Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephanie L. Grach, M.D., M.S.  Chronic fatigue syndrome is now known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Despite this change in terminology, there’s still a great deal that’s not known regarding this health problem. Clinical manifestations can include severe, persistent fatigue, often with a worsening of symptoms following physical exertion. Impaired sleep, potential cognitive impairment, and possible orthostatic intolerance is also commonly seen. The exact cause remains unknown, although several…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Josh P. Wiedermann, M.D. Neck masses in children are commonly seen in a primary care practice. Fortunately, most are benign, although serious causes, including malignancy, always remain a possibility. Based on medical history, physical examination, and occasionally imaging studies, the cause is usually able to be identified. What are some key elements consistent with a benign neck mass? When does the management consist of…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Karthik Ravi, M.D.  Eosinophilic Esophagitis is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed in primary care settings, yet it’s a common cause of esophageal symptoms. It’s commonly mistaken for the more common gastroesophageal reflux disease as it can present with symptoms of reflux and dysphagia. How can we differentiate eosinophilic esophagitis from reflux esophagitis? What’s needed to establish a diagnosis? What are the…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Dawn Davis, M.D.  Psoriasis is a health condition commonly seen in primary care but one which has evolved significantly in both how we understand the disease as well as how it’s managed. At one time, psoriasis was considered primarily a skin disorder; however, we now know it’s part of a systemic inflammatory disease with potential involvement of multiple organ…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Dawn Davis, M.D.  Acne and rosacea are two very common skin conditions seen in primary care, yet at times both the diagnosis and management can be challenging. While acne most commonly develops in adolescence, it can present in adulthood. Rosacea is often misdiagnosed or at times completely unrecognized. What…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guests: Jake Eide, M.D. & Rijul Kshirsagar, M.D.  Skull base tumors are not commonly seen in a primary care practice, yet it’s important for us to recognize them when they do present. These tumors can be either benign or malignant, however because of their proximity to important structures in the brain, even benign tumors can…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Regis Fernandes, M.D.  We’ve known for some time that patients who have hypertension and diabetes are at increased risk for developing subsequent cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. It’s now being thought that these health problems are related and interconnected, representing Kidney-Cardiovascular Metabolic Syndrome. They form a pathophysiologic triad driven by shared mechanisms where disease in one…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Joshua M. Romero, M.D.  Pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., especially among older adults. This rapid rise in popularity has also resulted in a significant number and variety of sports-related injuries. It’s important for primary care clinicians to recognize the most common injuries and their risk factors. We should also discuss preventive…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stacey Rizza, M.D.  Although vector-borne illnesses can be acquired by travel to distant parts of the world, some can be acquired here in the U.S. As a result, these infections become pertinent to primary care clinicians as they can produce serious complications. When should we suspect a vector-borne illness in a patient? How do we distinguish it from other viral syndromes?…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stacey Rizza, M.D.  Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness commonly seen in various parts of the country. Despite its common occurrence in the primary care practice, it’s associated with confusion and controversy. From the presenting symptoms, occasional ambiguous serologic results, to managing patients with persistent symptoms following treatment, primary…