Too much of a 'good' thing?
In medicine, worrying about potential problems and engaging in preventive actions like hand-washing and rechecking are not in themselves bad. But obsessive-compulsive disorder is way too much of a good thing.
J.D. CLOUGH

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Unearthing a hidden problem
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are not crazy, but they often think they are, and so they avoid seeking help.
S. EL-SAYEGH, S. BEA, and A. AGELOPOULOS

Pacing in heart failure: The benefit of resynchronization
Many patients with congestive heart failure
might benefit from a new type of pacemaker
with a lead in the left ventricle.
Y. KHAYKIN, E.B. SAAD, and B.L. WILKOFF

Interpreting pulmonary function tests: Recognize the pattern, and the diagnosis will follow
Recognize the pattern, and the diagnosis will follow
We present an overview, an algorithm, and three cases
to explain how to use these tests to identify the pattern
of respiratory dysfunction.
F. AL-ASHKAR, R. MEHRA, and P.J. MAZZONE

A diabetic woman with worsening heart failure, hunger, and tremor
Her blood glucose level is 23 mg/dL. What is the cause?
M. SKUGOR and E.S. SIRAJ

SARS: Here to stay? Monkeypox: Beware of exotic pets
Every health care institution should take precautions
against an outbreak of SARS.
S.M. GORDON and D.L. LONGWORTH

In hyperhidrosis (excess sweating), look for a pattern and a cause
Generalized sweating may be secondary to many drugs
or illnesses, while localized sweating is usually primary
or idiopathic.
L.P. STOLMAN

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: Make the difficult diagnosis, then refer for surgery
Prompt surgical treament is key, but the diagnosis
can be difficult.
W.E. MCCORMICK, M.P. STEINMETZ, and E.C. BENZEL

A 46-year-old intravenous drug user with fever
He has had fever, chills, night sweats, shortness of breath,
and productive cough for 3 days. What is the cause?
J. HURBANEK, A. JAFFER, J.W. TOMFORD, S. GORDON and S. GHAFFARI

Correction: Spironolactone dosage
Acne vulgaris (Cleve Clin J Med 2003; 70:670-680).