Optic Disc Hemorrhage Secondary to Glaucoma
September 14th 2005During a comprehensive ophthalmic examination 3 or 4 years earlier, a 62-year-old man had been told there were suspicious changes in his eye that suggested glaucoma. His mother had glaucoma and began using timolol maleate eye drops when she was almost 80 years old. Glaucoma is 4 to 8 times more likely to develop in first-degree relatives of persons with primary open-angle glaucoma than in the general population.
Erythema Nodosum Erythema on Forearms and Legs of a 42-Year-Old Man
September 14th 2005A mildly painful, nonpruritic rash on the forearms and legs prompted a 42-year-old man to go to the emergency department (ED). The patient noted the rash when he awoke that morning. He had had joint pain and fever for the past 7 days and generalized malaise with chills that began about 3 days earlier. He had no significant medical history.
Meconium Ileus: Causes and Complications
September 14th 2005This condition, which accounts for about 30% of cases of intestinal obstruction among neonates, is characterized by the inspissation of thick, tenacious meconium in the bowel. The most common cause is cystic fibrosis; approximately 6% to 20% of infants with cystic fibrosis have meconium ileus. Hyperviscous mucus secreted by abnormal intestinal glands, an abnormal concentrating process in the proximal small intestine, and a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes have been implicated in the pathogenesis. The histologic hallmark is distention of the goblet cells in the intestinal mucosa.
Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
September 14th 2005For 2 months, a 31-year-old woman had had dyspnea and dull, continuous retrosternal pain. She was admitted to the hospital, and a helical CT scan of the thorax identified a saddle pulmonary embolism. An ultrasonogram revealed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. Intravenous heparin was given; the patient was discharged, and warfarin was prescribed.