Gastroenterology
- Scaly plaques in a malnourished patient
A markedly low serum zinc level and the characteristic location of the rash in a patient with long-standing alcohol use disorder and cirrhosis led to the correct diagnosis.
- Mucinous ascites: Pseudomyxoma peritonei
A 59-year-old man presented with progressive abdominal distention that limited daily activities and oral intake. The ascitic fluid was markedly viscous and jelly-like.
Cirrhotic coagulopathy: A rebalanced hemostasisCirrhosis affects all 3 phases of coagulation, leading to a delicate new equilibrium, easily disturbed and tipped toward either bleeding or thrombosis by acute events such as infection, renal failure, and invasive procedures.
- Which ICU patients need stress ulcer prophylaxis?
An examination of the controversy surrounding stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients, with guidance for its appropriate use in this setting.
- A clinical trial and another clinical practice bites the dust, or should there not be an appendix?
Studies over the past 2 decades have assessed an alternative approach to acute appendicitis: treatment with systemic antibiotics and observation.
- Appendicitis management: Is it time for a change?
Antibiotic therapy has been a successful alternative to surgery for more than 60 years, but surgery is still the primary treatment.
- Chronic anal pain: A review of causes, diagnosis, and treatment
The authors identify and review 3 main diagnostic categories: local causes, functional anorectal pain, and neuropathic pain syndromes.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma: A dire need for early detection and treatmentA clinical overview focused on screening, multidisciplinary evaluation, and treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Oral hyperpigmentation with weakness and salt-craving
The patient’s primary care physician had attributed the hyperpigmentation on the lower lip and inner cheek to pen ink.
- Capsule endoscopy in gastrointestinal disease: Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment
The procedure is mainly used to evaluate obscure bleeding in the small bowel, but it is also used in the evaluation and diagnosis of a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.