Browse Internal Medicine Articles by Topic

Using Ketamine in the Critically Ill: A Clinical Review

This is a guideline for ketamine use in the appropriate clinical setting from the practicing intensivist’s perspective.

Management of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

In the largest study to date about patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection who underwent follow-up angiography, 95% of those who underwent repeat cath more than 30 days later showed spontaneous angiographic healing.

Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Survival in Patients With Severe Mitral Regurgitation

A large observational study of patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation due to flail leaflets revealed that atrial fibrillation at entry was associated with excess mortality.

Who Needs a TEE Prior to Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion?

A study of patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter undergoing transesophageal echocardiography showed a left atrial appendage thrombus in 8% overall and 4% in those appropriately anticoagulated.

Medication First? Ablation First? Either Way, Make Weight Loss a Priority

Weight loss management and aggressive risk factor modification associated with slowing or even reversal of atrial fibrillation progression.

Withdrawal of Medical Therapy Associated With Relapse in Recovered Dilated Cardiomyopathy

In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and recovered ejection fraction, discontinuation of heart failure medical therapies was associated with a 44% risk of relapse within six months.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Imagine: Multidrug-Resistant GC; A New Borrelia Species in the ‘Old World’

Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza)

Baloxavir marboxil is a novel, oral, antiviral agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Oct. 24, 2018, for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 12 years of age and older.

Staphylococcus aureus on the Playground and in the Gym — Is It Inescapable?

Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus, is a frequent surface environmental contaminant on both children’s playgrounds and in adult fitness centers.

Adenovirus and CNS Disease in Children

Forty-eight immunocompetent children with adenovirus-associated central nervous system disease were described. Thirty-eight percent of patients died or experienced permanent neurologic sequelae.