Cullinan, Susan M

Abstract Emphysematous gastritis (EG) is a rare form of gastritis characterized by gastric wall pneumatosis. It is associated with a high mortality rate. Our case report describes a patient with a history of atrial fibrillation treated with apixaban, prior stroke, and schizoaffective disorder who showed epigastric tenderness on examination. However, no peritonitis signs were recorded, and laboratory values revealed high lactate levels and the presence of adenovirus F40/41. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed extensive portal venous gas in the left hepatic lobe of the liver, as well as pneumatosis involving the entire stomach, indicating EG. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed and initially managed medically, which proved inefficacious, necessitating surgical intervention in the form of a laparotomy and esophagojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. This case report suggests a potential association between EG and adenovirus F40/41–induced gastroenteritis, thereby emphasizing the challenging nature of EG. It underscores the need for comprehensive research to enhance our understanding of its underlying causes and effective treatment strategies.

Background. Aortic dissection (AD) is a rare but serious medical emergency where the aorta’s inner layer tears. Females are less likely to develop it than males, and AD cases with unusual symptoms can be hard to diagnose. Diagnosing AD can be further complicated as its symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes can mimic acute coronary syndrome, and it is challenging to distinguish it without risk factors. Case Report. This case report describes a 60-year-old female patient who presented with unusual symptoms, including pain in her chest, neck, left arm, and lower extremities. An electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed ST elevation in leads aVR and V1, as well as severe ST depression and T wave inversion in the inferior and lateral leads, which can mimic acute coronary syndrome. Despite initial treatment with nitroglycerin, the patient’s pain worsened, and a CT angiography revealed type A aortic dissection extending from the aortic root to the right external iliac artery. Immediate surgery was recommended, which significantly improved the patient’s condition. Conclusions. Be aware of aortic dissection and its symptoms, even if there are no risk factors or recognizable symptoms. Consider aortic dissection as a potential diagnosis if ECG changes are present. Ongoing education can help decrease mortality and increase awareness.

Mortality reviews are intended to produce transparent, non-punitive personal and organisational learning that leads to systematic improvement in care. Mayo Clinic has a well-established care review process that has accomplished that objective within our system. The establishment of a new hospital, a joint venture between Mayo Clinic and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, provided a unique opportunity to share this care review process internationally. During a baseline measurement period, only 78.3% of mortality reviews at SSMC were completed within 45 days, 16.7 percentage points below the target of 95%. A collaboration between SSMC and Mayo Clinic aimed to accelerate the design and implementation of a care review process system. Collaboration was constrained by travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19, language barriers, legal privacy concerns, and differing electronic health records. Mayo Clinic facilitated a 12-week virtual engagement with SSMC using weekly video meetings, education and training regarding Mayo Clinic’s care review process. The engagement led to implementation of weekly mortality review huddles, restructuring of the mortality review committee to be multidisciplinary, use of a standardised taxonomy to characterise opportunities to improve care and creation of an education/communication plan regarding identified improvement opportunities using change management strategies. After the care review process for mortality reviews was instituted, SSMC achieved and sustained a target of 100% of mortality reviews completed within 45 days. The new process resulted in improved mortality review indicators and provided quality feedback to staff with engagement in performance improvement efforts. A virtual collaboration led to successful implementation of a care review process and substantial gains in the effectiveness of the quality programme at SSMC. This could serve as a model to assist other organisations, even if in-person engagement is hindered.