When Ascites Is Not Ascites!

Patients presenting with ascites should be properly evaluated to differentiate potential etiologies. Then, based on the evaluation, we can tailor more accurate treatment plans for patients. Cirrhosis is the most common cause, and others include cancer, heart failure, and, in our case, rarely a visceral artery rupture.

High prevalence of low vitamin D and musculoskeletal complaints in women with breast cancer.

Reduced vitamin D levels may play a significant role in the development of fractures and musculoskeletal pains reported in patients on aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for breast cancer. In this study, we evaluated the vitamin D status in postmenopausal women with non-metastatic breast cancer who were about to start AI therapy. This study was conducted on community dwelling postmenopausal subjects, aged 35-80 years, with early non-metastatic breast cancer (up to stage IIIA), who were about to start therapy using third generation AIs.