Clinical Exam Flashcards
What does double apex beat correspond with?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
What is Schamroth’s sign?
Fingernail ‘diamond’ test for clubbing
JVP: cause of dominant a-wave (3)
Tricuspid stenosis
Pulmonary stenosis
Pulmonary HTN
JVP: cause of dominant v-wave
Tricuspid regurgitation
Causes of canon a-waves (3)
3rd degree heart block
SVT
VT
What does left parasternal heave suggest? (2)
RV hypertrophy
LA enlargement
On heart palpation, what does ‘tapping’ apex beat indicate?
Mitral stenosis
What does fixed splitting of S2 suggest?
ASD
Kussmaul sign
- What is it?
- Causes (4)
Paradoxical RISE in JVP with inspiration (would usually fall) - inability of the heart to accept the increase in RV volume without an increase in filling pressure.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis, severe R) heart failure, tamponade
What is Ebstein’s anomaly?
Apical displacement of tricuspid valve –> Tricuspid regurgitation
Associated with WPW and R) conduction defects
True / false: you can hear diastolic murmurs in HOCM
False
Causes of pitting oedema (8)
Medications (CCBs) Heart failure Nephrotic syndrome Liver failure Malabsorption / starvation (beri beri, B1) Protein-losing enteropathy Myxoedema Cyclical oedema
Causes of non-pitting oedema (2)
Lymphoedema (malignancy, congenital, filariasis)
Myxoedema
Define pulsus paradoxus
Fall of systolic blood pressure of >10 mmHg during the inspiratory phase.
True / false: clubbing occurs with sarcoidosis
False
True / false: clubbing occurs with COPD
False
Light’s criteria for exudate (3)
Pleural:serum protein >0.5
Pleural:serum LDH >0.6
Pleural LDH >2/3 ULN
Arthritides involving DIPs (3)
OA
Gout
Psoriatic
Nerve root for biceps reflex
C5/6
How to test for ulnar nerve lesion
Fromet’s sign
How to test for median nerve lesion
pen touching test (thumb abduction)
Components of dominant parietal lobe assessment (4)
Gerstmann syndrome
'AALF' A - acalculia A - agraphia L - left-right disorientation F - finger agnosia (name fingers)
(Often dysphasia as well)
Signs of chronic liver disease:
- General (4)
- Hands (4)
- Face (4)
- Chest / abdomen (5)
Cachexia, jaundice (or grey if haemochromatosis), excoriation, bruising
Clubbing, palmar erythema, contractures, leukonychia
Fetor hepaticus, icterus, dentition, parotid swelling
Spider naevi, caput medusae, gynaecomastia, reduced hair, testicular atrophy
Signs (definitions) of liver decompensation (7)
Ascites / SBP Encephalopathy / Asterixis Variceal bleed Jaundice Hydrothorax HCC Hepatorenal syndrome
Causes of hepatomegaly (‘CCC’ + ‘III’)
Cirrhosis - alcohol
Cancer (secondaries)
Congestion
Infection (HBV, HCV, EBV, CMV)
Infiltrate / deposit (amyloid, myeloproliferative, haemochromatosis, Wilson’s)
Immune (PSC, PBC, AIH)
Complications of cirrhosis (3)
Variceal haemorrhage
SBP
Encephalopathy
Complications of haemochromatosis (5)
Diabetes Arthropathy Cardiomyopathy Hypogonadism Cirrhosis + HCC
Findings of splenomegaly (4)
Mass moves with inspiration Dull to percuss Palpable notch Can not get above Not ballotable
Causes of massive splenomegaly (>8cm) (2)
Myeloproliferative disease (CML, myelofibrosis) Tropical infections (malaria, leishmaniasis)
Causes of moderate splenomegaly (4-8cm) (2)
Myelo / lymphoproliferative disorders Infiltrative disease (amyloid, Gaucher's)
Causes of mild splenomegaly (<4cm) (4)
Myelo / lymphoproliferative disorders
Portal HTN
Infection
Haemolytic anaemia
Splenectomy management (3)
Vaccination (ideally 2/52 prior to removal) for encapsulated organisms (Pneumococcus, meningococcus, haemophilus)
Prophylactic penicillin
Medical alert bracelet / education
Findings of palpable kidney (3)
Ballotable
Can get ‘above’
