Nokea
In a 45-year-old woman with a history of arthritis experiencing severe heartburn and indigestion refractory to antacids, which findings on an esophageal manometry study are consistent with her diagnosis?
- A. Vigorous peristalsis and elevated lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure
- B. Absent peristalsis and elevated LES pressure
- C. Absent peristalsis and decreased LES pressure
- D. Vigorous peristalsis and decreased LES pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absent peristalsis and decreased LES pressure. In a patient with severe heartburn and indigestion refractory to antacids, these findings are consistent with achalasia, a motility disorder characterized by impaired esophageal peristalsis and decreased LES pressure. Absent peristalsis leads to poor esophageal clearance and retention of food, causing symptoms like heartburn. Decreased LES pressure results in inadequate closure of the LES, leading to reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not match the typical findings seen in achalasia. Vigorous peristalsis and elevated LES pressure are not consistent with achalasia, while absent peristalsis with increased LES pressure is not a common presentation.
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The patient described in the preceding question has a positive H. pylori antibody blood test. She is compliant with the medical regimen you prescribe. Although her symptoms initially respond, she returns to see you six months later with the same symptoms. Which of the following statements is correct?
- A. She is at low risk for reinfection with H. pylori
- B. A positive serum IgG indicates that eradication of H. pylori was successful
- C. The urease breath test is an ideal test to document failure of eradication
- D. Dyspepsia typically worsens with H. pylori eradication
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the urease breath test is the ideal test to document failure of H. pylori eradication. This test directly measures the presence of the H. pylori bacterium in the stomach by detecting the enzyme urease produced by the bacterium. If the patient still has symptoms after treatment, a positive urease breath test would indicate that the bacterium is still present, leading to treatment failure.
Choice A is incorrect because a positive antibody test does not indicate low risk for reinfection. Choice B is incorrect because a positive serum IgG may persist even after successful eradication. Choice D is incorrect because dyspepsia can improve after successful H. pylori eradication rather than worsen.
A 32-year-old woman presents with a 10-month history of an intermittent burning sensation in the epigastrium that is sometimes related to eating. She has heard about bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. She has had no change in her weight and denies dysphagia. Her laboratory tests are normal. Which of the following would you recommend?
- A. Serum qualitative test for H. pylori
- B. Refer for endoscopy
- C. Obtain an upper GI series
- D. Treat her for H. pylori infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Given the symptoms of epigastric burning, testing for H. pylori is appropriate as it is a common cause of such symptoms.
2. The serum qualitative test for H. pylori can detect the presence of the bacteria in the patient's system.
3. If positive, treatment for H. pylori (such as antibiotics) would be indicated.
4. Referral for endoscopy or upper GI series is not the initial step as they are more invasive and costly.
Summary:
- A: Correct, as it targets the potential cause of the symptoms.
- B: Not recommended initially, as it is more invasive and not necessary as the first step.
- C: Not recommended initially, as it is less specific for H. pylori detection.
- D: Premature without confirming the presence of H. pylori.
A 70-year-old man presents with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation. Physical examination reveals a soft abdomen with minimal tenderness. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Acute pancreatitis
- B. Mesenteric ischemia
- C. Peptic ulcer disease
- D. Diverticulitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis in this case is B: Mesenteric ischemia. Given the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain in an elderly patient with atrial fibrillation, mesenteric ischemia is a crucial consideration due to the risk of thromboembolism from the heart condition leading to inadequate blood supply to the intestines. Acute pancreatitis (A) typically presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back and elevated serum amylase/lipase levels. Peptic ulcer disease (C) usually presents with a history of dyspepsia and is less likely to cause sudden severe abdominal pain. Diverticulitis (D) commonly presents with left lower quadrant pain and tenderness, which contrasts with the soft abdomen and minimal tenderness seen in this case.
A 45-year-old man with a history of chronic heartburn presents with progressive difficulty swallowing solids and liquids. He has lost 10 pounds in the past two months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Esophageal stricture
- B. Esophageal cancer
- C. Achalasia
- D. Peptic ulcer disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Esophageal cancer. This patient's symptoms of difficulty swallowing solids and liquids, along with unintentional weight loss, are concerning for a malignancy like esophageal cancer. The progressive nature of dysphagia and significant weight loss are red flags for cancer. Esophageal stricture (A) can cause dysphagia but typically presents with a history of chronic inflammation or injury. Achalasia (C) is characterized by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to dysphagia, but it is less likely in this case due to the weight loss. Peptic ulcer disease (D) usually presents with epigastric pain and can cause weight loss, but it is less likely to cause progressive dysphagia.
A 56-year-old woman presents to discuss the results of her recent upper endoscopy. She was having some mild abdominal pain, so she underwent the procedure, which revealed an ulcer in the antrum of the stomach. Biopsy of the lesion revealed the presence of H. pylori. All of the following statements regarding her condition are correct except
- A. H. pylori has been associated with gastric MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue)
- B. Reinfection is rare despite adequate treatment
- C. Triple drug therapy has been shown to be more effective than dual drug therapy
- D. If her H. pylori IgG antibody titer was elevated prior to therapy, it can be used to monitor treatment efficacy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reinfection is rare despite adequate treatment. H. pylori reinfection can occur, especially in high-prevalence areas or due to poor hygiene. A: Correct - H. pylori is associated with gastric MALT lymphoma. C: Correct - Triple therapy (usually with a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin) is more effective than dual therapy. D: Correct - H. pylori IgG antibody titer can be used to assess treatment response. Reinfection is not rare and can happen, making option B incorrect.