A survey of outpatient Internal Medicine clinician perceptions of diagnostic error

Background Little is known about how practicing Internal Medicine (IM) clinicians perceive diagnostic error, and whether perceptions are in agreement with the published literature. Methods A 16-question survey was administered across two IM practices: one a referral practice providing care for patients traveling for a second opinion and the other a traditional community-based primary care practice. Our aim was to identify individual- and system-level factors contributing to diagnostic error (primary outcome) and conditions at greatest risk of diagnostic error (secondary outcome). Results Sixty-five of 125 clinicians surveyed (51%) responded. The most commonly perceived individual factors contributing to diagnostic error included atypical patient presentations (83%), failure to consider other diagnoses (63%) and inadequate follow-up of test results (53%). The most commonly cited system-level factors included cognitive burden created by the volume of data in the electronic health record (EHR) (68%), lack of time to think (64%) and systems that do not support collaboration (40%). Conditions felt to be at greatest risk of diagnostic error included cancer (46%), pulmonary embolism (43%) and infection (37%). Conclusions Inadequate clinician time and sub-optimal patient and test follow-up are perceived by IM clinicians to be persistent contributors to diagnostic error. Clinician perceptions of conditions at greatest risk of diagnostic error may differ from the published literature.

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD): A Clinical Review and Case Series in Support of Multidisciplinary Management

INTRODUCTION

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is an uncommon condition resulting in intrusive, unwanted and distressing symptoms of genital arousal. Presentation can vary and most cases do not have an immediately identifiable etiology.

OBJECTIVES

To present evaluation and treatment recommendations for PGAD from a multidisciplinary perspective and provide case examples.

METHODS

A focused review of the literature on diagnosis, workup, and treatment of PGAD was completed. A case series of 3 varying presentations of PGAD is offered.

RESULTS

PGAD results in high levels of patient distress and is best managed with a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Identification and management of co-occurring symptoms or disease states is imperative, particularly psychologic and psychiatric comorbidities. With appropriate intervention, patients may achieve improvement of their physical symptoms and a decrease in associated psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

PGAD is an uncommon and highly distressing condition that requires thoughtful evaluation for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Multidisciplinary treatment approaches provide the best opportunity to address the needs of patients and optimizing treatment response. Pease ER, Ziegelmann M, Vencill JA, et al. Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD): A Clinical Review and Case Series in Support of Multidisciplinary Management. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

Recurrent spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Introduction: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a cause of non-atherosclerotic acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death that predominantly impacts young and middle-aged women. In addition to the challenges of acute SCAD including arrhythmias, heart failure, and recurrent chest pain, de novo recurrent SCAD occurs in 5-29% of patients. Recurrent SCAD presents both a psychological burden and a significant cardiac risk to patients. Research regarding SCAD recurrence risk has been growing and can guide providers and patients alike.Areas covered: This review provides up-to-date information about many aspects of SCAD with a focus on SCAD recurrence. PubMed articles were reviewed through October 2020, with particular focus on clinical studies and original research. The resulting literature was scrutinized for information on SCAD recurrence. SCAD-associated conditions, genetic data, clinical characteristics, medications, and aspects of post-SCAD care are summarized.Expert Opinion: SCAD recurrence poses a concerning risk for patients with SCAD. Conditions such as hypertension and severe coronary tortuosity may be associated with recurrence. More research is needed to further elucidate risk factors for recurrence and clarify interventions, such as beta blocker therapy, that may reduce recurrence risk.

Prevalence and Clinical Factors of Migraine in Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a cause of acute coronary syndrome predominantly in women without usual cardiovascular risk factors. Many have a history of migraine headaches, but this association is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine migraine prevalence among SCAD patients and assess differences in clinical factors based on migraine history. Methods and Results A cohort study was conducted using the Mayo Clinic SCAD "Virtual" Multi-Center Registry composed of patients with SCAD as confirmed on coronary angiography. Participant-provided data and records were reviewed for migraine history, risk factors, SCAD details, therapies, and outcomes. Among 585 patients (96% women), 236 had migraine history; the lifetime and 1-year prevalence of migraine were 40% and 26%, respectively. Migraine was more common in SCAD women than comparable literature-reported female populations (42% versus 24%, P<0.0001; 42% versus 33%, P<0.0001). Among all SCAD patients, those with migraine history were more likely to be female (99.6% versus 94%; P=0.0002); have SCAD at a younger age (45.2±9.0 years versus 47.6±9.9 years; P=0.0027); have depression (27% versus 17%; P=0.025); have recurrent post-SCAD chest pain at 1 month (50% versus 39%; P=0.035); and, among those assessed, have aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, or dissections (28% versus 18%; P=0.018). There was no difference in recurrent SCAD at 5 years for those with versus without migraine (15% versus 19%; P=0.39). Conclusions Many SCAD patients have a history of migraine. SCAD patients with migraine are younger at the time of SCAD; have more aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, and dissections among those imaged; and more often report a history of depression and post-SCAD chest pain. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT01429727, NCT01427179.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in women: What is known and what is yet to be understood

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a nonatherosclerotic etiology of acute coronary syndrome, including sudden cardiac death, which frequently affects younger women. This review highlights contemporary knowledge regarding spontaneous coronary artery dissection demographics, prevalence, diagnosis, presentation, and associated conditions and risks, inpatient treatment, major adverse clinical events, and outpatient management decisions.