HCA healthcare journal of medicine最新文献

{"title":"Vermillion.","authors":"Saptarshi Biswas","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2639","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2639","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The sky is vermilion, and the sand below mirrors its hue-a seamless union of heaven and earth in the waning light. The setting sun spills its final radiance across the world, as if reluctant to surrender to night. In this mirrored brilliance lies a quiet truth about human life: that our final moments often reflect the sum of all that came before, casting meaning backward, tinting memory with the soft, forgiving glow of closure. Just as the sand borrows its color from the sky, so too do our lives borrow significance from what we love, what we lose, and what we choose to see. The sun's descent is not a fall, but a fulfillment-the completion of a cycle that gives dawn its promise and twilight its grace. To grow old, to near the dusk of one's journey, is to stand within that vermilion hour, illuminated not by the fierceness of noon but by the tenderness of understanding. In the fading light, distinctions blur: sky and sand, body and spirit, self and the world. The reflection becomes indistinguishable from its source, as though existence itself were learning to let go. And yet, the scene is not sorrowful-it is serene. For just as the sun will rise again, life, too, finds renewal in its endings. The vermilion sky is not a goodbye, but a whispered assurance: that every descent carries within it the quiet certainty of return.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 4","pages":"467-468"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148992801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neuromotor Compromise as a Presenting Symptom in Advanced Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Case Series.","authors":"Adam Maestas, Parsa Charkhchi, Farbod Malek","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2406","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, representing less than 1% of adult cancers. Approximately half arise in the extremities, most often presenting as a painless, enlarging mass. Symptoms are often misattributed to benign neuropathic or musculoskeletal causes, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Neurological deficits such as foot drop or distal weakness are exceptionally uncommon presenting signs and generally indicate advanced local invasion or compression of major peripheral nerves. Recognizing acute neuromotor compromise as a potential manifestation of soft tissue malignancy is crucial for timely oncologic evaluation and limb-sparing management.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>This series describes 3 patients who presented with acute or progressive foot drop as the initial symptom of advanced lower extremity STS. Case 1: A 27-year-old man presented with an 8-month history of progressive right foot drop and sensory loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 6.4-cm popliteal fossa tumor encasing the common peroneal nerve, consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). He received neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by en bloc resection with negative margins and retained independent ambulation using an orthosis. Case 2: A 15-year-old girl developed right foot drop and swelling of the thigh and knee. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 32-cm posterior thigh mass encasing the sciatic nerve. Biopsy confirmed Capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC)-rearranged undifferentiated round cell sarcoma. She underwent multimodal therapy, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, nerve-sacrificing resection, and adjuvant radiotherapy, remaining in remission at 12 months. Case 3: A 43-year-old woman with prior myxoid liposarcoma presented with recurrent left thigh pain and new foot drop. Imaging revealed a 12-cm ischiofemoral mass compressing the sciatic nerve. Wide excision with nerve sacrifice achieved clear margins, and adjuvant chemotherapy was completed. At 12 months, she remained disease-free and ambulatory with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>New-onset foot drop should raise suspicion for an underlying STS, particularly when symptoms are progressive or unresponsive to conservative management. Awareness of neuromotor compromise as a potential red-flag symptom may reduce diagnostic delay, facilitating earlier referral, multidisciplinary intervention, and improved functional outcomes. The involved nerves were sacrificed during surgery in all of our cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 4","pages":"443-449"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581332/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148992835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Opioid Free Anesthesia in Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Feasible Approach to Patient Care.","authors":"Carson Gifford, Denise Vidal, Dail Kim, Austin Goff, Paul Reynolds","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The opioid epidemic has prompted exploration of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) techniques, but the optimal approach is still debated. While some OFA protocols substitute opioids with other agents, these alternatives can introduce their own risks. The objective of this study was to investigate whether eliminating intraoperative opioids without analgesic substitution in arthroscopic knee procedures affects postoperative pain control and opioid requirements.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective analysis of 205 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee procedures between August and November 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received intraoperative fentanyl (25-200 mcg, n = 144) and those who received no intraoperative opioids (n = 61). Postoperative pain scores, morphine milligram equivalents (MME) administered, and antiemetic use were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> tests with Bonferroni correction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were found between groups in postoperative pain scores (<i>U</i> = 4594, <i>P</i> > .025) or postoperative opioid requirements (<i>U</i> = 4213, <i>P</i> > .025). Postoperative antiemetic use was similar between groups (7% in OFA group vs 6% in opioid group), though sample size precluded statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>For arthroscopic knee procedures, the elimination of intraoperative opioids without substitution appears feasible, with no significant differences in postoperative pain control or opioid requirements compared with traditional opioid-inclusive anesthesia. From a clinical standpoint, this approach may offer a strategy for reducing cumulative opioid exposure without compromising patient comfort or introducing risks associated with opioid substitutes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 4","pages":"397-403"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148992818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychological Adaptation in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Pilot Study Findings.","authors":"Anuja L Sarode, Emily M Su, Amber Kerstetter-Fogle, Steve Paciorek, Erica L Laipply","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In this pilot study, we examined psychological impacts of colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD) symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and their relationship with coping strategies in surgically treated CRC patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective pre- and postoperative pilot study assessed CRC patients at 2 time points, pre- and postoperative. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</i>, Fifth Edition (PCL-5) and the PTG Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF). Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) instrument. Changes in CR-PTSD, PTG, and coping strategies from pre- and postoperative were analyzed using paired <i>t</i> tests and mixed-effects linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 23 participants, significant changes were observed in problem-focused coping (mean: pre = 25.2, post = 28.4; <i>P</i> = .01) as well as in the <i>Relating to Others</i> and <i>Appreciation of Life</i> dimensions of PTG from pre- to postoperative (mean: pre = 14.2; post = 20.2; <i>P</i> = .01). In contrast, CR-PTSD symptomatology was low at baseline and did not change after surgery (mean: pre = 6.0; post = 5.0; <i>P</i> = .17). Regression analysis further highlighted the differential influence of coping strategies on PTG over time, with problem-focused coping significantly associated with <i>Relating to Others</i> (β = 0.89; <i>P</i> = .001) and <i>Personal Strength</i> (β = 0.34; <i>P</i> = .002).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We found that problem-focused coping was related to greater PTG in CRC patients, while CR-PTSD symptoms remained low and stable. Findings are exploratory and highlight coping strategies as a potential area for further research in CRC survivorship.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 4","pages":"383-396"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148992770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Approaching Well-Being Through the Research Lens: How HCA Healthcare Colleagues are Building Healthy Work and Learning Environments.","authors":"Gregory Guldner, Allison Woodall, Deepinder Bal, Jennifer Larkin, Cynthia Borum, Sunny Hull, Annette Edens, Lisa H Moore, Elaine K Miller, Harold Gomez Acevedo, Katia M Lugo Enriquez, Noor Judge, Yanie Oliva, Pablo Ramirez Caraballo, Faraz Jaffer, Prerna Sharma, Daniel Heller, Siddarth Kathuria, Nathaniel Banet, Orlando Nieves, Adrienne Madison, Lily Martin, Oliwier Dziadkowiec","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2466","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2466","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>At the heart of our commitment to the care and improvement of human life are the physicians who dedicate themselves to delivering exceptional care. To support not only our physicians' professional excellence but also to foster personal fulfillment, HCA Healthcare partnered with Claremont Graduate University to establish the Physician Wellness Research Lab (PWR Lab). In his new role as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for Graduate Medical Education (GME), Dr Guldner led a nationwide search to establish and implement a new approach to well-being. At HCA Healthcare, we believe that true flourishing requires transforming the work and learning environment itself. To guide our approach, we identified 2 complementary theories: Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which steer the transformation of environments from need-thwarting to need-supporting. Studies conducted in partnership with the PWR Lab confirmed the necessity of a research-driven approach in establishing healthy environments. This work has culminated in the creation of the Resident Experience and Retention Summit (RERS). This teaching workshop is designed for faculty and administrators committed to advancing provider well-being through improvements in the work and learning environment. Participants explore the practical application of SDT and JD-R Theory, following either a clinical or administrative track tailored to their role. Since its launch in 2023, we've hosted 6 RERS and have seen meaningful changes in the perception of the work and learning environment across numerous facilities. This internal success in creating supportive environments is mirrored and validated by external, national metrics. For the last 2 years, HCA Healthcare has beaten the national average in each of the 12 well-being items from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Survey. At our most recent RERS teaching workshop we showcased poster submissions from both clinical and administrative colleagues highlighting the facility-level initiatives they've implemented. We are pleased to share the 8 abstracts featured, each showcasing the practical application of HCA Healthcare's approach to well-being in diverse health care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 4","pages":"457-458"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13581329/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148992850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Education in Medicine.","authors":"Angelina Hong","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2374","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Description The path to becoming a doctor is an arduous and transformative process, and this poem attempts to illustrate a window into it. From the busy pre-med courses in college, to the rigorous academic expectations of medical school, the long work hours in residency, to finally trying to balance life and medicine as a busy attending physician-looking back, I am grateful for the unique opportunity. Not every day seemed positive at the time, but I now see that all the experiences, both good and bad, shaped who I am today and influenced my perception of the world and medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 3","pages":"357-358"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13398425/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148586122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Between Rounds and Resolve.","authors":"Faizan Sheraz","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2400","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2400","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Description \"Between Rounds and Resolve\" is a narrative poem chronicling the introspective journey of an internist transitioning toward a subspecialty in gastroenterology. Through poetic reflection, the piece captures the emotional cadence of clinical rounds, the quiet resilience forged in patient care, and the evolving sense of purpose that guides a physician toward deeper specialization. This work explores themes of identity, transformation, and professional growth, offering a humanistic lens on the road less traveled within medicine. It aims to resonate with readers, navigating their own paths of change, reaffirming the value of reflection and resolve in shaping a meaningful career in health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 3","pages":"359-360"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13398426/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148586143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Pre-existing Psychiatric Conditions on Trauma Outcomes: A National Analysis.","authors":"Kelly McKenney, Marie Ugo, Sindhura Kompella, Clara Alvarez, Ilko