Emphysematous pancreatitis is typically managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics and early surgical debridement. Here, a case that supports more recent evidence for conservative therapy.
Extensive condylomata acuminata are beyond the capacity of all topical therapies. The area was initially treated by carbon dioxide laser ablation, and residual small foci of infection were subsequently treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream.
For a patient with atrial fibrillation whose risk of ischemic stroke is low, is antiplatelet therapy the right choice? A revised risk calculation formula, based on the original CHADS2 criteria, restratifies low-risk patients to further help identify those who may not require oral anticoagulation.
How aldosterone antagonism achieves this reduction is uncertain, but the study highlights this class as an important treatment option to consider in patients with HF and AF.
In the first study to observe the association, Hsu et al found that CD4+ count and viral load were complementary and independently associated with increased incidence of AF in persons with HIV.
Post–hoc analysis of data from the ROCKET-AF trial found similar rates of stroke and systemic emboli after treatment interruption for rivaroxaban and warfarin in 2 out of 3 study cohorts. A very different result was found in the third. More, here.
Could the left atrial appendage closure device, known as the Watchman device, become an alternative to oral anticoagulation for selected patients? Here, more on the 2 trials that have introduced the possibility.
Here: how omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of AF in postcardiac surgery patients; how incident HF can help predict long-term adverse outcomes in patients with AF; and why an old gout drug may help reduce the risk of AF in patients with heart failure.
A recent meta-analysis of beta-blocker use in patients with HF found that the drugs conferred no reduction in rates of mortality or hospitalization among patients with comorbid AF. What are the implications for clinical practice?
Does this look like melanoma? Which is not true of Löfgren syndrome? Yoga and Afib; what cause of mental confusion? Skin lesions and HIV.. . . See if you can answer this week's quiz questions. More »
Atrial fibrillation can do a great deal of damage. This is a reality that those who regularly drink more than moderately need to be made aware of. More »
PFO can be detected in 10% to 15% of the population by transthoracic echocardiogram. Autopsy studies show a prevalence of PFO of approximately 26%. More »
Here: the story of how cocaine was discovered by the Europeans and Americans, how it affected two giants of medicine—and how it played a key role in Detroit's economy and in the formation of what was once one of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies. More »
Newly diagnosed hypertension in a patient whose blood pressure is 152/94 mm Hg. What agents will you consider for this patient? Beta-blockers? Think again. More »
Primary Care Can't Thrive Without Nurse Practitioners Courtney H. Lyder, ND, May 17, 2013 With a projected shortfall of primary-care physicians, it's time for alternate solutions to patient care. Nurse practitioners are one logical remedy.
Emphysematous pancreatitis is typically managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics and early surgical debridement. Here, a case that supports more recent evidence for conservative therapy. 
This compact slide show provides a range of visual presentations of ecchymosis.
Patients with documented atrial fibrillation given intensive yoga instruction had a reduction in symptomatic and asymptomatic AF episodes.