Chest
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To assess the range of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients presenting with community-acquired pneumonia and to compare the serial changes of this acute-phase protein with clinical outcome. ⋯ CRP is a sensitive marker of pneumonia. A persistently high or rising CRP level suggests antibiotic treatment failure or the development of an infective complication. These results suggest that CRP, rather than TNF-alpha or IL-6, may have a role as a clinical marker in pneumonia.
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To estimate the cost-effectiveness of CT for detecting brain lesions in patients with lung cancer without clinical evidence of metastases. ⋯ Although a threshold cost-effectiveness has not been defined for identifying "cost-effective" diagnostic procedures, the marginal C/QALY of the CT-first strategy is substantially higher than many accepted medical interventions. At current costs, the routine use of brain CT is not warranted in patients with lung cancer who have normal findings on a standardized clinical evaluation for metastases.
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To describe and evaluate an ultrasound pattern useful in the diagnosis of pneumothorax. ⋯ Ultrasound was a sensitive test for detection of pneumothorax, although false-positive cases were noted. The principal value of this test was that it could immediately exclude anterior pneumothorax.