Luque","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2138","DOIUrl":"10.36518/2689-0216.2138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Understanding the impact of psychiatric pre-existing conditions (PsyPECs) on trauma outcomes is crucial, as trauma is the leading cause of mortality for Americans aged 1-45. Although previous regional studies have shown higher mortality rates and longer hospital length of stay (H-LOS) for injured patients with PsyPECs, this has not been studied at the national level. The purpose of this study is to identify the PsyPECs associated with mechanism of injury and other outcomes in adult patients admitted for trauma in the United States' trauma centers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were extracted from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). There were 5301 patients who had PsyPECs, out of 2 636 037 patients in NTDB that met inclusion criteria. The PsyPECs studied were schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic, specific phobias, and other unspecified anxiety disorders. Regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for age, sex, and status on diabetes mellitus and obesity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Falls as the mechanism of injury were more likely to occur among patients with an anxiety disorder, MDD, or bipolar disorder. Patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or MDD had higher odds of stabbing injuries (cut/pierce). However, patients with an anxiety disorder had decreased odds of stabbing injuries. Patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were more likely to be hit by a car compared to patients without PsyPECs. Patients with an anxiety disorder had higher odds of intensive care unit readmission. A longer H-LOS was associated with patients with schizophrenia (1.30 days), bipolar disorder (2.15 days), MDD (0.58 days), or anxiety disorder (0.76 days) compared to patients without those PsyPECs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pre-existing psychiatric conditions impact traumatic injury mechanisms, injury type, and outcomes. This study indicates the need for further research on this population. Incorporating mental health into trauma care plans may improve outcomes. Understanding the role that psychiatric illnesses may play in injury and recovery is essential for delivering high quality, effective trauma care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 3","pages":"297-305"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13398431/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148586165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does Staff Education Increase Sequential Compression Device Utilization: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Devin Q John, Vincent Lee, Akshay V Daji, Hans Lapica, Connor Donley, Matthew J McCrosson, Nino Coutelle, Carlos Fernandez, Diego Lima","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2271","DOIUrl":"10.36518/2689-0216.2271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant perioperative safety concern among orthopedic patients, with an incidence of 0.4%-1.0% and a substantial risk of chronic complications. Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are recommended for VTE prophylaxis, yet compliance remains suboptimal due to staff misconceptions. This study evaluates the impact of a resident-led educational intervention on SCD utilization among nursing staff in orthopedic postoperative care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study was conducted at 2 hospitals (HCA Florida JFK Hospital and HCA Florida Palms West Hospital). Nursing staff participated in a single educational session addressing SCD benefits, application techniques, and operational protocols. Data on SCD utilization were collected pre- and post-intervention over 4-week periods. Appropriate use was defined as bilateral application (when indicated) with operational devices. Demographic and surgical data were also collected. Chi-square tests compared pre- versus post-intervention proportions. Multivariable logistic regression modeled appropriate SCD use using the binary \"yes/no\" outcome data as the dependent variable and intervention status (pre vs post) as the primary predictor, adjusting for age, sex, elective status, race, and laterality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 73 patients (45 pre-intervention, 28 post-intervention). Appropriate SCD utilization increased from 73.3% pre-intervention to 89.3% post-intervention (<i>P</i> = .089). After adjusting for age, sex, elective status, laterality, and race, patients in the post-intervention group had higher odds of appropriate SCD use (adjusted odds ratio = 3.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-15.49), although this difference was not statistically significant (<i>P</i> = .103).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The resident-led intervention demonstrated a positive trend in SCD compliance, though results did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size. Addressing knowledge gaps through education and protocol clarification may enhance compliance, but institutional barriers and workflow considerations require further attention. Larger studies are needed to further evaluate the impact of educational interventions and identify additional strategies to improve adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 3","pages":"281-287"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13398428/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148586200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Case Report of Mesalazine-Induced Pulmonary Injury in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis.","authors":"Vasileios Paraschou, Vasileios Papavasileiou, Ilektra Voulgareli, Vasilios Tzilas","doi":"10.36518/2689-0216.2366","DOIUrl":"10.36518/2689-0216.2366","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is widely used as a first-line therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC) due to its efficacy and safety profile. Rarely, it can cause pulmonary toxicity with variable clinical and radiologic manifestations, making diagnosis challenging.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with UC who developed persistent fever and progressive exertional dyspnea following escalation of mesalazine dosage. Imaging revealed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities, while infectious and UC-related pulmonary causes were excluded. Pulmonary function testing demonstrated restriction and markedly reduced diffusing capacity. Following mesalazine discontinuation and initiation of corticosteroid therapy, the patient experienced rapid symptomatic, functional, and radiological improvement, with a complete resolution at the 2-month follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mesalazine-induced pulmonary injury is an uncommon but important adverse reaction that should be considered in UC patients presenting with new respiratory symptoms, particularly after recent drug initiation or dose escalation. Early recognition, drug withdrawal, and corticosteroid treatment can lead to excellent outcomes and prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":73198,"journal":{"name":"HCA healthcare journal of medicine","volume":"7 3","pages":"321-326"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13398438/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148586107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}