Photographs from Hospital Medicine 2015, which took place March 29-April 1 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center in National Harbor, Md.

Photos by Manuel Noguera

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Photographs from Hospital Medicine 2015, which took place March 29-April 1 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center in National Harbor, Md.

Photos by Manuel Noguera

[gallery ids="9197,9196,9195,9194,9193,9192,9191,9190,9189,9188,9187,9186,9185,9184,9183,9182,9181,9180,9179,9178,9177,9176,9175,9171"]

Photographs from Hospital Medicine 2015, which took place March 29-April 1 at the Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center in National Harbor, Md.

Photos by Manuel Noguera

[gallery ids="9197,9196,9195,9194,9193,9192,9191,9190,9189,9188,9187,9186,9185,9184,9183,9182,9181,9180,9179,9178,9177,9176,9175,9171"]

Excerpts from our interview with Team Hospitalist member David Weidig, MD, director of hospital medicine for Aurora Medical Group in West Allis, Wis., about best practices for multi-site hospital medicine.

[audio mp3="http://www.the-hospitalist.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/David-Weidig_HM15_FINAL_050215.mp3"][/audio]

Excerpts from our interview with Team Hospitalist member David Weidig, MD, director of hospital medicine for Aurora Medical Group in West Allis, Wis., about best practices for multi-site hospital medicine.

[audio mp3="http://www.the-hospitalist.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/David-Weidig_HM15_FINAL_050215.mp3"][/audio]

Excerpts from our interview with Team Hospitalist member David Weidig, MD, director of hospital medicine for Aurora Medical Group in West Allis, Wis., about best practices for multi-site hospital medicine.

[audio mp3="http://www.the-hospitalist.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/David-Weidig_HM15_FINAL_050215.mp3"][/audio]

SHM founder Win Whitcomb, MD, MHM, chief medical officer of Remedy Partners of Darien, Conn., talks about the annual practice management pre-course in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

SHM founder Win Whitcomb, MD, MHM, chief medical officer of Remedy Partners of Darien, Conn., talks about the annual practice management pre-course in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

SHM founder Win Whitcomb, MD, MHM, chief medical officer of Remedy Partners of Darien, Conn., talks about the annual practice management pre-course in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

In the United States, the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has continued to grow over the last 15 years, according to multispecialty data recently released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. During these years, many of our patients, if not ourselves, have undergone treatment faithfully every 3 to 6 months to combat the signs of aging. Subsequently, with the monitoring of adverse events (AEs), the US Food and Drug Administration has issued a black box warning that covers serious side effects—respiratory compromise and death—associated with treatment, yet most of what is listed in the black box warning pertains to medical use rather than cosmetic use. However, with the ever-growing indications for BTX-A, we must be cognizant of the fact that our patients may be receiving concomitant treatment with BTX-A for medical conditions (eg, migraines, hyperhidrosis, achalasia, dysphonia, dystonia, strabismus) by other specialists. Thus, there is a need to understand the potential side effects associated with BTX-A treatments and long-term consequences.

In a January 21 article published online in Pharmacology Yiannakopoulou looked at national monitoring programs through the US Food and Drug Administration and the Danish Medicines Agency. Many of the AEs reported were related to medical use of BTX-A, including anaphylaxis, death, generalized weakness, and dysphagia. Serious AEs related to the cosmetic use of BTX-A included thyroid eye disease, sarcoidal granuloma, pseudoaneurysm of the frontal branch of the superior temporal artery, and severe respiratory failure. Additionally, a patient receiving BTX-A for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis developed botulinumlike generalized weakness. Upon review of epidemiological studies, the incidence and types of AEs were covered. The vast majority of these events were related to the medical use of BTX-A, which could stem from the lack of long-term studies on cosmetic patients and the lack of reporting of many AEs. The author summarized that minimizing potential AEs relies on proper injection technique, proper storage of the medication, proper dosing, and thorough knowledge of the anatomy.

What’s the issue?

Botulinum toxin type A remains one of the most gratifying treatments for both physicians and patients alike. However, with the potential for abuse, as in the case of the recent fake Botox Cosmetic that has shown up on the market in the United States), we must remain vigilant for AEs. Furthermore, we must continue to emphasize to patients that it is a medical treatment and deserves all the attention and respect we give to other medical interventions. However, as the Yiannakopoulou review has shown, proper injection techniques have a low rate of AEs in the cosmetic use of BTX-A. Have you seen an increase in the number of cosmetic BTX-A patients receiving concomitant treatments with BTX-A for medical conditions? If so, how do you manage them?

We want to know your views! Tell us what you think.

In the United States, the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has continued to grow over the last 15 years, according to multispecialty data recently released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. During these years, many of our patients, if not ourselves, have undergone treatment faithfully every 3 to 6 months to combat the signs of aging. Subsequently, with the monitoring of adverse events (AEs), the US Food and Drug Administration has issued a black box warning that covers serious side effects—respiratory compromise and death—associated with treatment, yet most of what is listed in the black box warning pertains to medical use rather than cosmetic use. However, with the ever-growing indications for BTX-A, we must be cognizant of the fact that our patients may be receiving concomitant treatment with BTX-A for medical conditions (eg, migraines, hyperhidrosis, achalasia, dysphonia, dystonia, strabismus) by other specialists. Thus, there is a need to understand the potential side effects associated with BTX-A treatments and long-term consequences.

In a January 21 article published online in Pharmacology Yiannakopoulou looked at national monitoring programs through the US Food and Drug Administration and the Danish Medicines Agency. Many of the AEs reported were related to medical use of BTX-A, including anaphylaxis, death, generalized weakness, and dysphagia. Serious AEs related to the cosmetic use of BTX-A included thyroid eye disease, sarcoidal granuloma, pseudoaneurysm of the frontal branch of the superior temporal artery, and severe respiratory failure. Additionally, a patient receiving BTX-A for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis developed botulinumlike generalized weakness. Upon review of epidemiological studies, the incidence and types of AEs were covered. The vast majority of these events were related to the medical use of BTX-A, which could stem from the lack of long-term studies on cosmetic patients and the lack of reporting of many AEs. The author summarized that minimizing potential AEs relies on proper injection technique, proper storage of the medication, proper dosing, and thorough knowledge of the anatomy.