Moves with respiration
Causes of kidney enlargement:
- Unilateral (4)
- Bilateral (4)
PCKD, RCC, hydronephrosis, simple cyst
PCKD, bilateral hydronephrosis, tuberouscelrosis (AML), amyloidosis
Other organs involved in PCKD (3)
Liver cysts / hepatomegaly
Berry aneurysms
Mitral valve prolapse
Scars in renal patient (3)
Iliac fossa - new transplant
Flank - nephrectomy (PCKD, RCC)
Peri-umbilical - previous PD catheters
HRCT findings in UIP (4)
Sub-pleural reticulation
Basal-predominant
Traction bronchiectasis
Honeycombing
(IPF has UIP pattern only)
HRCT findings in NSIP (4)
Sup-pleural sparing
Ground glass
Traction bronchiectasis
Basal predominance
Expected spirometry / LFTs in restrictive disease
FEV1/FVC >0.8
Small TLC
Low DLCO and KCO
Bronchiectasis DDx / Causes (6)
Kartagener's Cystic fibrosis Hypogammaglobulinaemia / CVID Aspergillosis / ABPA Rheumatoid lung Chronic aspiration (alcohol, GORD)
Causes of apical fibrosis (CHARTS)
Coal worker's lung Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (AKA extrinsic allergic alveolitis) + Histiocytosis X Ankylosing spondylitis TB Radiation Sarcoidosis
Lung transplant:
- Common reasons for single lung transplant (2)
- Common reasons for double lung transplant 3)
‘Dry lung’ - COPD, pulmonary fibrosis
‘Wet lung’ - bronchiectasis, CF, pulmonary HTN
Indications for home O2
pO2 <7.3kPa (55mmHg)
or if cor pulmonale:
pO2 <8kPa (60mmHg)
Surgical options for COPD (4)
Bullectomy
Lung reduction surgery
Endobronchial valve placement
Single lung transplant
Aortic stenosis vs aortic sclerosis
In aortic sclerosis, there is a normal pulse character and no radiation of the murmur
Aortic stenosis DDx (5)
Other systolic murmur e.g. MR, TR HOCM VSD Aortic sclerosis High output clinical state (pregnancy, anaemia, sepsis)
Causes of aortic stenosis (4)
Congenital bicuspid valve
Age-related / calcification
Chronic rheumatic heart disease
Infective endocarditis
Order of worsening symptoms for aortic stenosis
Angina - 5 years
Syncope - 3 years
SOB - 2 years
Clinical features of aortic stenosis (5)
Slow rising pulse Narrow PP Right sternal thrill Pressure loaded apex Ejection systolic murmur / crescendo-decrescendo
Clinical features of aortic regurgitation (5)
Collapsing / waterhammer pulse Wide pulse pressure Corrigan's pulse Hyperkinetic (volume-loaded) apex beat Early diastolic murmur +/- Austin-Flint - Loudest leaning forward, left, lower sternal edge
(And many other eponymous signs)
Causes of aortic regurgitation:
- Acute (3)
- Chronic (6)
‘DIT CHARMA’
Dissection
Infective endocarditis
Trauma
Congenital bicuspid valve Hypertension Ankylosing spondylitis Rheumatic fever Marfan's / Ehlers-Danlos Aortitis (Syphilis, Takayasu's)
When to do surgery for aortic regurgitation:
- Acute (2)
- Chronic (4)
Aortic dissection
Aortic root abscess
NYHA > II heart failure
PP >100mmHg
ECG changes on ETT
LV >5.5cm or EF <50%
Clinical signs of mitral stenosis (5)
Irregular pulse (likely to have AF) Malar flush Tapping apex Auscultation: opening 'snap' of stiff leaflets + diastolic murmur Often features of pulmonary HTN
Features of pulmonary HTN (5)
Elevated JVP Loud P2 RV heave Tricuspid regurgitation Overload / oedema
Causes of mitral stenosis (4)
Rheumatic heart disease
Congenital mitral stenosis
Mitral annular calcification
Endocarditis
Differentials for diastolic murmur (4)
Aortic regurgitation
Mitral stenosis
Austin flint murmur
Atrial myxoma
Management options in mitral stenosis (3)
Medical - manage AF and failure
Balloon valvuloplasty
Surgical valvotomy / replacement
Clinical signs of mitral regurgitation (6)
Atrial fibrillation
Scars e.g. valvuloplasty
Displaced and volume-loaded apex +/- thrill
Pan-systolic murmur (radiating to axilla)
