Diagnosis definition

The diagnosis (definite or possible endocarditis) according to the 1992 Duke s criteria (see Mandell et al., 2000) is based on blood cultures and echocardiography, the patient s history and findings upon physical examination. This diagnosis should always be considered in patients presenting with fever of unknown origin, especially when they also have a heart murmur and/or normocytic, normochromic anemia. 

The presence of organisms (large or small) in proximity to corrosion by itself is not proof of biologically influenced corrosion, any more than a correlation of lunar phases with stock market fluctuations establishes a lunar-financial connection. It should be stressed vigorously that all evidence must be consistent with any single corrosion mode before a definitive diagnosis can be made (see Critical Factors above). Further, all alternative explanations must be carefully examined. 

Although clinical examination provides important clues to diagnosis of congenital myopathies, ultrastructural and histochemical examination of muscle biopsies provides the key to definitive identification. Most of the congenital myopathies... 

The definition of an overlap syndrome dictates that the criteria for diagnosis of both disorders (in the present context, of PM/DM and of some other connective tissue disorder), are fulfilled. It is not unexpected that those syndromes which overlap with PM/DM are also either known autoimmune conditions or ones in which an autoimmune basis is strongly suspected. The association of these disorders with PM/DM syndromes may not materially alter the basic histopathological featmes expected in PM/DM but some differences may be identifiable. The disorders most frequently associated with an overlap syndrome are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease. 

The latest consensus on the definition and management [1] of anaphylaxis agrees on the lack of imiversally accepted diagnostic criteria and reliable laboratory biomarkers to confirm the clinical impression. Sometimes it is not feasible to obtain the samples within the optimum time frame. Moreover, in spite of a correct collection of samples, histamine and/or tryptase are within normal levels. Hence, new markers should be explored and further research into the role of selected mediators is urgently needed. Recently however, studies from animal models have shown promising results. In this chapter we will seek to review our current knowledge on confirmed or putative markers for the in vitro diagnosis of anaphylaxis. 

Definitive diagnosis made by assay of appropriate enzyme, often using leukocytes... 

Methodology. Several radioimmunoassays of human calcitonin (hCT) have been developed In the past 5 years (18-20). Their greatest utility has been In the definitive diagnosis of patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland (MTC) and, recently. In Identifying family members of these patients who have occult MTC. 

D. Coomans, I. Broeckaert, M.P. Derde, A. Tassin, D.L. Massart and S. Wold, Use of a microcomputer for the definition of multivariate confidence regions in medical diagnosis based on clinical laboratory profiles. Comp. Biomed. Res., 17 (1984) 1-14. 

Wong WM, Wong BCY. Definition and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004 19 S26-S32. 

Lifetime prevalence rates of psychiatric comorbidity co-existing with bipolar disorder are 42% to 50%.16 Comorbidities, especially substance abuse, make it difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis and complicate treatment. Comorbidities also place the patient at risk for a poorer outcome, high rates of suicidal-ity, and onset of depression.2 Psychiatric comorbidities include ... 

Once the bone mineral density report is available, T-scores and Z-scores are useful tools in interpreting the data. The T-score is the number of standard deviations from the mean bone mineral density in healthy young white women. Osteoporosis is defined as a T-score at least -2.5 standard deviations below the mean (Table 53-3). Osteopenia, or low bone mass that eventually may lead to osteoporosis, is defined as a T-score between -2.5 and -1.0 standard deviations below the mean. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry recommends use of the WHO definition and T-scores for diagnosis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men... 

Aspiration of affected joint fluid is essential for a definitive diagnosis. Joint fluid containing negatively birefrin-gent monosodium urate crystals confirms the diagnosis. Joint fluid has an elevated WBC count with neutrophils predominating. 

Recommend appropriate empirical and definitive antimicrobial regimens when given a diagnosis, physical examination, and laboratory findings. 

A definitive diagnosis of IE would consist of a biopsy or culture directly from pathologic specimens from the endocardium. However, this would be a highly invasive test. Therefore,... 

Endoscopy with scrapings or biopsy and stained slides (iron hematoxylin or trichrome) may provide more definitive diagnosis of amebiasis. 

Note CF may produce false-positive reactions in those exposed to leishmaniasis, syphilis, and malaria. PCR may be more definitive for diagnosis.)... 

Laboratory confirmation is vital to effective treatment of HSV, especially in individuals in whom a clinical diagnosis cannot be obtained. There are several methods by which a definitive diagnosis may be acquired, and these include virologic typing, serologic diagnosis, rapid point-of-care antigen detection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblot, and DNA polymerase chain reaction.27... 

Diagnosis is primarily based on identification of characteristic lesions. Although rarely necessary, diagnostic testing is possible if a definitive diagnosis is required. 

Early diagnosis of skin cancer is the key to improved prognosis. Diagnostic accuracy and clinical skills are two essential factors in the appropriate management of skin cancer. On presentation to a clinician s office, patients may offer a history of a new growth or an area of irritation. Conversely, the skin cancer may have been present for years undetected by the patient. The definitive diagnosis of any suspected cutaneous malignancy should be confirmed by a biopsy prior to treatment. 

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