What’s the issue?

Botulinum toxin type A remains one of the most gratifying treatments for both physicians and patients alike. However, with the potential for abuse, as in the case of the recent fake Botox Cosmetic that has shown up on the market in the United States), we must remain vigilant for AEs. Furthermore, we must continue to emphasize to patients that it is a medical treatment and deserves all the attention and respect we give to other medical interventions. However, as the Yiannakopoulou review has shown, proper injection techniques have a low rate of AEs in the cosmetic use of BTX-A. Have you seen an increase in the number of cosmetic BTX-A patients receiving concomitant treatments with BTX-A for medical conditions? If so, how do you manage them?

We want to know your views! Tell us what you think.

In the United States, the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has continued to grow over the last 15 years, according to multispecialty data recently released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. During these years, many of our patients, if not ourselves, have undergone treatment faithfully every 3 to 6 months to combat the signs of aging. Subsequently, with the monitoring of adverse events (AEs), the US Food and Drug Administration has issued a black box warning that covers serious side effects—respiratory compromise and death—associated with treatment, yet most of what is listed in the black box warning pertains to medical use rather than cosmetic use. However, with the ever-growing indications for BTX-A, we must be cognizant of the fact that our patients may be receiving concomitant treatment with BTX-A for medical conditions (eg, migraines, hyperhidrosis, achalasia, dysphonia, dystonia, strabismus) by other specialists. Thus, there is a need to understand the potential side effects associated with BTX-A treatments and long-term consequences.

In a January 21 article published online in Pharmacology Yiannakopoulou looked at national monitoring programs through the US Food and Drug Administration and the Danish Medicines Agency. Many of the AEs reported were related to medical use of BTX-A, including anaphylaxis, death, generalized weakness, and dysphagia. Serious AEs related to the cosmetic use of BTX-A included thyroid eye disease, sarcoidal granuloma, pseudoaneurysm of the frontal branch of the superior temporal artery, and severe respiratory failure. Additionally, a patient receiving BTX-A for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis developed botulinumlike generalized weakness. Upon review of epidemiological studies, the incidence and types of AEs were covered. The vast majority of these events were related to the medical use of BTX-A, which could stem from the lack of long-term studies on cosmetic patients and the lack of reporting of many AEs. The author summarized that minimizing potential AEs relies on proper injection technique, proper storage of the medication, proper dosing, and thorough knowledge of the anatomy.

What’s the issue?

Botulinum toxin type A remains one of the most gratifying treatments for both physicians and patients alike. However, with the potential for abuse, as in the case of the recent fake Botox Cosmetic that has shown up on the market in the United States), we must remain vigilant for AEs. Furthermore, we must continue to emphasize to patients that it is a medical treatment and deserves all the attention and respect we give to other medical interventions. However, as the Yiannakopoulou review has shown, proper injection techniques have a low rate of AEs in the cosmetic use of BTX-A. Have you seen an increase in the number of cosmetic BTX-A patients receiving concomitant treatments with BTX-A for medical conditions? If so, how do you manage them?

We want to know your views! Tell us what you think.

New SHM President Robert Harrington Jr., MD, SFHM, talks about his views on hospital medicine, the society and the value of diversity and teamwork.

New SHM President Robert Harrington Jr., MD, SFHM, talks about his views on hospital medicine, the society and the value of diversity and teamwork.

New SHM President Robert Harrington Jr., MD, SFHM, talks about his views on hospital medicine, the society and the value of diversity and teamwork.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Recent advances in basic science have shown how the local immune environment in tissue surrounding nonmelanoma skin cancer compares to adjacent normal tissue.

New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Dr. Andrew Ondo reviewed the latest research in an interview at the annual meeting of the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society. “Each step along the way is a possible target for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Ondo, who indicated that he had no financial conflicts to disclose.

hsplete@frontlinemedcom.com

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Recent advances in basic science have shown how the local immune environment in tissue surrounding nonmelanoma skin cancer compares to adjacent normal tissue.

New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Dr. Andrew Ondo reviewed the latest research in an interview at the annual meeting of the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society. “Each step along the way is a possible target for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Ondo, who indicated that he had no financial conflicts to disclose.

hsplete@frontlinemedcom.com

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Recent advances in basic science have shown how the local immune environment in tissue surrounding nonmelanoma skin cancer compares to adjacent normal tissue.

New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Dr. Andrew Ondo reviewed the latest research in an interview at the annual meeting of the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society. “Each step along the way is a possible target for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Ondo, who indicated that he had no financial conflicts to disclose.

hsplete@frontlinemedcom.com

The results of the 2015 National Residency Match Program were announced on March 20. For family medicine, the glass was either half empty or half full, depending on your point of view.

On the plus side, 84 more family medicine positions were offered compared to 2014 (3216 vs 3132) and 60 more positions were filled, for a total of 3060 new family medicine residents in 2015.¹ This was far more than matched in gloomy 2009, when only 2555 residents chose family medicine. On the negative side of the balance sheet, there will be 233 fewer family medicine residents this year than matched at the peak of medical student interest in family medicine in 1998.

I’m a glass half full kind of guy, so I am delighted that the trend of increased medical student interest in family medicine continues. According to Merritt Hawkins, a national recruitment firm, family medicine has been the top recruited specialty for several years. The firm reports that starting salaries for family physicians increased by nearly 12% from 2010/11 to 2013/14, which was a higher rate than that of most other specialties.² So there is reason to be optimistic about the future of our specialty.

Our monthly 5-question online quiz can help residents study for their certification exam.

However, to be card-carrying family physicians, our new residents must take the American Board of Family Medicine certification exam, and not all pass on their first attempt. A 2013 study of family medicine residency graduates found that only 86% of graduates passed the board exam on their first try.³

We can help. In addition to the evidence-based reviews published in The Journal of Family Practice (JFP), we have launched a new feature called Residents’ Rapid Review (RRR) to provide an additional resource for residents.

RRR is a monthly 5-question evidence-based quiz prepared by primary care faculty, including current and former residency program directors. After residents click on their answer, the system lets them know whether they’re right and provides the correct answer with an explanation and references. Monthly notifications are sent out to all jfponline.com registered users alerting them that a new quiz is available. (Not a registered user on the site? Sign up at jfponline.com/residents_reg.)