+/- S3
Widely split S2 (because LV empties sooner)
Features that suggest severity of MR (2)
LV failure Atrial fibrillation (a late sign)
NOT murmur intensity (which just reflects flow)
Causes of mitral regurgitation
- Acute (3)
- Chronic (5)
Endocarditis
Trauma
Ischaemia
Mitral annular calcification Valve prolapse - Marfan's, amyloid Rheumatic heart disease Papillary muscle dysfunction Connective tissue disease
(Can also be due to ‘secondary’ causes - I.e. LV dilatation causing valve incompetence)
ECG findings in mitral valve disease (3)
P-mitrale (bifid + broad p-waves)
Atrial fibrillation
+/- Q-waves
Clinical findings of tricuspid regurgitation (5)
Prominent V-waves Thrill on palpation Pan systolic murmur Pulsatile liver (tender) Peripheral oedema / ascites
Causes of tricuspid regurgitation (5)
Ebstein's anomaly Endocarditis Functional (commonest) Rheumatic heart disease Carcinoid syndrome (secreted mediators cause right heart valve fibrosis)
Clinical signs of pulmonary stenosis (4)
Prominent a-wave on JVP
Left parasternal heave + thrill
Ejection systolic murmur
Signs of right-heart failure
Causes of pulmonary stenosis (5)
Carcinoid Noonan's syndrome William's syndrome Rubella Tetralogy of Fallot
Late complications of prosthetic valves (6)
Valve failure - can sometimes do valve-in-valve for bioprosthetic Endocarditis Haemolysis Heart failure AF (esp. if mitral valve) Warfarin-related complications
Indications for ICD insertion (2, 3)
Primary prevention
- > 4 weeks post MI with associated high risk features
- FHx cardiac conduction syndrome with high risk features
Secondary
- Cardiac arrest due to VT / VF
- Previous haemodynamically unstable VT
- Any VT with EF <35%
How to differentiate constrictive pericarditis vs restrictive cardiomyopathy
Ventricular interdependence (seen on ECHO) supports Dx of constrictive process.
Cyanotic heart disease
- Due to
- Causes (5)
Right-to-left shunt
Truncus arteriosus Transposition of the great arteries Tricuspid atresia Tetralogy of Fallot Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
Acyanotic heart disease
- Due to
- Complication
- Causes (4)
Left-to-right shunt
Eisenmenger’s syndrome
VSD
ASD
AVSD
PDA
Complications of septal defects (3)
Eisenmengers / pulmonary HTN
Atrial arrhythmia
Emboli
Auscultation of septal defects (2)
Usually systolic murmur
Note: as Eisenmenger’s develops, and the gradient reduces, the murmur may actually SOFTEN
Causes of absent radial pulse
- Acute (3)
- Chronic (4)
Embolisation
Trauma (e.g. catheterisation)
Dissection
Surgery e.g. procedure for Tetralogy of Fallot
Takayasu’s disease
Atherosclerosis
Coarctation
Findings in coarctation (4)
HTN right arm +/- left
Reduced / absent left radial pulse
Reduced femoral pulses
Continuous murmur +/- radiates to back (from collateral vessels)
Note:
CXR shows ‘3 sign’ and rib notching (due to pulsatile intercostal arteries)
Systolic murmur Ddx (4, 2)
AS
MR
TR
PS
HOCM
L-to-R shunts
Findings of HOCM (6)
Prominent a-wave on JVP Double apex impulse +/- thrill ESM (due to LVOTO) PSM (due to mitral prolapse / SAM) S4 ('A Stiff Heart') Dynamic maneuvers
HOCM dynamic maneuvers (2, 2)
Increased by: Valsalva (reduced LV filling), or low afterload (vasodilators)
Decreased by: squatting (increased preload), handgrip (increased afterload)
HOCM management / prognostic factors (6 + 2)
Avoid triggers (exercise, vasodilators, dehydration) Beta-blocker (reduces O2 use and gradient) Septum - alcohol ablation or myomectomy - Esp. if >3cm thick ICD - Esp. if FHx SCD, syncope or young age Cardiac transplant Genetic counselling
Cerebellar exam signs
DANISH:
Dysdiadochokinesia Ataxia Nystagmus - Cerebellar lesion: nystagmus towards lesion - VIII lesion: nystagmus away from lesion Intention tremor Staccato speech (scanning dysarthria) Hypotonia / hyporeflexia
(Also rebound phenomenon - Holmes’ sign)
Causes for cerebellar disease
PASTRIES:
Paraneoplastic Alcohol Sclerosis (MS) Tumour Rare (Friedriech's, trinucleotide repeat disorders, congenital, mitochondrial) Iatrogenic (drugs, e.g. phenytoin) Endocrine (hypothyroidism, low b12/folate, low vit E) Stroke (posterior circ)
DDx for proximal myopathy (8, 3)
Acquired - 'PACEPODS' Polymyositis Alcohol Carcinoma Endocrinopathies Periodic paralysis Osteomalacia Drugs: steroids Sarcoidosis
Other:
Hereditary muscular dystrophies e.g. FSH, Duchenne’s
Congenital myopathies e.g. myotonic dystrophy
Degenerative myopathies e.g. IBM
MS diagnostic Ix (5)
MRI - time and space CSF oligoclonal bands VEPs OCT Antibodies for DDx
Multiple sclerosis DDx (8)
Cord compression Transverse myelitis MND Multiple strokes (embolic) B12 deficiency Hereditary spastic paraparesis Cerebral palsy Cerebral vasculitis SLE Paraneoplastic Neurosyphilis ADEM
DDx for spastic legs (10)
Stroke Spinal cord infarct MS Spinal cord compression Trauma / surgery Motor neuron disease (no sensory signs) Cerebral palsy Hereditary spastic paresis Subacute combined degeneration of the cord Friedreich's ataxia
Hint: look for sensory level (suggests spinal lesion)
Motor neuron disease DDx (7)
Consider if mixed LMN and UMN findings
Multifocal motor neuropathy Spinomuscular atrophy CIDP Cervical myelopathy Brain stem lesion (if bulbar-predominant disease) Polio Syringomyelia
Features suggesting neuropathy (7)
Distal weakness +/- foot drop \+/- associated sensory signs in glove/stocking pattern Absent reflexes May have fasciculations No contractures Can see autonomic dysfunction Wasting of intrinsic muscles of hands
Features suggesting myopathy (6)
Proximal weakness Usually no sensory loss Preserved reflexes No fasciculations Tender muscles Look for cardiac complications
Causes for pes cavus of foot (2)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (AKA hereditary sensorimotor neuropathy)
Friedreich’s ataxia
DDx for sensory neuropathy (4)
Diabetes
Alcohol
B12 deficiency
Drugs e.g. chemo, isoniazid
DDx for motor neuropathy (6)
GBS or botulism (acute) Lead toxicity Porphyria HSMN Polio MMN
Causes for mononeuritis multiplex (5)
Diabetes Vasculitis (PAN, EGPA) Connective tissue disease Infection (HIV) Malignancy
Nerves of cerebellar-pontine angle (4)
V, VI, VII, VIII
and cerebellar signs
Unilateral 7th CN palsy DDx (5)
Bell's palsy Mononeuritis (diabetes, sarcoid, Lyme) Tumour/trauma MS Stroke
Bilateral 7th CN palsy DDx (5)
Myasthenia gravis Sarcoidosis Lyme GBS Bilateral Bell's palsy
‘Extras’ in myasthenia exam (3)
Myasthenic snarl (when attempting to smile)
Thymectomy scar
Ask for FVC
Tuberous sclerosis skin findings (4)
Angiofibromas (butterfly distribution)
Shagreen’s patch
Ash-leaf macules
Periungal fibroma
Tuberous sclerosis systemic complications (5)
Epilepsy Intellectual impairment Cystic lung disease Angiomyolipomas / renal failure Retinal phakoma
Clinical features of neurofibromatosis (4)
Cutaneous neurofibromas
Cafe au lait patches
Axillary freckling
Lisch nodules
Complications of neurofibromatosis (7)
‘HELPLES’
Hypertension (renal a. stenosis) Epilepsy Lung fibrosis/cysts Phaeochromocytoma Leukaemia risk Enlarged palpable nerves Schwannomas and neurofibromas
Holmes-Adie pupil vs Argyll-Robertson pupil
Adies: poor reaction to light AND slow accommodation (and diminished leg reflexes)
Argyll: accommodates but doesn’t react (and sensory ataxia - tabes dorsalis)
Medical causes of third nerve palsy (4)
4x M’s - consider when ‘down and out pupil’ but not dilated pupil.
