Internal Medicine Alert – July 15, 2006
July 15, 2006
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COPD, PE, or Both?
Pulmonary embolism occurs commonly in patients with unexplained exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. -
Does an MRI Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis?
An MRI is often used to assist in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. This systematic review of 29 studies shows that an MRI will result in an overdiagnosis of MS when used after one episode of neurologic dysfunction. -
Which Non-Invasive Test is Best for the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Carotid Artery Stenosis?
All of the currently available non-invasive techniques for carotid artery imaging give accurate results when there is a high-grade stenosis (70-99%), but contrast-enhanced MRA is slightly more sensitive. -
Varenicline Tartrate Tablets (Chantix™)
The FDA has approved a new agent for smoking cessation. Varenicline blocks the action of nicotine but provides a lower level of stimulation of dopamine release to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms. -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
The TNT study (Treat to New Targets) demonstrated that intensive lipid lowering (ILL) with atorvastatin 80 mg/d in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) provided more benefit than simply achieving an LDL of 100 mg/dL with atorvastatin 10 mg/d. -
ECG Review: RBBB with a Twist
A 12-lead ECG was obtained from a 66 year old man with heart failure. How would you interpret this ECG? Does the patient have RBBB (right bundle branch block)? Is there "a twist" to answering this question? -
Pharmacology Watch
Do long-acting beta agonist inhalers increase the severity of asthma? Yes, according to the results from a large meta-analysis recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.