Author | Moses S. Elisaf, MD

September 14, 2005

A serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level three times higher than normal, found on routine laboratory examination, prompted further evaluation of a 57-year-old man. At admission, his temperature was 36.8°C (98.2°F), blood pressure was 120/85 mm Hg, pulse rate was 90 beats per minute, and respiration rate was 19 breaths per minute. The physical examination was unrevealing, and the patient's personal and family medical histories were unremarkable.

September 14, 2005

A 36-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with acute mid-epigastric pain and vomiting. He was a heavy drinker and had smoked between 50 and 60 cigarettes a day for the last 15 years.

September 14, 2005

A 49-year-old farmer was hospitalized because of a 3-week history of intermittent fever, fatigue, anorexia, generalized myalgias, and malodorous sweating. A nonpruritic, nonhemorrhagic, maculopapular rash recently had developed on his arms, legs, and trunk. The reddish lesions were less than 1 cm in diameter. There was no history of antibiotic or antipyretic drug therapy, and no abnormalities were found on physical examination.

September 14, 2005

A 19-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with malaise, fatigue, and intermittent fever (temperature of 38°C [100.4°F]) for the last 2 weeks. Physical examination revealed scarce purpuric lesions over the lower extremities; a pericardial friction rub was audible over the precordium when the patient was supine and seated, and the spleen was remarkably enlarged.

September 14, 2005

Diabetes mellitus recently had been diagnosed in a 58-year-old woman. The patient claims that her skin had darkened significantly over the past 5 years.

September 14, 2005

Three months ago, a 50-year-old man who was otherwise in good health noticed a hard, round nodule on his left arm. Within 2 months, similar nodules appeared all over his trunk, head, arms, and legs. The reddish purple lesions, less than 2 cm in diameter, were painless and slightly pruritic.

September 14, 2005

A 19-year-old man was referred for further investigation of multiple pigmented cutaneous lesions.

September 14, 2005

Dyspnea, orthopnea, and weight loss sent a 40-year-old woman for medical consultation. Fifteen years earlier, the patient had been nephrectomized because of left kidney lithiasis. There was no history of other symptoms or diseases.