63%) and back pain (37%), while dissections presented with chest pain (78%), abdominal pain (15%), and shortness of breath (14%). Misdiagnoses included gastrointestinal (12%), other cardiovascular (9%), and musculoskeletal conditions (9%), but many were not specified (58%). Overall, 83% of cases were wrongful death suits. Injuries included loss of consortium (23%), emotional distress (19%), and bleeding (17%). In 53% of the cases, the jury ruled in favor of the defendant. 25% of cases ruled for the plaintiff. 22% of cases resulted in a settlement. The mean rewarded for each case was $1,644,590.66 (SD: $5,939,134.58; Range: $17,500-$68,035,462). CONCLUSION For aortic pathologies, post-operative complications were not prominent among the reasons why suits were brought forth. This suggests improvements in education across all involved medical specialties may allow for improved diagnostic accuracy and efficient treatment, which could then translate to a decrease in associated litigation cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystina Choinski
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Omar Sanon
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Rami Tadros
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Issam Koleilat
- Department of Surgery, Community Medical Center, RWJ/Barnabus Health, Tom's River, NJ, USA
| | - John Phair
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Patient Race/Ethnicity and Diagnostic Imaging Utilization in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review. J Am Coll Radiol 2020; 18:795-808. [PMID: 33385337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diagnostic imaging often is a critical contributor to clinical decision making in the emergency department (ED). Racial and ethnic disparities are widely reported in many aspects of health care, and several recent studies have reported a link between patient race/ethnicity and receipt of imaging in the ED. METHODS The authors conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, searching three databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) through July 2020 using keywords related to diagnostic imaging, race/ethnicity, and the ED setting, including both adult and pediatric populations and excluding studies that did not control for the important confounders of disease severity and insurance status. RESULTS The search strategy identified 7,313 articles, of which 5,668 underwent title and abstract screening and 238 full-text review, leaving 42 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies were predominately conducted in the United States (41), split between adult (13) and pediatric (17) populations or both (12), and spread across a variety of topics, mostly focusing on specific anatomic regions or disease processes. Most studies (30 of 42 [71.4%]) reported an association between Black, African American, Hispanic, or nonwhite race/ethnicity and decreased receipt of imaging. CONCLUSIONS Despite heterogeneity among studies, patient race/ethnicity is linked with receipt of diagnostic imaging in the ED. The strength and directionality of this association may differ by specific subpopulation and disease process, and more efforts to understand potential underlying factors are needed.
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