Hot Topics - Editor's Note
In the fall of 2001, news services around the world broke the story of anthrax-laced letters disseminated through the US Postal Service. The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology responded to the emergency by posting a module on inhalational anthrax on the AFIP website. Within days, healthcare workers worldwide could access high-quality images and concise explanations of the pathogenesis and radiographic diagnosis of this emerging threat.

The anthrax Web module, created by a group of dedicated radiologists and pathologists headed by Jeffrey Galvin, MD (Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Mediastinal Imaging, Department of Radiologic Pathology), was an immediate success. Thousands of hits and positive responses prompted the AFIP to create a series of modules called Hot Topics as a venue for our staff to respond to current medical issues. Each module in Hot Topics covers the pathogenesis, histology, diagnosis, and imaging of emerging diseases. These are not all-inclusive reviews and as a consequence the modules are brief. Their availability on the Internet ensures rapid access and widespread distribution.

Although the urgency surrounding particular Hot Topics hopefully will subside over time, modules will remain posted for future reference.

Ann Marie Nelson, MD
Chief, AIDS Pathology and Emerging Infections
Director, Distance Learning Activity

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia	Anthrax	Buruli ulcer
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis	Mad Cow Disease	Malaria
Monkeypox	SARS