The Canadian Journal of Diagnosis

The Canadian Journal of Diagnosis is a monthly publication aimed at general practitioners and clinical specialists across the country. Its articles are devoted to helping physicians fine-tune their diagnostic skills and keeping readers abreast of the latest diagnostic techniques and advances.

February 2010, Volume 27, Number 2

Dalhousie Emergency Medicine Department
Case of the Month
"I vomited a bit of blood!"

Case in Point
A Scalp Plaque

Experts on Call
Answers to your questions from our medical experts

• Canadian Recommendations for Mammography
• Risk of Bleeding While on Warfarin
• Drug-Free Holidays for Depressed Patients
• Infectious Mononucleosis
• C-Reactive Protein
• Initial Tests for Hirsutism
• Folic Acid in Depression
• Treatment of Coccidioides immitis
• Recurrent Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
• Significance of Findings of Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy
• Treatment of Bell's Palsy
• Preventing Relapse of Recurrent Vaginitis

Endocrine Update
Do Glucose-Related Interventions Reduce CV Outcomes?

Photo Diagnosis
Illustrated cases with questions to test your diagnostic skills

• A Pigmented Lesion
• Cognitive Dysfunction
• Purple Papules on the Scrotum
• Cystic Mass
• Bleeding Lesion
• Discoloured, Brittle Nails
• Swelling of the Thigh

Fatigue: Investigation and Management
Stephen Workman, MD, FRCP

Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress, medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease. While frequently self-limiting or resolving, it can represent an important diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Dr. Workman describes the patients' history, medications available, examination techniques and management options for fatigue.

Congress Reporter
Cervical Cancer: A Worldwide Health Priority

James Bentley, MB ChB, FRCSC; Tania Diener, MB ChB, MMed, MPA, DTM, MFTM RCPS (Glasg); and Laurie Ellt, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Novel Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes Management
Adel Elsharif, MD (PGY5 Medical Biochemistry); and V.T. Chetty, MD, FRCPC, MSc

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic progressive vascular disease with significant physical, economic and societal burden. Its prevalence is growing rapidly, particularly in developing countries. An estimated 285 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes. More than three million Canadians have diabetes and this number is expected to reach 3.7 million by 2020. Dr. Elsharif and Dr. Chetty discuss the incretin effect, how to improve glycemic control and expand on different GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors.