Venous Thromboembolism Esther S.H. Kim, John R. Bartholomew DEFINITION AND CAUSES Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is…

Acute Myocardial Infarction H. Michael Bolooki, Arman Askari DEFINITION AND ETIOLOGY Acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Myocardial infarction occurs when myocardial ischemia,…

Vaginitis Anita Shivadas DEFINITION AND ETIOLOGY Vaginitis is a term that is applied to vulvovaginal symptoms of varying causes. Symptoms of vaginitis are common and account for about 10 million…

The Aging Skin Oren H. Lifshitz, Kenneth J. Tomecki The number and percentage of older persons in industrialized nations continue to increase. In the United States, in 2004, there were…

Celiac Disease and Malabsorptive Disorders Jamilé Wakim-Fleming DEFINITION Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder that develops in genetically susceptible persons when gluten, a major protein found in wheat, barley,…

Laboratory Evaluation of Rheumatic Diseases Marina Magrey, Abby Abelson The diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases is based on clinical information, blood and imaging tests, and in some cases on histology. Blood…

Tuberculosis Octavian C. Ioachimescu, J. Walton Tomford Man must want to achieve more than he is able to achieve. … If we do not reach for the impossible, we shall…

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Gurjit Kaur DEFINITION AND ETIOLOGY Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that causes marked social impairment in approximately 5 of 100…

Eating Disorders Kathleen N. Franco DEFINITION AND ETOLOGY Eating disorders are syndromes characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior and by distress or excessive concern about body shape or weight….

Septic Arthritis Abby Abelson DEFINITION Septic arthritis is infection, usually bacterial, in the joint cavity. Since septic arthritis can lead to rapid joint destruction, immediate accurate diagnosis is essential. The…