Getting ready for the recertification exam? The RRR quizzes can help you, too. Check out the latest quiz, today!

The results of the 2015 National Residency Match Program were announced on March 20. For family medicine, the glass was either half empty or half full, depending on your point of view.

On the plus side, 84 more family medicine positions were offered compared to 2014 (3216 vs 3132) and 60 more positions were filled, for a total of 3060 new family medicine residents in 2015.¹ This was far more than matched in gloomy 2009, when only 2555 residents chose family medicine. On the negative side of the balance sheet, there will be 233 fewer family medicine residents this year than matched at the peak of medical student interest in family medicine in 1998.

I’m a glass half full kind of guy, so I am delighted that the trend of increased medical student interest in family medicine continues. According to Merritt Hawkins, a national recruitment firm, family medicine has been the top recruited specialty for several years. The firm reports that starting salaries for family physicians increased by nearly 12% from 2010/11 to 2013/14, which was a higher rate than that of most other specialties.² So there is reason to be optimistic about the future of our specialty.

Our monthly 5-question online quiz can help residents study for their certification exam.

However, to be card-carrying family physicians, our new residents must take the American Board of Family Medicine certification exam, and not all pass on their first attempt. A 2013 study of family medicine residency graduates found that only 86% of graduates passed the board exam on their first try.³

We can help. In addition to the evidence-based reviews published in The Journal of Family Practice (JFP), we have launched a new feature called Residents’ Rapid Review (RRR) to provide an additional resource for residents.

RRR is a monthly 5-question evidence-based quiz prepared by primary care faculty, including current and former residency program directors. After residents click on their answer, the system lets them know whether they’re right and provides the correct answer with an explanation and references. Monthly notifications are sent out to all jfponline.com registered users alerting them that a new quiz is available. (Not a registered user on the site? Sign up at jfponline.com/residents_reg.)

Getting ready for the recertification exam? The RRR quizzes can help you, too. Check out the latest quiz, today!

The results of the 2015 National Residency Match Program were announced on March 20. For family medicine, the glass was either half empty or half full, depending on your point of view.

On the plus side, 84 more family medicine positions were offered compared to 2014 (3216 vs 3132) and 60 more positions were filled, for a total of 3060 new family medicine residents in 2015.¹ This was far more than matched in gloomy 2009, when only 2555 residents chose family medicine. On the negative side of the balance sheet, there will be 233 fewer family medicine residents this year than matched at the peak of medical student interest in family medicine in 1998.

I’m a glass half full kind of guy, so I am delighted that the trend of increased medical student interest in family medicine continues. According to Merritt Hawkins, a national recruitment firm, family medicine has been the top recruited specialty for several years. The firm reports that starting salaries for family physicians increased by nearly 12% from 2010/11 to 2013/14, which was a higher rate than that of most other specialties.² So there is reason to be optimistic about the future of our specialty.

Our monthly 5-question online quiz can help residents study for their certification exam.

However, to be card-carrying family physicians, our new residents must take the American Board of Family Medicine certification exam, and not all pass on their first attempt. A 2013 study of family medicine residency graduates found that only 86% of graduates passed the board exam on their first try.³

We can help. In addition to the evidence-based reviews published in The Journal of Family Practice (JFP), we have launched a new feature called Residents’ Rapid Review (RRR) to provide an additional resource for residents.

RRR is a monthly 5-question evidence-based quiz prepared by primary care faculty, including current and former residency program directors. After residents click on their answer, the system lets them know whether they’re right and provides the correct answer with an explanation and references. Monthly notifications are sent out to all jfponline.com registered users alerting them that a new quiz is available. (Not a registered user on the site? Sign up at jfponline.com/residents_reg.)

Getting ready for the recertification exam? The RRR quizzes can help you, too. Check out the latest quiz, today!

THE CASE

A 38-year-old Hispanic man was brought to the emergency department (ED) after losing consciousness and falling at home, striking his elbow, head, and neck. For the past week, he’d had palpitations, shortness of breath, mild swelling of the lower extremities, fever, nausea, and fatigue. He had also been experiencing squeezing chest pain that worsened with exertion and was only partially relieved by nitroglycerin.

The patient did not have any rashes and denied having contact with anyone who was sick. He said that he’d been bitten by mosquitos during recent outdoor activities. His medical history included hypertension, hemorrhagic basal ganglia stroke, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, and gout. The patient denied smoking or using illicit drugs.

In the ED, his temperature was 101°F, heart rate was 112 beats/min, blood pressure was 175/100 mm Hg, and respiratory rate was 18 breaths/min. His head and neck exam was normal, with no neck stiffness. A lung exam revealed bilateral basal crackles, and a neurologic exam showed residual right-sided weakness due to the hemorrhagic stroke one year ago.

Lab test results revealed the following: white blood cell (WBC) count, 13,000/mm³ with relative monocytosis (14%); lymphocytosis (44%) with normal neutrophils and no bands; hemoglobin, 12 g/dL; hematocrit, 36/mm³; and platelets, 300,000/mm³. Liver function tests were within normal limits. Urinalysis was unremarkable. His troponin I level was elevated at 1.385 ng/dL. In addition to the tachycardia, his electrocardiogram (EKG) showed left axis deviation, left atrial enlargement, left anterior fascicular block, and diffuse nonspecific ST and T wave abnormalities. Chest x-ray was unremarkable except for cardiomegaly. A computed tomography (CT) scan of his head showed residual changes from the previous stroke.

The patient was admitted with a provisional diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), syncope, non–ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and acute heart failure. The patient had continuous EKG monitoring and serial assessments of his troponin levels. He was also given aspirin, metoprolol 25 mg BID, lisinopril 10 mg/d, furosemide 40 mg IV, isosorbide mononitrate 60 mg/d, and atorvastatin 40 mg/d.

