July/August 2007 • Vol 53 • No 7

Features Acromegaly: The Importance of Clinical Observation for Early Diagnosis   With self-assessment test   by Catherine McHugh, MD, and Patricia A. Short, MD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md   Despite its obvious manifestations, the variety of presentations and the insidious course of this disease can delay the diagnosis for years and result in excess morbidity and mortality. Choosing the Best Oral Contraceptive: What Your Patients Need to Know about New Options   With self-assessment test   by Kellie Rath, MD, and Paula J. Adams Hillard, MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine   Physicians can play an important role in explaining the differences between the wide array of options available and provide women with an accurate assessment of the risks and benefits. Medical Professional Liability: Physicians' Guide to Professional Negligence Claims   With self-assessment test   by Cory Franklin, MD, John H. Stroger, Jr, Hospital of Cook County, Eileen M. Marutzky, Esq, Civil Division of the United States Attorney's Office, and Craig M. Sandberg, Esq, Muslin & Sandberg, Chicago   Understanding the legal consequences of clinical decisions will make you better equipped to avoid altogether and/or navigate the considerable difficulties a lawsuit presents.   Case Report Intracranial Abscess Mimicking Stroke in Pregnancy   by Luissa Kiprono, DO, Keesler AFB, Miss, David McKenna, MD, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Hugh Moncrief, MD, Miami Valley Hospital, and Gary Ventolini, MD, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, all in Dayton, Ohio   The rapid onset and unusual nature of the symptoms in this patient were suggestive of a cerebrovascular lesion rather than an infection.   Case Report Hypokalemic Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis   by Rama Dahal, MD, Lotus Medical Centers, Trenton, NJ, and Satyajeet Roy, MD, Tri County Medical Associates, Millburn, NJ   This uncommon complication of thyrotoxicosis constitutes an endocrine emergency that requires aggressive treatment.   Case Report Acquired Factor VIII Inhibitor Disorder in a 95-Year-Old Woman   by Obiefuna C. Okoli, MD, Kenechukwu E. Nwafo, MD, Ngozi Orjioke, MD, Ikemefula Ekekwe, MD, and Nkem Iroegbu, MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago   A condition typical of patients with hemophilia that involves serious consequences.

Departments   Photo Quiz Cardiology   Photo Quiz Rheumatology   Photo Quiz Infectious Diseases   Drug Update Symbicort: Rapid-Onset Combination for Asthma Control   Residents' Corner Sidetracked, or Doing What Matters   Picture Perfect A Complication of Esophageal Dilatation   Code Blue from the Resident and Fellow Section of the AMA What Will Be the Next Chapter of Your Novel?