The clinical characteristics of mold infections of the CNS warrant assessment for possible biopsy and neurosurgical intervention. A definitive diagnosis almost invariably requires a biopsy, with prompt inspection of the specimen by means of wet-mount preparation with calcofluor white stain, culture, and histologic analysis (with Gomori methenamine silver stain and periodic acid–Schiff stain). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis may be helpful if cultures of biopsy specimens are negative.
Criteria
Criteria for the Diagnosis of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by obsessions or compulsions (or both) that are distressing, time-consuming, or substantially impairing.
Case Definition for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Early recognition is critical for infection control. Healthcare providers should be alert for and evaluate any patients suspected of having EVD.
Diagnostic Criteria for the Classification of Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a syndrome characterized by paroxysms of glottic obstruction due to true vocal cord adduction resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea and noisy breathing.
Differential Diagnosis of Acute Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by brief spinning sensations, usually lasting less than 1 minute, which are generally induced by a change in head position with respect to gravity.
Clinical Features of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis can present with a spectrum of signs and symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and both the upper and lower respiratory tracts; hallmarks of anaphylaxis are the development of hypotension or the involvement of more than one organ system.
Laboratory Findings in Various Platelet and Coagulation Disorders
A peripheral-blood smear is a vital investigation tool in most cases to confirm a low platelet count and the presence or absence of other diagnostic features, such as red-cell fragmentation, platelet morphologic abnormalities, or evidence of dysplasia or hematinic deficiency.
Diagnostic Scoring System for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a clinicopathological diagnosis of a disorder that is defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) as “an acquired syndrome characterized by the intravascular activation of coagulation with loss of localization arising from different causes”. This condition typically originates in the microvasculature and can cause damage of such severity that it leads to organ dysfunction. It can be identified on the basis of a scoring system developed by the ISTH.
Clinical Characteristics and Correlations of Respiratory Sounds
The clinical characteristics of normal and adventitious sounds are summarized.
Prevention of Sensitizer-Induced Occupational Asthma
Primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive measures may reduce the incidence and severity of sensitizer-induced asthma.