Gonococcal endocarditis with initially negative blood cultures.

This case of gonococcal endocarditis in a young man highlights the recognized capacity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to destroy an infected valve, and illustrates that emergency valve replacement in the presence of congestive heart failure may be life-saving. The utility of the echocardiogram and the reportedly low yield of positive blood cultures in this disease are represented.

Aspirin blocks nicotinic acid-induced flushing.

Nicotinic acid flushing after placebo and 975-mg oral doses of aspirin was assessed in 29 normal subjects over a range of nicotinic acid doses. Intensity of flushing was assessed by the change in malar thermal circulation index (delta MTCI). Aspirin pretreatment resulted in smaller delta MTCIs at the higher doses of nicotinic acid.