Case Files Flashcards
What are the locoregional treatments for breast cancer
surgery and radiation therapy
what are the systemic treatments for breast cancer
chemotherapy and antiestrogen therapy
What is involved in the initial work-up for breast cancer
bilateral mammography and core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration
What investigations (3) should be performed in a patient with stage I or II breast cancer to query mets?
CBC, LFTs, CXR
What investigations (6) should be performed in a patient with stage III breast cancer to query mets
CBC, LFTs, CXR
Bone scan, abdominal CT, brain CT
Patients with stage II or greater breast cancer should also be offered what treatment following locoregional therapy
Systemic Chemotherapy
Name the two common chemotherapy regimens used in breast cancer (Hint: FAC, AC)
1) 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin (adriamycin), cyclophosphamide
2) Adriamycin, cyclophosphamide
What therapy is provided for estrogen or progesterone receptor positive tumors following treatment? How long is it provided?
Antiestrogen therapy (Tamoxifen), 5 years after
What is Tamoxifen used for and what is a negative clinical outcome of its use?
Antiestrogen drug used in breast cancer, associated with development of uterine cancer
What drug can be added to a chemotherapy regimen in a HER2/neu-receptor positive breast cancer?
Trastuzumab
On endoscopy a patient is seen to have a replacement of normal squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus with columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia. What is the diagnosis
Barrett’s esophagus secondary to GERD
List the extraesophageal complications of GERD (4)
1) laryngitis
2) reactive airway disease
3) recurrent pneumonia
4) pulmonary fibrosis
What is the risk of long-standing Barrett’s esophagus?
adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
What 4 tests should ideal be undertaken prior to antireflux surgery for GERD
1) endoscopy
2) manometry
3) 24-hour pH probe
4) barium esophagography
What are the medical treatments for GERD (3)?
PPI > H2 blocker > antacid
What is the standard surgical procedure for GERD
Nissen fundoplication (repair of hiatal hernia)
What are the inidcations for surgery for GERD (3)?
1) persistent symptoms with max-dose PPI
2) patient intolerant to PPI
3) patient does not wish to take lifelong meds
A patient presents with chest pain, subcutaneous emphysema, left pleural effusion, and pneumomediastinum after a period of severe vomiting. What is the Dx?
Spontaneous esophageal rupture (Boerhaave Syndrome)
What is the approach to treatment for an esophageal rupture (4)
1) ABCs
2) chest tube
3) Abx and fluids
4) Surgery (
What is the preferred method for diagnosing esophageal rupture? What is the most sensitive test for Diagnosis?
1) Water-soluble contrast study (Gastrografin)
2) Barium esophagogram
What are some risk associated with esophageal rupture if the diagnosis is made late (3)?
1) mediastinitis
2) fever, leukocytosis
3) death
Describe the ABCDE approach to malignant melanoma
A - asymmetry B - irregular borders C - color change D - diameter increase E - elevation
what two types of melanoma have the best prognosis? Why? How common are they?
1) superficial spreading and lentigo maligna
2) long radial growth phase
3) 1st and 3rd most common
What are the two types of melanoma that have the worst prognosis? why? how common are they?
1) nodular sclerosis and acral lentiginous
2) aggressive vertical growth phase
3) 2nd and 4th most common
What is the work-up and treatment for patient with suspect malignant melanoma (3 steps)
1) excisional or incisional biopsy
2) SLN biopsy if positive
3) surgical resection with wide margins
What are the symptoms of BPH (6)?
1) Urgency
2) weak stream
3) nocturia
4) intermittency
5) Hesitancy
6) incomplete voiding
What are the medical therapies for BPH (classes)? What are their mechanism of action?
1) alpha-1-agonist agents - relaxes smooth muscle of prostate
2) 5-alpha reductase inhibitor - inhibits testosterone metabolism
What is the surgical treatment for BPH?
Transurethral resection of the prostate
What tests should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of BPH and what other conditions must be ruled out? (4)
1) review of systems - r/o neuorologic cause
2) urinalysis - r/o UTI and bladder cancer
3) PSA and serum creatinine - r/o severe prostatism with renal involvement
4) DRE - r/o prostate cancer
what are some SSx expected in prostate cancer (3)?
