BackgroundCongestive heart failure (CHF) readmissions are associated with substantial financial and medical implications. We performed a descriptive study to determine demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with 30-day readmission. Materials and methodsPatients hospitalized with CHF at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, from March 2019-May 2019 were studied. Response to heart failure knowledge and self-care questionnaires along with the patients' demographic and clinical factors were collected. Thirty-day readmission to any of the eight hospitals in the Beaumont Health System was documented. ResultsOne-hundred ninety-six (196) patients were included. The all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 23%. A numerical higher rate of readmissions was observed among males (23.7% vs 22.2%), current smokers (27.3% vs 22.9%), and patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD; 28.9% vs 21.2%), diabetes mellitus (DM; 26.4% vs 18.9%), hypertension (HTN; 26.4% vs 10%), coronary artery disease (CAD; 24.6% vs 19%), and prior history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA; 28.9% vs 21.2%) (p>0.05). Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was associated with higher readmissions (24.4% vs 20.5%, p=0.801). Patients with the highest reported questionnaire scores corresponding to better heart failure knowledge and self-care behaviors at home were readmitted at a similar rate compared to those scoring in the lowest interval (25%, p=0.681). ConclusionThough statistically insignificant due to the limitations of sample size, a higher percentage of readmissions was observed in male patients, current smokers, reduced LVEF, and higher comorbidity burden. Better reported patient self-care behavior, medication compliance, and heart failure knowledge did not correlate with reduced readmission rates. While the impact of medical comorbidities on 30-day readmissions is better established, the role of socioeconomic factors remains unclear and might suggest a focus for future work.

Introduction: Hemiplegic migraine (HM) is a rare, heterogenous form of migraine characterized by unilateral weakness. This motor aura can present with reversible visual, sensory, and language deficits. HM can be difficult to diagnose due to overlapping presentation with other complex conditions such as multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Case Presentation: We describe a case of a 40 year old with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection who presented after a motor vehicle collision caused by HM consistent with left sided weakness and loss of consciousness. Conclusions: To date, this is the first description of a patient with known complex migraines to have a motor vehicle collision as a result of HM. The risk of HM-associated neurologic symptoms while driving poses a significant public safety concern. We suggest driving restrictions be considered in patients with HM when migraine aura is present. This case presents support to examine active infection with SARS-CoV-2 as a trigger for HM.

Hemiplegic migraine (HM) is a rare, heterogenous form of migraine characterized by unilateral weakness. This motor aura can present with reversible visual, sensory, and language deficits. HM can be difficult to diagnose due to overlapping presentation with other complex conditions such as multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). We describe a case of a 40-year-old female with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection who presented after a motor vehicle collision caused by HM consistent with left-sided weakness and loss of consciousness. To date, this is the first description of a patient with known complex migraines to have a motor vehicle collision as a result of HM. The risk of HM-associated neurologic symptoms while driving poses a significant public safety concern. We suggest driving restrictions be considered in patients with HM when migraine aura is present. This case presents support to examine active infection with SARS-CoV-2 as a trigger for HM.

Paradoxical thromboembolism has variable presentation depending on site of embolisation. An African-American man in his 40s presented with severe abdominal pain, watery stools and exertional dyspnoea. At presentation, he was tachycardic and hypertensive. Labwork showed elevated creatinine with unknown baseline. Urinalysis showed pyuria. A CT scan was unremarkable. He was admitted with working diagnosis of acute viral gastroenteritis and prerenal acute kidney injury and supportive care was instituted. On day 2, the pain migrated to left flank. Renal artery duplex ruled out renovascular hypertension but showed a lack of distal renal perfusion. MRI confirmed a renal infarct with renal artery thrombosis. Transoesophageal echocardiogram confirmed a patent foramen ovale. Simultaneous arterial and venous thrombosis require hypercoagulable workup, including investigation for malignancy, infection or thrombophilia. Rarely, venous thromboembolism can directly cause arterial thrombosis by ‘paradoxical thromboembolism’. Given the rarity of renal infarct, high index of clinical suspicion is necessary.