Current lung cancer screening guidelines in the United States fail to identify many individuals at risk of developing the disease. Additionally, existing healthcare infrastructure has been leveraged to establish IPN clinics, a promising approach to addressing the limitations of current screening guidelines. Early-stage lung cancer is frequently diagnosed because of the incidental detection of pulmonary nodules on clinically indicated chest CT scans, particularly in the absence of formal screening programs. While artificial intelligence (AI) systems for lung cancer detection have demonstrated significant advancements in medicine, their clinical validation in screening settings remains limited. This review will discuss the pivotal trials underpinning the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for lung cancer screening, which have shaped the current guidelines for at-risk populations. We will explore recent studies investigating the role of AI in enhancing lung cancer screening efforts, highlighting how AI has the potential to improve early detection, streamline workflows, and reduce false positives and negatives in screening processes. This review will present the lung cancer screening rates at our institution, with a specific focus on the validation and integration of AI-driven technologies into our established screening programs. Using AI algorithms, we have validated enhanced detection capabilities through retrospective analysis of historical patient data, demonstrating significant improvements in identifying high-risk individuals and early-stage malignancies. These AI models, validated through rigorous cross-validation methods and clinical trials, have proven to outperform traditional screening approaches in sensitivity and specificity. The integration of these AI technologies within the lung cancer screening framework not only optimizes existing programs but also expands access to screening, improving early detection rates and ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. Through continuous validation and refinement, we aim to solidify AI’s role in transforming lung cancer detection and patient care. Through ongoing validation and implementation, AI can play a crucial role in transforming lung cancer screening practices, ultimately contributing to earlier diagnosis and improved patient survival.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is operated commonly by diverse genetic alterations, and oncogenic fusions represent a significant therapeutic role. Common fusions include ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK, signaling pathways in tumorigenesis. Recent advances in investigating tumor molecular biology include underlying fusions, including chromosomal rearrangements, highlighting their role as oncogenic drivers. The development of targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), has impacted most patients’ NSCLC treatment. Despite the greater profiles, such as remarkable efficiency and tolerable side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, challenges, such as acquired mutations, lead to more ongoing research-optimized future NSCLC therapies.

We present a case of gonococcal septic arthritis of the right hip diagnosed via synovial fluid cultures. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the synovial fluid demonstrated susceptibility to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, cefixime and ceftriaxone. Our patient was initially treated with ceftriaxone and was successfully de-escalated to oral levofloxacin to complete the treatment. This case is interesting given the rarity of disseminated gonococcal infections in the 21st century and that most clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are increasingly resistant to fluoroquinolones.

Primary bone lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma that arises from skeletal tissue. Most cases described are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the most common subtype. While it is common for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to have secondary skeletal system involvement, primary involvement of the skeleton is surprisingly rare. Primary bone lymphoma accounts for less than 5% of all primary bone malignancies, 4%–5% of extranodal lymphomas and less than 1% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We present an interesting case of a young adult male who was diagnosed with primary bone lymphoma of the femur. Interestingly, his initial X-ray imaging revealed no osseous abnormality and subsequent MRI revealed an infiltrating mass. The patient was treated with chemotherapy of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone resulting in complete remission.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, potentially fatal hematologic disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and varying signs of visceral ischemia secondary to microvascular thrombosis. TTP is caused by a severe deficiency of ADAMTS13, a protease enzyme responsible for cleaving von Willebrand-factor (vWF) multimers. First-line therapy with plasmapheresis has increased survival rates immensely; however, there are few reported cases that are refractory to standardized treatment. We describe two cases of refractory TTP successfully managed with the addition of caplacizumab, an anti-von Willebrand factor immunoglobulin fragment that inhibits the interaction of vWF multimers with platelets.

Ventriculitis is a rare intracranial disease with potentially life-threatening consequences. Here, we present a case of acute mastoiditis that progressed to Haemophilus influenzae meningitis evolving to ventriculitis. This case was complicated by hydrocephalus that subsequently required the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. In patients presenting with mastoiditis, it is imperative to initiate early and appropriate treatment to prevent disease progression and devastating outcomes. We aim to increase recognition of potential complications and encourage childhood vaccination of Haemophilus influenzae.