1) firm/hard nodule on DRE
2) elevated PSA value
3) misshappen gland on DRE
What are the most common causes of small bowel obstruction in a child (6)
1) hernia
2) malrotation
3) meconium ileus
4) Meckel diverticulum
5) intussusception
6) intestinal atresia
What are the most common causes of small bowel obstruction in an adult (5)?
1) adhesion
2) hernia
3) Crohn’s
4) gallstone ileus
5) tumor
How can an uncomplicated small bowel obstruction be treated (4)?
1) NPO
2) fluid resuscitation
3) NG tube
4) serial labs and radiographs
What are the SSx of a complicated small bowel obstruction (5)?
1) persistent pain
2) fever/leukocytosis
3) tachycardia
4) elevated amylase
5) radiographic signs of obstruction
How should a complicated small bowel obstruction be treated
urgent laparotomy
What are some complications of complicated small bowel obstruction (3)?
1) strangulation
2) necrosis
3) insufficient organ perfusion due to third spacing
Describe the mechanism of carpal tunnel and common physical findings (4)
compression of the median nerve
results in: paresthesia of radial 3 fingers, hand weakness, symptoms worse at night, may have muscle wasting in thenar region
Describe the diagnostic tests for carpal tunnel
Tinnel - reproduce paresthesia
Phalen - reproduces paresthesia
What is the conservative management of carpal tunnel?
Night time splints and NSAIDs. May use steroid injections (limited to 2-3 per year)
What is the surgical management of carpal tunnel
Division of the flexor retinaculum
What endocrine disorders are associated with carpal tunnel
hypothyroidism, DM, hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, pregnancy
A patient presents with postprandial pain in their RUQ radiating to their labia. They are afebrile. U/S shows gallstones in the gallbladder, the common bile duct is not distended. All labs are normal. What is the Dx?
Biliary colic
What is the treatment for biliary colic?
elective cholecystectomy
A patient presents with RUQ pain that is persistent. They are mildly febrile, and have mild leukocytosis. Gallstones are seen in the gallbladder. There is no dilatation of the common bile duct. LEs are somewhat elevated. What is the Dx?
Acute cholecystitis
What is the treatment for acute cholecystitis (4)
1) NPO
2) IV fluids
3) Abx
4) cholecystectomy
A patient presents with postprandial abdominal pain, they are mildly jaundice. There are gallstones in the gallbladder and the common bile duct measures 6mm. LEs are elevated. What is the Dx?
Choledocholithiasis
What is the treatment for choledocholithiasis?
1) monitor for development of cholangitis
2) Endoscopic decompression of common bile duct
3) cholecystectomy
A patient presents with persistent epigastric and back pain. There are gallstones in the gallbladder, the common bile duct is dilated. Labs reveal leukocytosis, moderately elevated LEs, and markedly elevated amylase and lipase levels. What is the Dx?
Biliary pancreatitis
What is the treatment for biliary pancreatitis (3)?
1) NPO (bowel rest)
2) IV fluids
3) cholecystectomy
What are the clinical signs that indicate cholangitis (3)?
Charcot’s triad: RUQ pain, jaundice, fever
What is the treatment of cholangitis (3) ?
1) Abx
2) supportive care
3) ERCP decompression if severe
What are signs of an acute GI bleed (4)
1) Hx of hematemesis
2) coffee-ground emesis
3) melena
4) bleeding per rectum
What are signs of an occult GI bleed (1)
1) anemia with no signs or history of blood loss
What is the most important intervention to make in a patient with an acute GI hemorrhage?
Fluid resuscitation
What are the most common sources of non-variceal upper GI bleeds (4) ?
1) duodenal ulcers
2) gastric errosions
3) gastric ulcers
4) Mallory-Weiss tear
What is the most important investigation in a patient with an upper GI bleed
Confirmation with endoscopy (achieves diagnosis 90% of the time).
What are two methods used to achieve endoscopic hemostasis in upper GI bleeds?
1) epinephrine injection
2) thermotherapy
If NSAID use cannot be discontinued in a patient with an upper GI bleed, what therapy can be considered?
Use of prostaglandin analogue (misoprostol)
When is surgery indicated for peptic ulcer disease
PUD is massive/persistent/recurrent or a non-healing giant ulcer >3cm
What is the best method to rule out an upper GI bleed in a patient with suspected lower GI bleed
Place NG tube and aspirate - if non-bloody bilious aspirate detected, source is likely lower GI bleed
What type of “bloody stool” is expected in a bleed originating in the Upper GI tract, small bowel, or ascending colon?
