Incidental pheochromocytoma: fifteen-year experience at a community hospital.

Background: Pheochromocytoma is a well-recognized neuroendocrine tumor. Classical symptoms are well described, but recent studies have suggested that many patients are diagnosed incidentally. No studies have evaluated incidental pheochromocytoma with respect to year of diagnosis.

Effect of renal function on survival after implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are effective at reducing arrhythmic death in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, but few studies have investigated the outcomes after ICD implantation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a 2-center retrospective study of 958 patients who had undergone ICD placement for primary prevention from the 2000 to 2006. The patients were stratified into 5 groups according to the CKD stage (stage 1, glomerular filtration [GFR] 90 to 120 ml/min; stage 2, GFR 60 to 89 ml/min; stage 3, GFR 30 to 59 ml/min; stage 4, GFR 15 to 29 ml/min; and stage 5, GFR 0 to 14 ml/min).

Pheochromocytoma: an easily overlooked cause of secondary hypertension.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of secondary hypertension. Presentation varies from asymptomatic to paroxysmal hypertension, palpitations, flushing, syncope, and even shock or death. Diagnosis is often delayed because pheochromocytoma is not considered a likely diagnosis.

Steptococcus bovis meningitis and sepsis associated with Strongyloidiasis in an immunocompetent patient.

We report the case of a 69-year-old female who presented with headache, stiff neck, and decreased level of consciousness. Lumbar puncture results were typical of bacterial meningitis. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures showed Streptococcus bovis.

Factors affecting perioperative mortality and wound-related complications following major lower extremity amputations.

Major lower extremity amputations continue to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet few recent large series have evaluated factors associated with perioperative mortality and wound complications. The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting perioperative mortality and wound-related complications following major lower extremity amputation. A retrospective review was conducted of all adult patients who underwent nontraumatic major lower extremity amputations over a 5-year period at a single tertiary-care center in southern West Virginia.