Treating cardiovascular disease by treating inflammation:
From magic bullets to smart bombs
Statins seem to do it all. Originally thought to be magic bullets that lower cholesterol, they are now known to be smart bombs that also decrease C-reactive protein.
B.F. MANDELL

Scuba diving: What you and your patients need to know
Scuba diving requires rigorous health screening to prevent injury or accidents. Be aware of the requirements, contraindications, and possible injuries.
A.M. McMULLIN

Clinical approach to patients with neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is challenging to treat. New drugs aim at the mechanisms of the pain, but results are still less than desirable.
M. STILLMAN

Uses and misuses of quantitative ultrasonography in managing osteoporosis
Despite its advantages, this test cannot yet replace dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for diagnosing and classifying osteoporosis or for monitoring therapy.
E.M. LEWIECKI, B. RICHMOND, and P.D. MILLER

A middle-aged man with asymptomatic chest wall asymmetry
He has no history of trauma or chest wall surgery, and he has been aware of the asymmetry since early childhood. What is your diagnosis?
S.R. ALLAM, R. YADAV, M. MEZIANE, and A.C. MEHTA

How often should patients with hepatitis C be screened for esophageal varices?
If the patient has cirrhosis, screen promptly with upper endoscopy. If no varices are found, repeat endoscopy every 2 years.
C. ENTWISLE and Z.M. YOUNOSSI

Using statins to treat inflammation in acute coronary syndromes: Are we there yet?
Inflammation and oxidative damage play direct roles in coronary artery disease. In patients with acute coronary syndromes, early and aggressive statin therapy reduces the risk of future cardiovascular events.
M.H. SHISHEHBOR, T. PATEL, and D.L. BHATT

Thrombocytosis: When is an incidental finding serious?
What do you do if you order a complete blood count and, unexpectedly, the platelet count is high?
A.I. SCHAFER

Candesartan reduces blood pressure in prehypertensive patients

Metronidazole gel prevents recurrences of bacterial vaginosis

Aspirin plus dipyridamole is better than aspirin alone for cerebral ischemia

Urinary incontinence diagnosis with three questions

Letters to the Editor
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (May 2006)
Electrocardiography in acute pericarditis (January 2006)