Index by author
From the Editor
- A great masquerader learns a new trick
Different generations of physicians have proposed various contenders for the title of “great masquerader.” I firmly believe that Clostridium difficile infection deserves a shot at the title.
Im Board Review
- A hypertensive emergency in an obese young woman
She has headache, new-onset seizures, edema, and proteinuria; her blood pressure is 235/114 mm Hg and she weighs 256 lb. What is the diagnosis?
Review
- Diagnosing and managing posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSD not only affects soldiers, it also occurs in civilians exposed to severe trauma or serious illness. Manifestations commonly include nonspecific physical symptoms, and patients often present to their primary care physician.
- Evaluating and managing hypogammaglobulinemia
Patients with frequent and recurrent respiratory infections should be tested for immune system abnormalities. This article describes common primary and secondary forms of hypogammaglobulinemia and how to evaluate and manage them.
Medical Grand Rounds
- Natriuretic peptide testing: A window into the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure
BNP assays are now widely used to evaluate suspected heart failure, but they should not be the only criterion.
- Improved outcomes in nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome now has a dramatically different prognosis than it did 10 years ago. We can now effectively treat all types and achieve remission in many cases.
The Clinical Picture
- An expanding skin lesion in a patient on immunosuppressive therapy
The lesion, originally diagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum, now measures 15 cm × 6 cm. What should be the next step in management?
Review
- Multiple sclerosis: Treating symptoms, and other general medical issues
Disease-modifying therapies have been a big advance in multiple sclerosis, but many patients still experience a variety of symptoms that reduce quality of life. We have to treat the whole patient.
Departments
Clostridium difficile-associated disease: New challenges from an established pathogenClostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasing in incidence and severity and may be becoming more difficult to treat. A new strain is causing many outbreaks.
