Atlas of Internal Medicine

Preface There are three principal approaches to learning medicine and keeping abreast of new developments: the printed word, in the form of textbooks and journals; the spoken word, in the form of lectures and audiotapes; and the picture, in the form of atlases, slides, and video and computer images. Each approach has its place in the educational armamentarium, and each lends itself to imparting certain facts, ideas, and concepts best. Many aspects of internal medicine require the visual approach. How better to describe a rash, a management algorithm, an echocardiogram, or the appearance of a duodenal ulcer? In the present healthcare milieu, a solid foundation in internal medicine has assumed greater significance as the role of the primary care physician has expanded. The Atlas of Internal Medicine is well-suited as a resource in this expanded role of health maintenance advisor and provider of many services that in the past were often carried out in a hospital or in the care of a specialist. This volume encompasses all the major fields of internal medicine, including cardiology, pulmonary and critical care medicine, gastroenterology, hematology, oncology, dermatology, hepatology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, allergy and immunology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases. It is a unique compilation of over 1500 images, selected as the "best of the best" from the work of the highly respected colleagues who have joined me in the preparation of this volume. The content of each chapter has been carefully selected to be of interest to the primary care physician in identifying both common and rare disease entities. The color photographs provide visual confirmation of disease, whereas the algorithms, charts, schematics, and tables guide the physician in the decision-making process concerning diagnostic tests, treatment, and follow-up management. Each illustration is accompanied by explanatory text. I trust that the Atlas of Internal Medicine will be useful to the broad array of physicians who wish to remain current in internal medicine and have at their fingertips the most up-to-date reference available. Eugene Braunwald, MD