![\"\"](\"https:\/\/myaua.auamed.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Mohit-Sharma.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Dr. Mohit Sharma, American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine<\/a> Class of 2015, recently co-authored a clinical research poster, \u201cTrue Idiopathic Splenomegaly: A Distinct Clinical Entity in a 19-Year-Old Female?\u201d based on an unusual case he worked on. Dr. Sharma\u2019s co-author, Hassan Khan, DO, presented the poster at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) conference in Orlando.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 patients who are young, well, with no constitutional symptoms \u2013 Dr. Sharma and his colleagues concluded that a watch-and-wait strategy may be reasonable.<\/p>\n \u201cThe question we were exploring was: should true idiopathic splenomegaly \u2013 benign and self-limiting \u2013 be considered higher on the list of diagnoses?\u201d said Dr. Sharma. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt required many different disciplines to be involved \u2013 from pathologists to surgeons,\u201d he said. \u201cAll played a big role in providing excellent care.\u201d<\/p>\n This research poster is Dr. Sharma\u2019s second clinical presentation. In 2017, he presented a case study<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n