The patient’s cardiac enzymes subsequently decreased. A left heart catheterization was performed, which showed minimum irregularities of the left anterior descending artery (< 20% narrowing) and an ejection fraction (EF) of 35%, without any evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). An echocardiogram revealed systolic dysfunction, with an EF of 35% to 40% and global hypokinesis without any apical ballooning or pericardial effusion. (An echocardiogram performed 6 months earlier had shown normal systolic function, an EF of 60% to 65%, and no wall motion abnormalities.) Blood, urine, and fungal cultures were negative; stool studies for ova and parasites were also negative. A lower extremity venous Doppler was negative for deep vein thrombosis.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Because our patient had SIRS, troponinemia, acute systolic dysfunction, and global hypokinesis without any evidence of obstructive CAD, we considered a diagnosis of viral myocarditis. Serologic studies for echovirus, coxsackievirus B, parvovirus B19, adenovirus, and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) all came back negative. However, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for West Nile virus (WNV) was positive. WNV infection was confirmed with a positive plaque reduction neutralization test and a positive qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, which established a diagnosis of WNV myocarditis.

DISCUSSION

While most individuals infected with WNV are asymptomatic, 20% to 40% of patients will exhibit symptoms.^1-4 Typical presentations of WNV infection include West Nile fever and neuroinvasive disease. West Nile fever is a self-limited illness characterized by a low-grade fever, headache, malaise, back pain, myalgia, and anorexia for 3 to 6 days.² Neuroinvasive disease caused by WNV may present as encephalitis, meningitis, or flaccid paralysis.⁵ Atypical presentations of the virus include rhabdomyolysis,⁶ fatal hemorrhagic fever with multi-organ failure and palpable purpura,⁷ hepatitis,⁸ pancreatitis,⁹ central diabetes insipidus,¹⁰ and myocarditis.¹¹

Although WNV has been linked to myocarditismin animals,¹² few human cases of WNV myocarditis^11,13 or cardiomyopathy¹⁴ have been reported. Viral myocarditis often leads to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, and myocardial damage may result from direct virus-induced cytotoxicity, T cell-mediated immune response to the virus, or apoptosis.¹⁵ Some research suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms play a primary role in myocardial damage. Caforio et al¹⁶ found that anti-alpha myosin antibodies were present in 34% of myocarditis patients. In a follow-up study, these antibodies were shown to persist for up to 6 months, which far surpasses the viral cardiac replication timeline of 2 to 3 weeks,¹⁷ suggesting that damage occurring after that time is primarily an autoimmune process.

The differential diagnosis for WNV myocarditis includes myocardial stunning from demand ischemia related to SIRS, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (stress cardiomyopathy), and Dressler’s syndrome. For our patient, myocardial stunning from demand ischemia was less likely because he had no obstructive coronary disease or focal hypokinesis. In addition, the persistence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and global hypokinesis demonstrated in a repeat echocardiogram during follow-up 6 months later reinforced the likelihood of myocarditis.

Although West Nile virus has been linked to myocarditis in animals, few human cases of WNV myocarditis or cardiomyopathy have been reported.

The patient’s chest pain with syncope, elevated troponin level, and nonspecific EKG changes in the absence of obstructive CAD raised the possibility of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The characteristic echocardiogram finding in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is transient apical ballooning with akinesis or hypokinesis in the apical and/or mid ventricular regions (typical variant) or isolated midventricular hypokinesis (apical sparing variant). Our patient’s echocardiogram did not show any of these focal wall motion abnormalities, but instead showed global hypokinesis. In addition, the persistence of systolic dysfunction during the repeat echocardiogram and the patient’s lack of psychological distress made the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy unlikely.

Dressler’s syndrome, which is also known as post-myocardial infarction (MI) syndrome, typically presents weeks to months after MI as pleuritic chest pain with a pericardial rub, elevated inflammatory markers, typical EKG changes (diffuse ST-segment elevation and PR-segment depression), and pericardial effusion. This did not fit our patient’s presentation.

Supportive care for heart failure is the mainstay of treatment

The standard treatment for WNV myocarditis is supportive care. Diuretics are used as needed for fluid overload, along with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers for cardiomyopathy with decreased EF.

Our patient’s dyspnea improved with treatment of furosemide 40 mg IV BID, and his blood pressure was controlled with metoprolol 25 mg BID and lisinopril 10 mg BID. His chest pain and fever resolved when his blood pressure improved. He was discharged home after 7 days on the furosemide, metoprolol, and lisinopril, in addition to isosorbide mononitrate 30 mg/d, atorvastatin 40 mg/d, and aspirin 325 mg/d. An echocardiogram performed 6 months later showed persistent systolic dysfunction, with an EF of 35% and global wall motion abnormalities.

THE TAKEAWAY

In addition to acute coronary syndrome, consider alternate etiologies in patients who present with chest pain and elevated cardiac biomarkers, particularly if diagnostic work-up is negative for obstructive coronary artery disease. WNV myocarditis should be considered as a diagnosis when a patient’s symptoms suggest acute coronary syndrome but are accompanied by fever, headache, and other constitutional symptoms, especially during mosquito season or a WNV outbreak.

THE CASE

A 38-year-old Hispanic man was brought to the emergency department (ED) after losing consciousness and falling at home, striking his elbow, head, and neck. For the past week, he’d had palpitations, shortness of breath, mild swelling of the lower extremities, fever, nausea, and fatigue. He had also been experiencing squeezing chest pain that worsened with exertion and was only partially relieved by nitroglycerin.

The patient did not have any rashes and denied having contact with anyone who was sick. He said that he’d been bitten by mosquitos during recent outdoor activities. His medical history included hypertension, hemorrhagic basal ganglia stroke, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, and gout. The patient denied smoking or using illicit drugs.

In the ED, his temperature was 101°F, heart rate was 112 beats/min, blood pressure was 175/100 mm Hg, and respiratory rate was 18 breaths/min. His head and neck exam was normal, with no neck stiffness. A lung exam revealed bilateral basal crackles, and a neurologic exam showed residual right-sided weakness due to the hemorrhagic stroke one year ago.

