Table of Contents
From the Editor
- A new series, an old concept, continued value
This month we introduce a new series, The Physical Examination, kicked off by a paper on evaluating pleural effusions. We encourage you to submit your suggestions for topics.
Review
- Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: Diagnosing it and finding the cause
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage can complicate a large number of clinical conditions. It may present in different ways and may be life-threatening, and it poses an important challenge for the clinician.
Im Board Review
- A 61-year-old with bipolar disorder and cognitive impairment: Dementia or polypharmacy?
He reports poor concentration, using wrong words, forgetting names, and sleepiness. What is the cause?
Interpreting Key Trials
- Interpreting the Charisma Study
In patients at risk of myocardial infarction or stroke, two antiplatelet drugs are not always better than one.
The Physical Examination
Accuracy of the physical examination in evaluating pleural effusionA careful physical examination is a valuable and noninvasive means of assessing pleural effusions and should be routinely performed in every patient in whom this condition is suspected.
Current Drug Therapy
- What role will ‘gliptins’ play in glycemic control?
Sitagliptin (Januvia) is now available, vildagliptin (Galvus) is awaiting approval, and other “gliptins” are under development. Their greatest appeal appears to be their ability to stimulate insulin production with little risk of hypoglyecmia.
Review
- A review of spinal arachnoid cysts
The symptoms of spinal arachnoid cysts are variable and nonspecific, so these cysts are commonly misdiagnosed as herniated disks. Many are discovered incidentally.
The Clinical Picture
- Dropped gallstones disguised as a liver abscess
The patient, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy 3 months ago, now has abdominal pain and a spot on computed tomography that could be a liver abscess. But is it?
Departments
- Antibiotic prophylaxis dosage error
Correction to Kim A, Keys T. Infective endocarditis prophylaxis before dental procedures: new guidelines spark controversy. Cleve Clin J Med 2008; 75:89–92.
