More articles from Medical Grand Rounds
- Diagnosing infective endocarditis
The diagnosis has been based on the presence of fever, a new heart murmur, peripheral stigmata, and sustained bacteremia with a typical microorganism—all of which are not invariably present. New criteria offer greater diagnostic accuracy.
- Assessing depression in medical patients
Suicidal ideation is an intensely personal matter, and many patients may be alarmed by questions about it. A less threatening approach is described.