ABDULRHMAN S. ELNAGGAR, M.D.

HERSHEY, PA

Research Active
Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery) NPI registered 13+ years 16 publications 2005 – 2026 NPI: 1285077446

Practice Location

500 UNIVERSITY DR # C4608
HERSHEY, PA 17033-2360

Phone: (717) 531-8330

What does ABDULRHMAN ELNAGGAR research?

Dr. Elnaggar studies the effects of portal vein thrombosis, a condition where the blood vessel that supplies the liver becomes blocked. This blockage can lead to liver atrophy, meaning the liver shrinks and does not function well. He investigates how surgical treatments, specifically shunts that redirect blood flow, can either help restore the liver's size and function or worsen the condition. His work emphasizes the importance of choosing the right surgical approach to support liver regeneration in affected patients.

Key findings

  • In a study of 64 patients with portal vein thrombosis, livers were found to be 20-26% smaller than expected due to reduced blood flow.
  • Patients who underwent surgical shunts that preserved blood flow showed significant liver regrowth compared to those whose shunts diverted blood away.
  • Choosing the appropriate type of shunt surgery can effectively reverse liver atrophy, helping restore normal liver size.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Elnaggar study liver diseases?
Yes, Dr. Elnaggar specifically studies conditions like portal vein thrombosis and their effects on liver health.
What treatments has Dr. Elnaggar researched?
He has researched surgical treatments, particularly the use of shunts, to improve blood flow and promote liver regeneration.
Is Dr. Elnaggar's work relevant to patients with portal vein thrombosis?
Absolutely, his research directly addresses how to manage and treat liver shrinkage in these patients.

Publications in plain English

The role of lyophilized Aloe vera gel in growth, liver health, redox homeostasis, and enhancing resilience of broiler chicks to high-temperature conditions.

2026

Tropical animal health and production

Habashy WS, Morsi AM, Elghalid OA, El-Hady AMA, El-Naggar AS

Plain English
This study looked at how adding lyophilized Aloe vera gel to the diet of broiler chicks affects their growth and health, especially in hot weather. Researchers found that chicks fed 100 to 200 mg of Aloe vera gel per kilogram of feed gained more weight and had better overall health, including improved liver function and lower oxidative stress, which means they were less likely to suffer from damage caused by heat. This matters because it can lead to healthier chickens and better poultry production during hot summers. Who this helps: This benefits poultry farmers and the overall poultry industry.

PubMed

Asymptomatic Giant Right Atrial Myxoma Masking Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

2025

JACC. Case reports

Choi ES, Walker JW, Farbaniec M, Elnaggar AS

Plain English
This study looked at a large heart tumor called a myxoma found in the right atrium of a 46-year-old man who didn't show any symptoms. The tumor measured 8.6 cm by 5.7 cm and was causing severe leakage of the tricuspid valve, a condition that usually shows noticeable symptoms. The findings emphasize the need to identify and treat such tumors because even large ones can exist without causing apparent problems, but they can still lead to serious heart issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart conditions who may have undetected tumors.

PubMed

Branched stented anastomosis frozen elephant trunk repair in acute type A aortic dissection with paraplegia.

2025

JTCVS techniques

Choi ES, Nguyen KK, Holcomb RM, Chopra A, Elnaggar AS

PubMed

Prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in patients with idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

2025

Spine deformity

Baseem Ismail A, Fikry DH, Elmenawi KA, Moustafa M, Abdelwahed AS +6 more

Plain English
This study looked at how common heart problems are in patients with idiopathic scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine with no known cause. The researchers analyzed data from over 9,500 cases and found that 7.5% of these patients had heart abnormalities. The most common issues included tricuspid regurgitation, affecting 24.4% of those with heart problems, and mitral regurgitation in 17% of cases. This is important because it shows that patients with scoliosis may have hidden heart issues that need to be checked before any surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients with idiopathic scoliosis and their doctors.

PubMed

Effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance of Muscovy ducklings (Cairina moschata).

2024

Animal bioscience

Safwat AM, Sarmiento-Franco L, El-Khalek EA, Abou-Shehema BM, Hassan OA +1 more

Plain English
This study looked at how different amounts of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) in the diets of Muscovy ducklings affected their growth and health from 7 to 63 days old. Ducklings fed 0.25% MOLM gained more weight, improved their feed efficiency, and had better blood and immune health compared to those that received more MOLM or none at all. The findings suggest that a small amount of MOLM (0.25%) is beneficial for the ducks' overall growth and immunity, while higher amounts were less effective. Who this helps: This helps farmers raising Muscovy ducks by providing guidance on optimal feeding practices for better growth and health.

PubMed

Effect of dietary electrolyte balance and arginine to lysine ratio on hematological, antioxidant and immunological traits in dual-purpose breeding hens under cyclic heat stress condition.

2024

Journal of thermal biology

Attia YA, Abdallah AA, Bovera F, Abd El-Hamid AEE, El-Naggar AS +3 more

Plain English
In this study, researchers looked at how different diets affect the health of hens when they are exposed to heat stress. They tested various combinations of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) and the ratio of two amino acids, arginine and lysine, with one key finding being that hens fed a diet with 250 mEq of DEB and a ratio of 1.37 had better blood health and lower levels of harmful cholesterol compared to others. This matters because improving these aspects can help hens be healthier and more productive even in hot conditions. Who this helps: This helps poultry farmers and their hens.

PubMed

Extensive aortic dissection compressing the pulmonary artery.

2024

BMJ case reports

Burke CE, Elnaggar AS, Tomasko JM

PubMed

Benign Intravalvular Strut Leak After Placement of the Inspiris Resilia Valve.

