Critical Care Pearls

185 case summaries are presented randomly to challenge the reader. The first page of each case features a brief clinical summary, usually accompanied by an illustration. The reader is encouraged to formulate a differential diagnosis, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic plan. On the following page(s), the diagnosis is presented and discussed, with emphasis on unifying basic principles, interesting aspects of the patient's course, treatment, and outcome. Finally, information important to the correct management of the case―"clinical pearls"―is highlighted at the end. A few key references also are supplied for each case.