Melena
What type of “bloody stool” is expected in a bleed originating in the transverse colon or descending colon, but not the anus or rectum
Maroon-coloured
What type of “bloody stool” is expected in a bleed originating from the anus or rectum?
Bright red blood stained stool or passage of blood following BM
Provide 3 modalities used to detect the location of bleed, provide them in order of sensitivity in detecting bleed and location of bleed and note any patient characteristics required prior to initiation of investigation.
1) Colonoscopy - most sensitive - patient must be hemodynamically stable
2) Mesenteric angiography - patient not required to be stable
3) Tagged RBC - detect bleed, but not location - patient does not need to be stable
What are the most common causes of painless lower GI bleed in an adult (3)
1) diverticulosis
2) Angiodysplasia
3) neoplasm
What are the most common causes of painful lower GI bleed in an adult (4) ?
1) ischemic bowel
2) IBD
3) intussusception
4) rupture abdominal aneurysm
What are the most common causes of lower GI bleed in children (3) ?
1) Meckel’s
2) IBD
3) polyps
Following vascular abdominal surgery, there is a risk of aortoenteric fistula. What is the associated clinical sign that would indicate this pathological process?
painless hematochezia
What are some benign breast changes not associated with increased risk of breast cancer (5)?
1) cysts
2) ductal ectasia
3) fibroadenoma
4) fibrosis
5) mild hyperplasia
What are some breast changes that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer (3)?
1) moderate or severe hyperplasia
2) atypical hyperplasia
3) positive family history
What chemoprevention agent can be used to prevent BC in high-risk patients? What is its mechanism of action?
Tamoxifen, antiestrogen (risk of uterine cancer and thromboembolism)
What pertinent points in a patients history (familial) increase their risk of breast cancer (4) ?
1) first degree relative with positive history
2) … worse if Dx was premenopausal
3) … worse if disease was bilateral
4) BRCA positive gene
What is the recommended screening program for a high-risk patient wrt breast cancer
Yearly mammogram after 35 or 5-10 years prior to index case.
A patient is recovered from a house fire and has a dry, red, and blistered oropharynx. What is the first step in treatment?
Intubate
What is the half-life of CO in the blood when a patient is on 100% oxygen?
40-60 minutes
How should fluid resuscitation proceed in a burn patient
1) If TBSA
Describe a third degree burn in terms of its affected location, characteristics, course, and treatment
1) fully through dermis
2) white or dark in appearance, painless
3) Heal via epithelial migration from periphery and contraction
4) excise and graft
List 4 creams/treatments used in treating burns. Provide their penetration depths and side effects.
1) silver salfadiazine - does not penetrate eschar
2) Sulfamylon - penetrates eschar, painful to apply and can cause metabolic acidosis
3) Silver nitrate - does not penetrate eschar, can cause hyponatremia and hypochloremia
4) Pig skin - growth factors promote epithelialization
A patient with peripheral vascular occlusive disease is also at risk of developing what other complications (2)
1) coronary
2) cerebral
A patient has an ABI of 0.5 in the left leg. What symptoms would be present (2)? Are pulses palpable?
1) claudication and exertional pain
2) pulse will certainly be diminished, they may be absent
A patient has an ABI of 0.3, what is the likely treatment?
bypass (also lifestyle modifications)
A patient has an ABI
1) gangrene
2) amputation
What are the 2 surgical interventions used in peripheral vascular occlusive disease, and what are their indications?
1) angioplasty - best for short, focal, and concentric stenosis
2) Bypass - if lesions are numerous and diffuse, then bypass is best. Bypass also used if vessel is occluded.
Bypass has a better success rate when done: proximally or distally?
Proximally
In penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma a CXR should be obtained, what four signs should you look for?
1) pneumothorax
2) hemothorax
3) pericardial effusion
4) intra-abdominal free air
What signs are indications for celiotomy in penetrating abdominal trauma
rigidity, guarding, or significant tenderness distal to the stab wound
Provide five diagnostic approaches to penetrating wound injuries
1) observation
2) local wound exploration
3) diagnostic peritoneal lavage
4) CT
5) exploratory laparotomy
What are the indications for ‘observation’ as treatment in the case of penetrating wound injury
Patient is stable. Observe for 24-48 hours for peritoneal findings or hemodynamic instability.
