Impact of a Center of Excellence in Confirming or Excluding a Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Tertiary hospitals with expertise in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are assuming a greater role in confirming and correcting HCM diagnoses at referring centers. The objectives were to establish the frequency of alternate diagnoses from referring centers and identify predictors of accuracy of an HCM diagnosis from the referring centers. Imaging findings from echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in 210 patients referred to an HCM Center of Excellence between September 2020 and October 2022 were reviewed.

A case of necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 in Saskatchewan.

Necrotizing fasciitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rare and grave condition, and only a few cases have been reported. Suggested risk factors include minor trauma, systemic lupus erythematosus, immunosuppression secondary to medication, use of intramuscular anti-inflammatories and alcoholism. A fatal case of pneumococcal necrotizing fasciitis that occurred in a 51-year-old woman with a history of alcohol abuse and oral anti-inflammatory use is presented.

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis: a case of mistaken identity.

Background: The report details a case of diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) wherein a subretinal parasite was visualized and subsequently destroyed with laser photocoagulation.

Methods: Full historical and serologic investigations were carried out. A literature search to determine all possible causes of DUSN was also completed.

Bacillary angiomatosis in an HIV-positive man with multiple risk factors: A clinical and epidemiological puzzle.

A 36-year-old man with advanced AIDS presented with skin lesions, fever and weight loss. Physical examination revealed skin lesions suggestive of bacillary angiomatosis. Diagnostic imaging identified bone lesions, soft tissue masses and a single hepatic lesion.

Generalism versus subspecialization: changes necessary in medical education.

During the initial Partners Meeting of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME), the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) in May 2005, a plenary discussion and debate focused on the tensions that exist between generalist and subspecialty education within both the undergraduate and postgraduate educational programs in Canadian medical schools. Key issues identified in the debate included medical student selection, generalist representation on medical school faculty and in learning experiences, and the need for a greater teaching role and respect for generalism to be developed.

Ross River virus disease reemergence, Fiji, 2003-2004.

We report 2 clinically characteristic and serologically positive cases of Ross River virus infection in Canadian tourists who visited Fiji in late 2003 and early 2004. This report suggests that Ross River virus is once again circulating in Fiji, where it apparently disappeared after causing an epidemic in 1979 to 1980.

Informed consent skills in internal medicine residency: how are residents taught, and what do they learn?

Purpose: Obtaining informed consent is an essential skill in internal medicine (IM). The authors' informal observations and formal testing revealed deficiencies in residents' informed consent skills. This study evaluated how residents acquire informed consent skills and how informed consent skills are addressed in Canadian IM residency programs.

Mosquito bed nets: implementation in rural villages in Zambia and the effect on subclinical parasitaemia and haemoglobin.

Malaria continues to be an increasing health concern in many endemic areas where it remains a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality. Chemoprophylaxis and treatment are increasingly compromised by drug resistance. Vaccination for malaria is not yet available outside clinical trials.