Mayo Clinic proceedings
Audio Summaries

Topical Therapy for the Internist: A Practical Framework for Safer Prescribing

Aug 5, 2026

The authors aim to address the challenges and common errors associated with topical therapy in internists' practice, highlighting the lack of formal training in this area. They propose a practical framework for safer prescribing that emphasizes the importance of morphology, diagnosis, and patient-specific factors in selecting topical treatments. The review also identifies prevalent prescribing mistakes and offers corrective measures, supported by point-of-care tools for implementation.

Treatment of Parkinson Disease

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aim to provide an updated overview of the current diagnostic tools and management strategies for Parkinson disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects a significant portion of the elderly population. They highlight the variability in clinical presentation and the social stigma associated with PD, which complicates disease management for healthcare providers. This review seeks to equip general practitioners with the latest information to enhance their approach to diagnosing and treating PD.

Navigating Protein-Losing Enteropathy: A Stepwise Approach for Primary Care Clinicians

Aug 3, 2026

The authors aim to provide primary care clinicians with a comprehensive guide for recognizing and managing protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), a syndrome characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins through the gastrointestinal tract. They discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and the importance of early identification to address nutritional and other complications, as well as to uncover treatable underlying conditions. The review emphasizes a stepwise approach to evaluation and management to improve patient outcomes.

The Impact of Animal-Assisted Treatment on Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Aug 3, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of animal-assisted treatment (AAT) on the rehabilitation outcomes of hospitalized stroke patients. Results showed that patients receiving AAT-embedded rehabilitation demonstrated significantly higher engagement, physical activity, and improved stress response compared to those receiving standard rehabilitation. The findings suggest that incorporating AAT into stroke rehabilitation may enhance patient motivation and activity levels.

MRI-Negative Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Comparison of Hypertensive Encephalopathy With and Without Vasogenic Edema

Aug 1, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate whether posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can occur without detectable changes on MRI by comparing clinical features of patients with hypertensive encephalopathy and those with PRES exhibiting vasogenic edema. Their findings suggest that most symptoms and risk factors do not significantly differ between these groups, indicating that the diagnosis of PRES in acute severe hypertension may not require MRI confirmation.

Cardiac Troponin in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Lights and Shadows

Jul 31, 2026

This review investigates the role of cardiac troponin (cTn) as a biomarker for cardiac involvement in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), addressing its diagnostic and prognostic value amid the complexities of interpreting cTn elevations due to various factors. The authors highlight the potential of high sensitivity cTn assays to detect myocardial injury and predict cardiovascular events, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by comorbidities and analytical interferences. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for careful interpretation of cTn results to enhance diagnosis and treatment strategies in ARD patients.

A 5-Year Population-Based Study of Polymicrobial Enterococcal Bloodstream Infection in Southeast Minnesota

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the incidence, epidemiology, and clinical outcomes of polymicrobial enterococcal bloodstream infections (PE-BSI) in a defined adult population in Southeast Minnesota over five years. They found that the incidence was significantly higher in older males, with non-urinary intra-abdominal infections being the most common source, and noted high mortality rates of 31.8% at 12 weeks and 47.3% at one year despite low rates of infective endocarditis and relapse.

The Rochester Older Adult Registry (ROAR): Catalyzing Inclusion of Older Adults in Research

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to establish the Rochester Older Adult Registry (ROAR) to enhance the recruitment of older adults in research and to assess their health and functional characteristics. The registry successfully enrolled 1,000 participants aged 65 and older, revealing insights into multimorbidity, functional independence, and sex- and age-related differences in health metrics. This infrastructure is intended to support future research efforts aimed at improving care for older adults.

Association Between Changes in the Level of Social Support and Falls Among Older Adults

Jul 23, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported falls and levels of social support among older adults, using data from two surveys conducted over a ten-year period. Their findings indicate that higher baseline social support is linked to a reduced likelihood of falls, and that increased social support over time further lowers the risk of fall-related outcomes. This underscores the importance of social support in mitigating fall risks as individuals age.

Echocardiographic Surveillance Patterns in Patients With Aortic Stenosis: Suboptimal Application of Clinical Practice Guidelines

Jul 23, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the adherence to guideline-directed transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) surveillance among patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic sclerosis (AScl) and to identify factors influencing follow-up. Their analysis revealed that a significant proportion of patients, particularly those with severe and moderate AS, did not receive appropriate follow-up imaging, with notable disparities based on gender and the specialty of the referring provider. The study highlights critical gaps in the application of clinical practice guidelines for monitoring patients with AS.