CHRISTOPHER FLOOD, M.D., and LEE A. FLEISHER, M.D.

Patients at high risk of cardiac-related morbidity may develop myocardial ischemia perioperatively. During preoperative evaluation, physicians should consider possible interactions of patient-specific risk factors, surgery-specific risk factors, and exercise capacity. Beta blockers, statins, and alpha agonists may be effective in preventing perioperative morbidity.

BARBARA A. MAJERONI, M.D., and PARAG PATEL, M.B.B.S.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, type II is the combination of autoimmune adrenal insufficiency with autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 autoimmune diabetes mellitus, or both. It is a rare condition, but failure to recognize it could be life threatening.

SHERSTEN KILLIP, M.D., M.P.H., JOHN M. BENNETT, M.D., M.P.H., and MARA D. CHAMBERS, M.D.

Iron deficiency anemia may be the result of blood loss, inadequate dietary intake, hampered absorption, or physiologic losses in a woman of reproductive age. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening in pregnant women and routine iron supplementation for high-risk infants six to 12 months of age.

KATHERINE M.A. O'REILLY, M.D., ANNE MARIE MCLAUGHLIN, M.B., WILLIAM S. BECKETT, M.D., and PATRICIA J. SIME, M.D.

Diagnostic testing and follow-up assessment for asbestos-related respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, benign pleural effusion, and malignant mesothelioma are recommended for persons with a history of significant exposure, although it is unclear whether these steps improve outcomes.

Patient information: "Asbestosis: What You Should Know," p. 690

ROBERT A. SCHWARTZ, M.D., M.P.H., and STEPHEN J. NERVI, M.D.

Although erythema nodosum usually has no specific identifiable cause, it may be a sign of a treatable disorder, and possible triggers should be investigated. Streptococcal infections are the most common identifiable etiology, especially in children; drug and hormonal reactions, inflammatory bowel disease, and sarcoidosis also are common causes in adults.