Lab test results revealed the following: white blood cell (WBC) count, 13,000/mm³ with relative monocytosis (14%); lymphocytosis (44%) with normal neutrophils and no bands; hemoglobin, 12 g/dL; hematocrit, 36/mm³; and platelets, 300,000/mm³. Liver function tests were within normal limits. Urinalysis was unremarkable. His troponin I level was elevated at 1.385 ng/dL. In addition to the tachycardia, his electrocardiogram (EKG) showed left axis deviation, left atrial enlargement, left anterior fascicular block, and diffuse nonspecific ST and T wave abnormalities. Chest x-ray was unremarkable except for cardiomegaly. A computed tomography (CT) scan of his head showed residual changes from the previous stroke.

The patient was admitted with a provisional diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), syncope, non–ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and acute heart failure. The patient had continuous EKG monitoring and serial assessments of his troponin levels. He was also given aspirin, metoprolol 25 mg BID, lisinopril 10 mg/d, furosemide 40 mg IV, isosorbide mononitrate 60 mg/d, and atorvastatin 40 mg/d.

The patient’s cardiac enzymes subsequently decreased. A left heart catheterization was performed, which showed minimum irregularities of the left anterior descending artery (< 20% narrowing) and an ejection fraction (EF) of 35%, without any evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). An echocardiogram revealed systolic dysfunction, with an EF of 35% to 40% and global hypokinesis without any apical ballooning or pericardial effusion. (An echocardiogram performed 6 months earlier had shown normal systolic function, an EF of 60% to 65%, and no wall motion abnormalities.) Blood, urine, and fungal cultures were negative; stool studies for ova and parasites were also negative. A lower extremity venous Doppler was negative for deep vein thrombosis.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Because our patient had SIRS, troponinemia, acute systolic dysfunction, and global hypokinesis without any evidence of obstructive CAD, we considered a diagnosis of viral myocarditis. Serologic studies for echovirus, coxsackievirus B, parvovirus B19, adenovirus, and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) all came back negative. However, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for West Nile virus (WNV) was positive. WNV infection was confirmed with a positive plaque reduction neutralization test and a positive qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, which established a diagnosis of WNV myocarditis.

DISCUSSION

While most individuals infected with WNV are asymptomatic, 20% to 40% of patients will exhibit symptoms.^1-4 Typical presentations of WNV infection include West Nile fever and neuroinvasive disease. West Nile fever is a self-limited illness characterized by a low-grade fever, headache, malaise, back pain, myalgia, and anorexia for 3 to 6 days.² Neuroinvasive disease caused by WNV may present as encephalitis, meningitis, or flaccid paralysis.⁵ Atypical presentations of the virus include rhabdomyolysis,⁶ fatal hemorrhagic fever with multi-organ failure and palpable purpura,⁷ hepatitis,⁸ pancreatitis,⁹ central diabetes insipidus,¹⁰ and myocarditis.¹¹

Although WNV has been linked to myocarditismin animals,¹² few human cases of WNV myocarditis^11,13 or cardiomyopathy¹⁴ have been reported. Viral myocarditis often leads to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, and myocardial damage may result from direct virus-induced cytotoxicity, T cell-mediated immune response to the virus, or apoptosis.¹⁵ Some research suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms play a primary role in myocardial damage. Caforio et al¹⁶ found that anti-alpha myosin antibodies were present in 34% of myocarditis patients. In a follow-up study, these antibodies were shown to persist for up to 6 months, which far surpasses the viral cardiac replication timeline of 2 to 3 weeks,¹⁷ suggesting that damage occurring after that time is primarily an autoimmune process.

The differential diagnosis for WNV myocarditis includes myocardial stunning from demand ischemia related to SIRS, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (stress cardiomyopathy), and Dressler’s syndrome. For our patient, myocardial stunning from demand ischemia was less likely because he had no obstructive coronary disease or focal hypokinesis. In addition, the persistence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and global hypokinesis demonstrated in a repeat echocardiogram during follow-up 6 months later reinforced the likelihood of myocarditis.

Although West Nile virus has been linked to myocarditis in animals, few human cases of WNV myocarditis or cardiomyopathy have been reported.

The patient’s chest pain with syncope, elevated troponin level, and nonspecific EKG changes in the absence of obstructive CAD raised the possibility of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The characteristic echocardiogram finding in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is transient apical ballooning with akinesis or hypokinesis in the apical and/or mid ventricular regions (typical variant) or isolated midventricular hypokinesis (apical sparing variant). Our patient’s echocardiogram did not show any of these focal wall motion abnormalities, but instead showed global hypokinesis. In addition, the persistence of systolic dysfunction during the repeat echocardiogram and the patient’s lack of psychological distress made the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy unlikely.

Dressler’s syndrome, which is also known as post-myocardial infarction (MI) syndrome, typically presents weeks to months after MI as pleuritic chest pain with a pericardial rub, elevated inflammatory markers, typical EKG changes (diffuse ST-segment elevation and PR-segment depression), and pericardial effusion. This did not fit our patient’s presentation.

Supportive care for heart failure is the mainstay of treatment

The standard treatment for WNV myocarditis is supportive care. Diuretics are used as needed for fluid overload, along with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers for cardiomyopathy with decreased EF.

Our patient’s dyspnea improved with treatment of furosemide 40 mg IV BID, and his blood pressure was controlled with metoprolol 25 mg BID and lisinopril 10 mg BID. His chest pain and fever resolved when his blood pressure improved. He was discharged home after 7 days on the furosemide, metoprolol, and lisinopril, in addition to isosorbide mononitrate 30 mg/d, atorvastatin 40 mg/d, and aspirin 325 mg/d. An echocardiogram performed 6 months later showed persistent systolic dysfunction, with an EF of 35% and global wall motion abnormalities.

THE TAKEAWAY

In addition to acute coronary syndrome, consider alternate etiologies in patients who present with chest pain and elevated cardiac biomarkers, particularly if diagnostic work-up is negative for obstructive coronary artery disease. WNV myocarditis should be considered as a diagnosis when a patient’s symptoms suggest acute coronary syndrome but are accompanied by fever, headache, and other constitutional symptoms, especially during mosquito season or a WNV outbreak.

THE CASE

A 38-year-old Hispanic man was brought to the emergency department (ED) after losing consciousness and falling at home, striking his elbow, head, and neck. For the past week, he’d had palpitations, shortness of breath, mild swelling of the lower extremities, fever, nausea, and fatigue. He had also been experiencing squeezing chest pain that worsened with exertion and was only partially relieved by nitroglycerin.

