Dr. Mohit Sharma, American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine Class of 2015, recently co-authored a clinical research poster, “True Idiopathic Splenomegaly: A Distinct Clinical Entity in a 19-Year-Old Female?” based on an unusual case he worked on. Dr. Sharma’s co-author, Hassan Khan, DO, presented the poster at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) conference in Orlando.
In the case, Dr. Sharma and his colleagues examined a 19-year-old female patient with worsening left-sided abdominal pain. The patient, who had a BMI of 70+, reported sharp pain and nausea; after a CT scan, the medical team identified an abnormal enlargement of the spleen. Suspecting possible lymphoma or leukemia, the oncology department was consulted, but spleen and bone biopsies suggested no malignancy.
The case study evaluated the benefits of invasive testing versus a watch-and-wait approach to treatment. In this case, and cases with similar findings – patients who are young, well, with no constitutional symptoms – Dr. Sharma and his colleagues concluded that a watch-and-wait strategy may be reasonable.
“The question we were exploring was: should true idiopathic splenomegaly – benign and self-limiting – be considered higher on the list of diagnoses?” said Dr. Sharma. “We found that in similar cases, we should have it in the top three diagnoses, instead of waiting to rule it out only after extensive tests.”
Dr. Sharma said working on this case was an fascinating learning experience, highlighting the importance of different fields of medicine working together to find the correct diagnosis.
“It required many different disciplines to be involved – from pathologists to surgeons,” he said. “All played a big role in providing excellent care.”
This research poster is Dr. Sharma’s second clinical presentation. In 2017, he presented a case study about a rare form of arthritis at a CME conference sponsored by the Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage. His study placed third in the case report poster category for medical students.
After graduating from AUA, Dr. Sharma went on to earn his MBA with a focus in healthcare management from Davenport University. He is now working as an assistant physician at Ozark Community Hospital in rural Missouri and applying for residency.
“My plan is to continue delivering the best care possible to patients and make a difference in the community,” said Dr. Sharma.
