April 15, 2002

Various imaging modalities are available for the accurate diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Prealbumin is a sensitive indicator of inadequate nutrient intake. In patients at high risk, prealbumin levels determined twice weekly during hospitalization can alert the physician to declining nutritional status, improve patient outcome, and shorten hospitalization.

Cutaneous sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease with various clinical manifestations. Known in dermatology as a “great imitator” because of its vast array of morphologies, sarcoidosis can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Dysuria is a common symptom that usually, but not always, indicates inflammation or infection of the lower urogenital tract.

Most commonly used pesticides have no specific antidote, making decontamination of the skin, hair, eyes, and gastroesophageal tract the primary mode of intervention. Gathering a complete history of the poisoning also helps determine specific therapeutic needs.

Some physicians and family members believe that it is beneficial to use feeding tubes in patients with severe dementia. However, current evidence suggests that tube feeding may not improve outcomes and can cause additional complications, making patients more uncomfortable.

ANCA–associated small-vessel vasculitis is the most common primary, systemic, small-vessel vasculitis in adults. The incidence is increasing, and the diagnosis and management of patients with this disorder may be challenging because of its variability of clinical expression.

External hemorrhoids represent distended vascular tissue in the anal canal distal to the dentate line. Hemorrhoidectomy is performed through an elliptic incision over the site of thrombosis, with removal of the entire diseased hemorrhoidal plexus.

The article “Evaluation of Dysuria in Adults” on page 1589 represents the first of a series contributed by the Department of Family Practice at State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center at Brooklyn College of Medicine. Miriam T. Vincent, M.D., professor and…

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“You will feel a little pain…” A study published in The Lancet shows that a quick, fingerprick blood test could be used to detect ovarian cancer. Using mass spectroscopy, researchers scanned the blood of 50 patients with ovarian cancer and 50 women without the disease. Looking…

The Special Olympics is a program that allows physically and mentally challenged persons of all levels of ability to take part in organized athletic events.1 The First International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldier Field, Chicago, in 1968. Since then, millions of…

Patients are often concerned about the side effects of medications. But sometimes physicians can take advantage of anticipated side effects and actually use them to treat patients. AT, a second-year resident, learned about this strategy in the family practice clinic. She had…

This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for skin cancer and the supporting scientific evidence, and it updates the 1995 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2d ed.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has developed a guideline on heel pain. The guideline contains pathways (algorithms) for the treatment of heel pain based on underlying cause.

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Dysuria is a feeling of pain, burning, or discomfort when you urinate. (Say the word this way: diss-you-ree-ah). It is often caused by an infection in the bladder, vagina or urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside. You might get an…

All people have blood-filled sacs that cushion the passage of stool through the anal canal. When these sacs become stretched and enlarged, they are called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can occur during or after pregnancy, after long periods in a seated position (such as during long…

Question 7 of the “Clinical Quiz” (July 1,2001, page 31), pertaining to the article “Common Anorectal Conditions: Part II. Lesions,” was not clearly worded. Answer choice B should also be a correct response because topical diltiazem is helpful in the treatment of chronic…

Question 18 in “Clinical Quiz” (September 15, 2001, page 921), pertaining to the article “Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure Caused by Systolic Dysfunction: Part II. Treatment,” was inaccurately worded. Answer choice C should refer to exercise-induced asthma rather…