BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Erythema multiforme (EM) is a self-limited acute hypersensitivity reaction to a variety of inciting agents including medications, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The cutaneous lesions of EM…

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Every heartbeat is controlled by electrical waves passing through the heart. The summation of this electrical activity results in the tracing seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG)….

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Atopic dermatitis (AD), or atopic eczema, is a common inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus, a chronic and recurrent course, and a distinctive anatomic distribution and…

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Excluding patent ductus arteriosus of the premature infant, congenital heart disease is estimated to occur in about 0.8% of all children.1 Fortunately, most of these problems…

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen Purpura, or bleeding into the skin, may be an innocent finding in minor trauma or the first sign of a life-threatening disease. Pinpoint areas of hemorrhage…

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen The diagnosis of vesicular and bullous diseases in childhood can be a difficult task. To better understand the defining characteristics of vesiculobullous disorders, a general knowledge…

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen A detailed history and comprehensive bedside physical examination are the starting point for clinical evaluation and provide information on patient status, ventricular pressures, volumes and contractility,…

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen In 1897, Barker first described skin lesions evolving from erythematous macules to vesicles to necrotic ulcers in the setting of septicemia secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.1 In…

BACKGROUND Print Section Listen More than one-third of infants are born with a vascular birthmark.1 Although most of these lesions are benign and uncomplicated, a minority require treatment and inpatient…

BACKGROUND/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Print Section Listen Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, a two-layered structure that surrounds the heart. The inner layer adheres to the heart. There is usually about 15…