Table of Contents

In the September issue of the Journal, Dr. Thomas Lansdale discussed the pressures that are eroding physician-patient relationships and that can corrupt patient care. I am aware of these forces, but I remain a hospital guy because I can still make a difference.

The lesion is asymmetrical and irregularly pigmented with variegated colors and ill-defined borders. What is the diagnosis?

Almost all diabetic patients eventually develop skin complications from the disease itself or as a side effect of glucose-lowering drugs.

She is 12 weeks pregnant, has had no prenatal care, and has lost 20 pounds due to nausea and vomiting. What could be the cause?

A surprising number of apparently healthy people harbor unsuspected pituitary tumors, which are being discovered incidentally on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Percutaneous aortic valve insertion is already benefitting patients who would not be able to undergo open heart surgery for valve replacement. However, the technology is still so new that we do not yet know how to define who will benefit from it.

This less-invasive approach may become an option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis who cannot undergo surgery.

Since constipation has a variety of causes and forms, one treatment does not fit all patients. Often, the key to improvement and patient satisfaction is to understand the mechanism and the patient.

Comments on Dr. Thomas Lansdale’s provocative essay in the September 2008 issue.

Does ezetimibe still have a role? Comments on our article in the July 2008 issue describing the surprising results of an important trial.