Rheumatoid myositis leading to acute lower extremity compartment syndrome: a case-based review.

Muscle pain and weakness in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient has a broad differential, and myositis should be considered early in the disease course as serious limb and life-threatening sequelae may occur. A 55-year-old woman with a past medical history of methotrexate-controlled RA presented with right leg pain for 4 days. The patient suffered sensory loss in the right foot and decreased strength in the toes.

Association between coronary artery disease diagnosed by coronary angiography and breast arterial calcifications on mammography: meta-analysis of the data.

Background: Previous studies evaluating breast arterial calcifications (BAC) as a risk marker for coronary artery disease (CAD) have been limited by sample size and have yielded mixed results. Our objective was to evaluate the association of BAC and CAD.

Methods: Data sources included Medline (1970-2010), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register electronic database (1970-2010), and CINAHL (1970-2010).

Infective endocarditis complicated by aortic graft infection and osteomyelitis: case report and review of literature.

Primary aortic graft infection early after aortic graft insertion is well described in the literature. Here, we present a unique case of late aortic graft infection 5 years after insertion secondary to mitral valve endocarditis, resulting from cellulitis in a patient with severe venous varicosities. A 63-year-old male presented for severe low back pain, constipation, and low-grade fever.

Using Six Sigma methodology to reduce patient transfer times from floor to critical-care beds.

Introduction: In response to concerns regarding delays in transferring critically ill patients to intensive care units (ICU), a quality improvement project, using the Six Sigma process, was undertaken to correct issues leading to transfer delay.

Objective: To test the efficacy of a Six Sigma intervention to reduce transfer time and establish a patient transfer process that would effectively enhance communication between hospital caregivers and improve the continuum of care for patients.

Methods: The project was conducted at a 714-bed tertiary care hospital in Staten Island, New York.

Allopurinol causing drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome: a challenging diagnosis.

Background: Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is characterized by cutaneous drug eruption, eosinophilia, and systemic symptoms. The syndrome is difficult to diagnose due to its clinical heterogeneity and long latency period (2-6 weeks).

Case Report: This paper describes a 73-year-old man who presented with a rash that started 1 week prior to his presentation.