The patient did not have any rashes and denied having contact with anyone who was sick. He said that he’d been bitten by mosquitos during recent outdoor activities. His medical history included hypertension, hemorrhagic basal ganglia stroke, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, and gout. The patient denied smoking or using illicit drugs.

In the ED, his temperature was 101°F, heart rate was 112 beats/min, blood pressure was 175/100 mm Hg, and respiratory rate was 18 breaths/min. His head and neck exam was normal, with no neck stiffness. A lung exam revealed bilateral basal crackles, and a neurologic exam showed residual right-sided weakness due to the hemorrhagic stroke one year ago.

Lab test results revealed the following: white blood cell (WBC) count, 13,000/mm³ with relative monocytosis (14%); lymphocytosis (44%) with normal neutrophils and no bands; hemoglobin, 12 g/dL; hematocrit, 36/mm³; and platelets, 300,000/mm³. Liver function tests were within normal limits. Urinalysis was unremarkable. His troponin I level was elevated at 1.385 ng/dL. In addition to the tachycardia, his electrocardiogram (EKG) showed left axis deviation, left atrial enlargement, left anterior fascicular block, and diffuse nonspecific ST and T wave abnormalities. Chest x-ray was unremarkable except for cardiomegaly. A computed tomography (CT) scan of his head showed residual changes from the previous stroke.

The patient was admitted with a provisional diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), syncope, non–ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and acute heart failure. The patient had continuous EKG monitoring and serial assessments of his troponin levels. He was also given aspirin, metoprolol 25 mg BID, lisinopril 10 mg/d, furosemide 40 mg IV, isosorbide mononitrate 60 mg/d, and atorvastatin 40 mg/d.

The patient’s cardiac enzymes subsequently decreased. A left heart catheterization was performed, which showed minimum irregularities of the left anterior descending artery (< 20% narrowing) and an ejection fraction (EF) of 35%, without any evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). An echocardiogram revealed systolic dysfunction, with an EF of 35% to 40% and global hypokinesis without any apical ballooning or pericardial effusion. (An echocardiogram performed 6 months earlier had shown normal systolic function, an EF of 60% to 65%, and no wall motion abnormalities.) Blood, urine, and fungal cultures were negative; stool studies for ova and parasites were also negative. A lower extremity venous Doppler was negative for deep vein thrombosis.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Because our patient had SIRS, troponinemia, acute systolic dysfunction, and global hypokinesis without any evidence of obstructive CAD, we considered a diagnosis of viral myocarditis. Serologic studies for echovirus, coxsackievirus B, parvovirus B19, adenovirus, and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) all came back negative. However, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for West Nile virus (WNV) was positive. WNV infection was confirmed with a positive plaque reduction neutralization test and a positive qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, which established a diagnosis of WNV myocarditis.

DISCUSSION

While most individuals infected with WNV are asymptomatic, 20% to 40% of patients will exhibit symptoms.^1-4 Typical presentations of WNV infection include West Nile fever and neuroinvasive disease. West Nile fever is a self-limited illness characterized by a low-grade fever, headache, malaise, back pain, myalgia, and anorexia for 3 to 6 days.² Neuroinvasive disease caused by WNV may present as encephalitis, meningitis, or flaccid paralysis.⁵ Atypical presentations of the virus include rhabdomyolysis,⁶ fatal hemorrhagic fever with multi-organ failure and palpable purpura,⁷ hepatitis,⁸ pancreatitis,⁹ central diabetes insipidus,¹⁰ and myocarditis.¹¹

Although WNV has been linked to myocarditismin animals,¹² few human cases of WNV myocarditis^11,13 or cardiomyopathy¹⁴ have been reported. Viral myocarditis often leads to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, and myocardial damage may result from direct virus-induced cytotoxicity, T cell-mediated immune response to the virus, or apoptosis.¹⁵ Some research suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms play a primary role in myocardial damage. Caforio et al¹⁶ found that anti-alpha myosin antibodies were present in 34% of myocarditis patients. In a follow-up study, these antibodies were shown to persist for up to 6 months, which far surpasses the viral cardiac replication timeline of 2 to 3 weeks,¹⁷ suggesting that damage occurring after that time is primarily an autoimmune process.

The differential diagnosis for WNV myocarditis includes myocardial stunning from demand ischemia related to SIRS, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (stress cardiomyopathy), and Dressler’s syndrome. For our patient, myocardial stunning from demand ischemia was less likely because he had no obstructive coronary disease or focal hypokinesis. In addition, the persistence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and global hypokinesis demonstrated in a repeat echocardiogram during follow-up 6 months later reinforced the likelihood of myocarditis.

Although West Nile virus has been linked to myocarditis in animals, few human cases of WNV myocarditis or cardiomyopathy have been reported.

The patient’s chest pain with syncope, elevated troponin level, and nonspecific EKG changes in the absence of obstructive CAD raised the possibility of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The characteristic echocardiogram finding in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is transient apical ballooning with akinesis or hypokinesis in the apical and/or mid ventricular regions (typical variant) or isolated midventricular hypokinesis (apical sparing variant). Our patient’s echocardiogram did not show any of these focal wall motion abnormalities, but instead showed global hypokinesis. In addition, the persistence of systolic dysfunction during the repeat echocardiogram and the patient’s lack of psychological distress made the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy unlikely.

Dressler’s syndrome, which is also known as post-myocardial infarction (MI) syndrome, typically presents weeks to months after MI as pleuritic chest pain with a pericardial rub, elevated inflammatory markers, typical EKG changes (diffuse ST-segment elevation and PR-segment depression), and pericardial effusion. This did not fit our patient’s presentation.

Supportive care for heart failure is the mainstay of treatment

The standard treatment for WNV myocarditis is supportive care. Diuretics are used as needed for fluid overload, along with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers for cardiomyopathy with decreased EF.

Our patient’s dyspnea improved with treatment of furosemide 40 mg IV BID, and his blood pressure was controlled with metoprolol 25 mg BID and lisinopril 10 mg BID. His chest pain and fever resolved when his blood pressure improved. He was discharged home after 7 days on the furosemide, metoprolol, and lisinopril, in addition to isosorbide mononitrate 30 mg/d, atorvastatin 40 mg/d, and aspirin 325 mg/d. An echocardiogram performed 6 months later showed persistent systolic dysfunction, with an EF of 35% and global wall motion abnormalities.

