Table of Contents
From the Editor
- 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.
Review
- 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.
Pacing in heart failure: The benefit of resynchronizationMany patients with congestive heart failure might benefit from a new type of pacemaker with a lead in the left ventricle.
- Interpreting pulmonary function tests: 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.
Im Board Review
- A diabetic woman with worsening heart failure, hunger, and tremor
Her blood glucose level is 23 mg/dL. What is the cause?
Medical Grand Rounds
- SARS: Here to stay?
Every health care institution should take precautions against an outbreak of SARS.
Review
- In hyperhidrosis (excess sweating), look for a pattern and cause
Generalized sweating may be secondary to many drugs or illnesses, while localized sweating is usually primary or idiopathic.
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: Make the difficult diagnosis, then refer for surgery
Prompt surgical treament is key, but the diagnosis can be difficult.
The Clinical Picture
- 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?
