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Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an illness that frequently presents with nonspecific symptoms, that affects people of all ages and stages of life, and that is difficult to diagnose with available tests. The first article in this two-part series will cover the epidemiology of PE, the factors that increase a patients risk for the disease, and the pathophysiology and clinical features of PE. In addition, complicated issues regarding the diagnosis of PE and the controversies involved will be addressed.
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Goiter literally means the enlargement of the thyroid gland, independent of its cause. Historically, this terminology specifically was reserved for a visibly enlarged thyroid gland. During the past few decades of modern medical practice, the term has come to include both visible as well as palpable thyroid enlargement. This article will review the pathophysiologic processes leading to goiter formation and will provide a logical approach to the diagnosis and management of different entities, the end result of which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
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Oral rofecoxib (Vioxx) may have a role in controlling postoperative pain patients undergoing knee surgery.
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This monograph provides an overview of allergic disorders and reviews the current understanding of the mechanism of the allergic response. Due to the extensive nature of the topic, the discussion has been limited to systemic reactions eliciting an IgE-mediated response. Further, the intimate relationship between organs involved is reviewed, particularly the relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma.
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Brain natriuretic peptide (bnp), also called b-type natriuretic peptide, is mainly secreted by the cardiac ventricles during increased ventricular wall stress. BNP plasma concentration provides important information on the prognosis in patients with heart failure, myocardial infarction, and acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation.
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