Which of the following statements is true about ischemic colitis?
- A. Typically requires colonic resection
- B. Affects the watershed areas of the colon, namely, the splenic flexure, right colon, and rectum
- C. Is only seen in the elderly
- D. Requires colonoscopic intervention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ischemic colitis affects the watershed areas of the colon, namely, the splenic flexure, right colon, and rectum. This is because these areas have relatively poor collateral blood supply, making them more susceptible to ischemia. Ischemic colitis typically presents with abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and tends to affect elderly patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Choice A is incorrect as most cases of ischemic colitis can be managed conservatively without the need for colonic resection. Choice C is incorrect as ischemic colitis can occur in individuals of any age group, although it is more common in the elderly. Choice D is incorrect because colonoscopic intervention is not always necessary for the diagnosis and management of ischemic colitis.
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A 60-year-old man presents with fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Laboratory tests reveal low TSH and high free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Hypothyroidism
- B. Hyperthyroidism
- C. Thyroiditis
- D. Thyroid cancer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperthyroidism. In this case, the low TSH and high free T4 levels indicate an overactive thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. The low TSH is due to negative feedback as the high free T4 suppresses TSH production. Hyperthyroidism fits this clinical picture, as opposed to hypothyroidism (choice A) which would have high TSH and low free T4 levels. Thyroiditis (choice C) typically presents with symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism and is usually transient. Thyroid cancer (choice D) is less likely given the presentation of symptoms and specific lab results.
A 28-year-old woman at 34 weeks of gestation presents with elevated liver enzymes and pruritus. Labs reveal total bilirubin to be 4.2 mg/dL, AST 480 U/L, ALT 640 U/L, and alkaline phosphatase 232 U/L. Viral hepatitis serologies and ANA are negative. On physical examination, she is jaundiced, but has a normal blood pressure, no edema, and a soft abdomen. The fetus is in no distress. Which of the following is true?
- A. The baby should be delivered immediately
- B. Symptoms will resolve promptly after delivery
- C. There is little risk of recurrence with subsequent pregnancies
- D. The mother should be screened for long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Symptoms will resolve promptly after delivery. The presentation of elevated liver enzymes, pruritus, and jaundice in a pregnant woman at 34 weeks with no signs of severe preeclampsia suggests cholestasis of pregnancy. This condition typically resolves after delivery. The absence of fetal distress and normal maternal blood pressure indicate that immediate delivery is not necessary. There is a risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies, so choice C is incorrect. Screening for LCHAD deficiency is not indicated in this scenario, as the presentation is more consistent with cholestasis of pregnancy.
A 28-year-old woman presents with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. She has a history of similar episodes in the past. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Ulcerative colitis
- B. Irritable bowel syndrome
- C. Celiac disease
- D. Diverticulitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ulcerative colitis. This chronic inflammatory condition affects the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The patient's recurrent episodes and history of similar symptoms point towards ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome (choice B) typically presents with abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits but not rectal bleeding. Celiac disease (choice C) presents with gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming gluten. Diverticulitis (choice D) presents with localized abdominal pain and fever due to inflammation or infection of the diverticula, not typically with rectal bleeding.
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.
What is/are the possible cause(s) of acute pancreatitis in this patient?
- A. HIV
- B. Cytomegalovirus
- C. Dideoxyinosine (ddI)
- D. Pentamidine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus is a common cause of acute pancreatitis in immunocompromised patients. The virus can infect the pancreas leading to inflammation. HIV (A) can also cause pancreatitis, but it is typically due to opportunistic infections like CMV rather than the virus itself. Dideoxyinosine (ddI) (C) and Pentamidine (D) are medications that can cause pancreatitis, but they are not the primary cause in this case.