What are the indications for local wound exploration? When do the findings indicate the need for further exploration?
Patient is stable. Penetration of the anterior abdominal fascia indicates need for further investigation.
When are the findings of diagnostic peritoneal lavage considered positive (4)
1) 10 ml of blood on aspiration
2) aspiration of fecal contents
3) 100,000/mm3 RBC on lavage
4) >500/mm3 WBC on lavage
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage and CT scan are not sensitive in detecting what injury?
Diaphragmatic injury
Diagnostic laparoscopy is not sensitive in detecting what injury? If this injury is suspected, what method should be used to investigate?
Hollow viscus injury
Investigate with celiotomy is suspected
What 3 diagnostic tests can be used to investigate traumatic rupture of the aorta
1) aortogram
2) CT angio
3) TEE
What is the appropriate surgical treatment for aortic rupture
exploration and repair
What is a concern with pulmonary contusion? How is it treated (3) ?
Patient at risk for shunting and hypoxia Tx: 1) supportive care 2) intubation 3) fluid restriction (to reduce edema, provided patient's volume status is appropriate)
What are the radiographical findings indicating aortic rupture (3) ?
1) widened mediastinum
2) left pleural effusion
3) loss of aortic knob
Describe the typical presentation of acute appendicits (5) ?
1) vague pain in periumbilical region
2) N/V
3) urge to defecate
4) gradual localization of pain to the right lower quadrant with localized peritonitis
5) perforation within 24 hrs in 20% of cases
What % of patients with appendicitis present with the typical presentation?
50%
What is required in terms of investigations to diagnose patients with the typical presentation of appendicitis (4)?
1) H&P
2) CBC with diff
3) urinalysis
4) pregnancy test
What are the diagnostic options for patients with atypical findings but clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis (4)
1) CT
2) U/S
3) Observation and serial labs
4) Diagnostic laparoscopy
When is CT indicated for use in diagnosing acute appendicitis (3)?
1) atypical presentation
2) signs of inflammatory process (pain, fever, leukocytosis)
3) Gynecologic pathology not suspected (in females)
When should U/S be used when investigating acute appendicitis?
There is suspicion of gynecologic involvement in a female patient. U/S is more sensitive at detecting pelvic pathology than CT.
When should observation and serial labs be used when investigating acute appendicitis (2)?
1) Disease is clinically suspected
2) No current signs of pain, fever, leukocytosis
When is diagnostic laparoscopy indicated when investigating for acute appendicitis?
Inflammatory process of unknown source present
What is the typical treatment for patients with a confirmed DVT? confirmed PE? who are otherwise healthy?
1) DVT - heparin for systemic anticoagulation with 3 months treatment of warfarin
2) PE - heparin for systemic anticoagulation with 6 month treatment of warfarin
What is the treatment for a patient with confirmed PE and documented hypercoagulability?
Lifelong treatment with anticoagulants (warfarin)
When is thrombolytic treatment indicated for PE/DVT
1) Massive PE. No contra-indications present - recent surgery or severe closed head injury (
Which has a higher likelihood of developing into a PE: a proximal DVT or distal DVT?
Proximal
What are the clinical signs (2) and lab findings (WBC, EKG, CXR, and cardiac enzymes) in a case of PE?
1) SOB
2) Chest pain
3) All labs normal
What is a contraindication to heparin use in PE?
heparin induced thrombocytopenia
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for PE. What is the next best option and what are its limitations?
Pulmonary angiography (high M&M rates) CT Pulmonary angiography (good at detecting large vessel PEs, insensitive to subsegmental PEs)
What are the recommendations for colon cancer screening. When should they be repeated if positive findings?
Colonoscopy every 10 years from age 50.
If adenomatous polyp identified and removed, repeat colonoscopy in 3 years. Once clear, investigate every 5 years.
What a some clinical symptoms associated with colorectal cancer (4)
1) rectal bleeding
2) change in bowel habits (caliber, diarrhea)
3) obstruction
4) perforation with peritonitis
What sign is more common in patients with right sided colon cancer?
Anemia (patients less likely to suffer from obstruction or change in caliber of stool)