2024

Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia

Berry T, Elnaggar AS, Walker JW

Plain English
This study examined the presence of leaks in the Inspiris Resilia heart valve after it was implanted in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Out of 81 patients, 69.1% (56 patients) had some level of leak during surgery, with the majority being minor (30 had trace leaks, and 21 had mild leaks). Understanding these leaks is important because, while most are not serious and resolve on their own, knowing how to assess them can help improve patient care and outcomes during surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement and their doctors.

PubMed

Treatment of left main coronary artery thrombus during SARS-CoV-2: early surgical revascularization is key.

2024

Indian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery

Holcomb RM, Elnaggar AS, Soleimani B, Mahesh B

Plain English
This study looked at how to effectively treat a blood clot in the main artery of the heart caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The researchers observed a 38-year-old man who had a severe heart attack due to this clot and did not respond to other treatments. He recovered fully after having surgery to clear the artery, showing that early surgical intervention is crucial for patients in similar situations. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe heart problems related to COVID-19.

PubMed

Commentary: Daytime or nighttime acute type A aortic dissection repair? Does it really matter?

2021

JTCVS open

Elnaggar AS, Bakaeen FG, Roselli EE, Svensson LG, Vargo PR

PubMed

Effects of different sources and levels of dietary chromium supplementation on performance of broiler chicks.

2020

Animal science journal = Nihon chikusan Gakkaiho

Safwat AM, Elnaggar AS, Elghalid OA, El-Tahawy WS

Plain English
This study looked at how different types and amounts of chromium in the diet affect the growth and health of broiler chicks. The researchers found that chicks given organic chromium sources, particularly 1,000 parts per billion (ppb) of chromium yeast, had better weight gain and required less feed compared to those that did not receive chromium. This is important because it shows that using organic chromium can improve the overall health and growth efficiency of poultry, making them healthier and potentially more cost-effective to raise. Who this helps: This helps farmers and poultry producers.

PubMed

Recent advancements in the minimally invasive management of esophageal perforation, leaks, and fistulae.

2019

Expert review of medical devices

Siddiqi S, Schraufnagel DP, Siddiqui HU, Javorski MJ, Mace A +6 more

Plain English
Researchers studied new, less invasive ways to treat holes or leaks in the esophagus, which used to require major surgery with high risks of complications. They found that these minimally invasive methods are safe and effective for patients who are stable, with many positive outcomes reported in various case studies. This matters because it offers a better treatment option with fewer risks than traditional surgeries. Who this helps: Patients with esophageal issues.

PubMed

Effect of Supplementation with Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and/or Vitamins on Semen Quality, Fertility, Antioxidant Status, DNA Repair and Welfare of Roosters Exposed to Chronic Heat Stress.

2019

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI

Attia YA, El-Naggar AS, Abou-Shehema BM, Abdella AA

Plain English
This study looked at how the addition of a substance called betaine, with or without vitamins C and E, affects the sperm quality and overall health of roosters that experience heat stress. The researchers found that betaine improved sperm count and fertility, and also boosted antioxidant levels, making the roosters healthier despite the heat. Specifically, the sperm levels and fertility of roosters receiving betaine with or without vitamins improved to match those in normal conditions. Who this helps: This benefits poultry farmers and breeders by improving the reproductive health of their roosters in hot weather.

PubMed

Liver atrophy and regeneration in noncirrhotic portal vein thrombosis: Effect of surgical shunts.

2018

Liver transplantation : official publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society

Elnaggar AS, Griesemer AD, Bentley-Hibbert S, Brown RS, Martinez M +3 more

Plain English
In patients without cirrhosis, portal vein blockage can cause parts of the liver to shrink while others compensate. This study examined liver atrophy patterns in such patients and found that surgical shunts to relieve portal hypertension allowed meaningful liver regeneration. These findings support surgical intervention rather than watchful waiting in non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis.

PubMed

Basiliximab induction and delayed calcineurin inhibitor initiation in liver transplant recipients with renal insufficiency.

2011

Transplantation

Verna EC, Farrand ED, Elnaggar AS, Pichardo EM, Balducci A +3 more

Plain English
The study examined the effects of using a drug called basiliximab before starting standard kidney-suppressing medications (calcineurin inhibitors) in liver transplant patients who had kidney problems. The researchers found that patients who received basiliximab had similar survival rates and kidney function after 30 days and one year compared to those receiving the standard treatment. Specifically, 99% of patients survived for 30 days in the basiliximab group, compared to 97% in the control group, and one-year survival rates were both at 87%. Who this helps: This benefits liver transplant patients, especially those with kidney issues.

PubMed

Study of the environmental health aspects of swimming pools in Alexandria City.

2005

The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association

Abdou MH, Akel MM, El-Shal WI, El-Naggar AS

Plain English
This study looked at the health and safety of swimming pools in Alexandria City, finding that while pool temperatures were generally safe, some specific tests showed problems like improper chlorine levels and high turbidity (cloudiness). For example, some pools had chlorine levels that could cause skin irritation and eye redness, with 30.1% of swimmers using head caps, indicating low awareness of hygiene practices. This matters because it highlights the need for better pool management to ensure swimmer safety and prevent health issues. Who this helps: This helps swimmers and pool operators by providing insights for safer swimming environments.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Asmaa Sh El-Naggar Esther S Choi Ryan M Holcomb Justin W Walker Youssef A Attia Bahaa M Abou-Shehema Patrick R Vargo Robert S Brown Jean C Emond Walid S Habashy

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.