THE TAKEAWAY

In addition to acute coronary syndrome, consider alternate etiologies in patients who present with chest pain and elevated cardiac biomarkers, particularly if diagnostic work-up is negative for obstructive coronary artery disease. WNV myocarditis should be considered as a diagnosis when a patient’s symptoms suggest acute coronary syndrome but are accompanied by fever, headache, and other constitutional symptoms, especially during mosquito season or a WNV outbreak.

ANSWER
The radiograph shows a fracture dislocation of the ankle. The distal tibia is dislocated medially relative to the talus, as evidenced by the widened joint space. There is also an oblique fracture of the distal fibula.

Since the patient was experiencing neurovascular compromise, the dislocation was promptly reduced in the emergency department. Subsequently, he was taken to the operating room for open reduction and internal fixation of his fibula fracture.   

ANSWER
The radiograph shows a fracture dislocation of the ankle. The distal tibia is dislocated medially relative to the talus, as evidenced by the widened joint space. There is also an oblique fracture of the distal fibula.

Since the patient was experiencing neurovascular compromise, the dislocation was promptly reduced in the emergency department. Subsequently, he was taken to the operating room for open reduction and internal fixation of his fibula fracture.   

ANSWER
The radiograph shows a fracture dislocation of the ankle. The distal tibia is dislocated medially relative to the talus, as evidenced by the widened joint space. There is also an oblique fracture of the distal fibula.

Since the patient was experiencing neurovascular compromise, the dislocation was promptly reduced in the emergency department. Subsequently, he was taken to the operating room for open reduction and internal fixation of his fibula fracture.   

At a New Jersey hospital, a pregnant woman underwent an ultrasound examination with results suggesting a possible fetal abnormality. In response, DNA testing of the patient and her husband was ordered to investigate for a suspected hormonal disorder. But the wrong test was ordered, and the results of that test were negative.

A baby girl was born with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition causing ambiguous genitalia due to exposure to high concentrations of androgens in utero. She underwent genital reconstructive surgery at age 4 months and is expected to require additional surgery, lifelong hormone replacement therapy, and lifelong monitoring.

The parents claimed that they would have elected to terminate the pregnancy if they had been properly informed of the child’s condition.

What was the outcome? >>

OUTCOME
A jury returned a ruling of 75% liability to the hospital and 25% liability to a hospital lab technician. The verdict was for $1 million, comprising $625,000 for the child and $375,000 for her parents.

COMMENT
The controversial legal theory of recovery in this case is known as “wrongful life” or “wrongful birth.” To prevail on these tort actions, one must prove that the defendant’s negligence led to the birth of an infant following a pregnancy that would have been terminated, had the parents been given all the prenatal screening information required by the standard of care.

The goal of any prenatal screening program should be to provide parents with information that is adequate, accurate, and timely. In this case, after the suspicious sonographic findings were encountered, the wrong test was ordered and the diagnosis was missed. Each practice providing prenatal screening should have a checklist to confirm that the correct test was ordered, completed, and documented—not to mention discussed with the patient in a timely manner.

In this case, the clinician ordered the wrong test, which left the patient with inadequate information. From the facts given, it is unclear if the ordering clinician became aware of this fact and what information, if any, the patient was given regarding the error. Importantly, information must also be given in a timely manner, leaving the patient adequate time to make an informed decision regarding termination—before fetal viability. But how is viability defined?

Although a detailed discussion of the constitutional principles of fetal viability is beyond the scope of this commentary, three US Supreme Court cases paved the way for successful wrongful life/wrongful birth actions. In Griswold v Connecticut (1965), the court held that decisions regarding birth control were protected by the right to privacy. In Roe v Wade (1973), the court held that a constitutionally protected right to privacy exists with regard to pregnancy terminations until the point of “viability,” originally defined as between 24 and 28 gestational weeks. Planned Parenthood v Casey (1991) held that advances in neonatal care required a revised definition of viability to a point “somewhat earlier,” without establishing a specific bright-line rule for viability.

To complicate matters, in recent years, at least 14 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas) have redefined viability and passed laws banning therapeutic abortion beyond week 20 (although some of these bans have been judicially blocked). In states with this type of legislation, whether a clinician could be held legally responsible for failing to provide information necessary to permit an informed decision prior to the 20-week mark is unclear.

Questions as to whether these state laws were in conflict with Roe v Wade led to a constitutional challenge. In 2013, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the highest level before the Supreme Court) ruled that a 20-week cutoff was unconstitutional because it violated the “viability rule” established by Roe and Casey. The Supreme Court declined to review that decision.¹

Damage awards in wrongful life/wrongful birth cases are often substantial. The verdict in this case was relatively restrained.

Without doubt, this is a sensitive issue, and respect for our fellow clinicians’ opinions is warranted. However, from a liability standpoint, the safest course of action is to provide patients with all the necessary information—including prenatal testing results—as soon as possible, ­allowing them to make an informed decision before viability (however that is defined in your state). —DML

REFERENCE
1. Isaacson v. Horne, 716 F.3d 1213, 1225 (9th Cir. 2013), cert denied, 134 S. Ct. 905 (2014).

At a New Jersey hospital, a pregnant woman underwent an ultrasound examination with results suggesting a possible fetal abnormality. In response, DNA testing of the patient and her husband was ordered to investigate for a suspected hormonal disorder. But the wrong test was ordered, and the results of that test were negative.

A baby girl was born with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition causing ambiguous genitalia due to exposure to high concentrations of androgens in utero. She underwent genital reconstructive surgery at age 4 months and is expected to require additional surgery, lifelong hormone replacement therapy, and lifelong monitoring.

The parents claimed that they would have elected to terminate the pregnancy if they had been properly informed of the child’s condition.

What was the outcome? >>

OUTCOME
A jury returned a ruling of 75% liability to the hospital and 25% liability to a hospital lab technician. The verdict was for $1 million, comprising $625,000 for the child and $375,000 for her parents.

