Imaging
- What diagnostic tests should be done after discovering clubbing in a patient without cardiopulmonary symptoms?
Computed tomography of the patient’s chest is indicated based on the robust association between clubbing and intrathoracic malignancy.
- Pursuing the diagnosis of low back pain
The recommended conservative approach eschewing initial imaging in patients with acute or subacute low back pain is unlikely to miss a significant clinical problem in those with no “red flags,” though the evaluation should be tempered in patients with chronic low back pain.
- Low back pain: Spondylitis?
A 37-year-old woman was referred to a rheumatology clinic due to symptoms concerning for spondylitis after noting intermittent back pain with right-sided groin pain.
Diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic lesions for the non-gastroenterologistA summary of current guidelines from several organizations on the diagnosis and surveillance of pancreatic cystic lesions.
- The drop of a pin: Accidental ingestion of a sharp foreign body
If endoscopic retrieval fails, conservative management may be appropriate with daily abdominal radiography.
- Should my elderly hospitalized patient with acute onset of altered mental status undergo stat head CT?
Clinical acumen and use of delirium scoring tools help narrow the range of possible causes for the individual patient and guide decisions on the need for further testing and imaging.
- Brodie abscess in an 87-year-old man
Though Brodie abscess is rare in older adults, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent exacerbation of the abscess and avoid the need for additional surgical treatment, shortening the duration of hospitalization and preventing long-term complications.
- To repeat or not to repeat? Measuring bone mineral density during anti-resorptive therapy or a drug holiday
The authors present evidence for and against monitoring bone mineral density in these patients, arguing against a one-size-fits-all approach.