Hakam, Sarah, B.S., Hughes, Rhome, M.D. Background: Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated adverse drug reaction caused by the emergence of antibodies directed against immune complexes of heparin/anti-platelet factor 4. These antibodies activate FcγRIIa (CD32a), a low-affinity receptor for IgG expressed on platelets.1,2 Activated platelets are then consumed within thrombi,…

Rishik Puppala Background:  Carotid artery disease is an atherosclerotic condition where there is lipid (LDLs mainly) and molecular buildup in vasculature. Outcomes can typically be severe and in some cases cause stroke which is the primary cause of death, dementia, and disability. Risk factors include age, men, smokers, diet, diabetes,…

Keyvon Rashidi Background: Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) affect 2-4% of the general population, have an annual rupture rate of ~0.36%, and are associated with up to 50% mortality1,2. Unfortunately, the process of aneurysm development and rupture risk determination remains poorly understood. Similarly, no consensus exists on the appropriate time for CA…

Katryna Dahlberg Introduction: Ischemic stroke occurs when lack of blood flow to the brain causes neuronal damage and cell death. Each year there are about 800,000 strokes, and 150,000 related deaths.1 Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States with annual costs of related care around $70…