COMMENT
The controversial legal theory of recovery in this case is known as “wrongful life” or “wrongful birth.” To prevail on these tort actions, one must prove that the defendant’s negligence led to the birth of an infant following a pregnancy that would have been terminated, had the parents been given all the prenatal screening information required by the standard of care.

The goal of any prenatal screening program should be to provide parents with information that is adequate, accurate, and timely. In this case, after the suspicious sonographic findings were encountered, the wrong test was ordered and the diagnosis was missed. Each practice providing prenatal screening should have a checklist to confirm that the correct test was ordered, completed, and documented—not to mention discussed with the patient in a timely manner.

In this case, the clinician ordered the wrong test, which left the patient with inadequate information. From the facts given, it is unclear if the ordering clinician became aware of this fact and what information, if any, the patient was given regarding the error. Importantly, information must also be given in a timely manner, leaving the patient adequate time to make an informed decision regarding termination—before fetal viability. But how is viability defined?

Although a detailed discussion of the constitutional principles of fetal viability is beyond the scope of this commentary, three US Supreme Court cases paved the way for successful wrongful life/wrongful birth actions. In Griswold v Connecticut (1965), the court held that decisions regarding birth control were protected by the right to privacy. In Roe v Wade (1973), the court held that a constitutionally protected right to privacy exists with regard to pregnancy terminations until the point of “viability,” originally defined as between 24 and 28 gestational weeks. Planned Parenthood v Casey (1991) held that advances in neonatal care required a revised definition of viability to a point “somewhat earlier,” without establishing a specific bright-line rule for viability.

To complicate matters, in recent years, at least 14 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas) have redefined viability and passed laws banning therapeutic abortion beyond week 20 (although some of these bans have been judicially blocked). In states with this type of legislation, whether a clinician could be held legally responsible for failing to provide information necessary to permit an informed decision prior to the 20-week mark is unclear.

Questions as to whether these state laws were in conflict with Roe v Wade led to a constitutional challenge. In 2013, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the highest level before the Supreme Court) ruled that a 20-week cutoff was unconstitutional because it violated the “viability rule” established by Roe and Casey. The Supreme Court declined to review that decision.¹

Damage awards in wrongful life/wrongful birth cases are often substantial. The verdict in this case was relatively restrained.

Without doubt, this is a sensitive issue, and respect for our fellow clinicians’ opinions is warranted. However, from a liability standpoint, the safest course of action is to provide patients with all the necessary information—including prenatal testing results—as soon as possible, ­allowing them to make an informed decision before viability (however that is defined in your state). —DML

REFERENCE
1. Isaacson v. Horne, 716 F.3d 1213, 1225 (9th Cir. 2013), cert denied, 134 S. Ct. 905 (2014).

At a New Jersey hospital, a pregnant woman underwent an ultrasound examination with results suggesting a possible fetal abnormality. In response, DNA testing of the patient and her husband was ordered to investigate for a suspected hormonal disorder. But the wrong test was ordered, and the results of that test were negative.

A baby girl was born with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition causing ambiguous genitalia due to exposure to high concentrations of androgens in utero. She underwent genital reconstructive surgery at age 4 months and is expected to require additional surgery, lifelong hormone replacement therapy, and lifelong monitoring.

The parents claimed that they would have elected to terminate the pregnancy if they had been properly informed of the child’s condition.

What was the outcome? >>

OUTCOME
A jury returned a ruling of 75% liability to the hospital and 25% liability to a hospital lab technician. The verdict was for $1 million, comprising $625,000 for the child and $375,000 for her parents.

COMMENT
The controversial legal theory of recovery in this case is known as “wrongful life” or “wrongful birth.” To prevail on these tort actions, one must prove that the defendant’s negligence led to the birth of an infant following a pregnancy that would have been terminated, had the parents been given all the prenatal screening information required by the standard of care.

The goal of any prenatal screening program should be to provide parents with information that is adequate, accurate, and timely. In this case, after the suspicious sonographic findings were encountered, the wrong test was ordered and the diagnosis was missed. Each practice providing prenatal screening should have a checklist to confirm that the correct test was ordered, completed, and documented—not to mention discussed with the patient in a timely manner.

In this case, the clinician ordered the wrong test, which left the patient with inadequate information. From the facts given, it is unclear if the ordering clinician became aware of this fact and what information, if any, the patient was given regarding the error. Importantly, information must also be given in a timely manner, leaving the patient adequate time to make an informed decision regarding termination—before fetal viability. But how is viability defined?

Although a detailed discussion of the constitutional principles of fetal viability is beyond the scope of this commentary, three US Supreme Court cases paved the way for successful wrongful life/wrongful birth actions. In Griswold v Connecticut (1965), the court held that decisions regarding birth control were protected by the right to privacy. In Roe v Wade (1973), the court held that a constitutionally protected right to privacy exists with regard to pregnancy terminations until the point of “viability,” originally defined as between 24 and 28 gestational weeks. Planned Parenthood v Casey (1991) held that advances in neonatal care required a revised definition of viability to a point “somewhat earlier,” without establishing a specific bright-line rule for viability.

To complicate matters, in recent years, at least 14 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas) have redefined viability and passed laws banning therapeutic abortion beyond week 20 (although some of these bans have been judicially blocked). In states with this type of legislation, whether a clinician could be held legally responsible for failing to provide information necessary to permit an informed decision prior to the 20-week mark is unclear.

Questions as to whether these state laws were in conflict with Roe v Wade led to a constitutional challenge. In 2013, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the highest level before the Supreme Court) ruled that a 20-week cutoff was unconstitutional because it violated the “viability rule” established by Roe and Casey. The Supreme Court declined to review that decision.¹

Damage awards in wrongful life/wrongful birth cases are often substantial. The verdict in this case was relatively restrained.

Without doubt, this is a sensitive issue, and respect for our fellow clinicians’ opinions is warranted. However, from a liability standpoint, the safest course of action is to provide patients with all the necessary information—including prenatal testing results—as soon as possible, ­allowing them to make an informed decision before viability (however that is defined in your state). —DML

REFERENCE
1. Isaacson v. Horne, 716 F.3d 1213, 1225 (9th Cir. 2013), cert denied, 134 S. Ct. 905 (2014).