MS
Midbrain infarct
Mononeuritis multiplex (DM)
Migraine
Wrist/hand findings in RA (7)
Ulnar deviation Wrist subluxation Swan neck deformity (bent DIP) Boutonniere's deformity (bent PIP) Z-thumb Disuse atrophy Surgical scars (carpal tunnel)
X-ray findings in RA (4)
‘SLAP’
Soft tissue swelling
Loss of joint space
Articular erosions
Periarticular osteopaenia
Complications of ank spond (5)
5x A’s:
Apical fibrosis Aortic regurgitation Arthritis Anterior uveitis AV node block
X-ray features of osteoarthritis (4)
‘LOSS’
Loss of joint space
Osteophytes
Subchondral sclerosis
Subchondral cysts
‘Golden’ long case questions (4)
What are your main concerns?
What are your goals for the future?
What do you think the future will look like?
(where would you want to be when ‘the time comes’?)
If we could fix on thing, what would it be?
DDx for causes underlying a lung surgery scar (7)
Cancer (look for adenopathy and evidence of smoking)
COPD (bullectomy, cyst deroofing)
Bronchiectasis
TB
Congenital lung malformations
Haemoptysis
Transplant - consider if ‘normal exam’ otherwise
Features of liver on exam (6)
RUQ Can't get above Moves with respiration Crosses midline Dull to percussion Positive 'scratch test' (if abuts against abdominal wall)
Features of spleen on exam (7)
LUQ Can't get above Extends infero-medially Palpable notch Moves with respiration Dull to percussion Positive 'scratch test'
Features of kidney on exam (6)
Able to get above Full flanks on inspection Never cross midline Usually resonant on percussion Move with respiration Ballotable
(Will often see fistula or old PD catheter scar)
(Consider concurrent cystic liver)
Hand x-ray clues:
- New bone formation
- Bone erosion
- Calcinosis
- Marked deformity but N x-ray
OA or psoriatic
RA or gout
Scleroderma
SLE (Jaccoud’s arthropathy)
Describing / summarising rheum exam findings (5)
- Deforming vs non-deforming
- Symmetrical vs asymmetrical
- Poly / oligo / monoarticular
- Predominantly affecting the … joints
- Active vs inactive
Then go on to DDx and why.
Diseases affecting basal ganglia (3)
Parkinson’s
Wilson’s disease
Huntington’s
‘National Asthma Plan’ Steps (6)
- Assess severity
- Optimise lung function
- Maintain lung function - avoid triggers
- Maintain lung function - medications
- Develop an action plan
- Education / regular review
Complications to ask about in HIV (6)
Medication side-effects Cardiovascular Renal Osteoporosis HIV-associated neuro and dementia Sexual health
Steps to help patient quit smoking (3)
- Assess dependency
E.g. smoke on waking, smoke when sick, how many per day, smoke in forbidden areas? - Assess willingness to quit
E.g. not ready to quit, ready to quit in 6/12, ready to quit in 1/12 - Treat with behavioural, psychological and medical interventions
E.g. set quit date, social support, ID high risk situations, NRT, regular follow-up
Managing obesity template:
- Initial considerations (6)
- Approaches (5)
Address underlying causes e.g. steroid, thyroid
Assess for comorbidity e.g. diabetes, OSA
Assess underlying / associated risk factors / drivers e.g. smoking, FHx
Manage complications e.g. OA, gout, ca risk
Assess risk e.g. calculators, waist circumference
Assess psychological readiness / address barriers
5-stage approach:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Behavioural therapy
- Pharmacological
- Bariatric surgery
Weight loss goals (1, 2)
Aim to lose 10% of weight over 6 months.
Low likelihood of response if <2kg lost in first month
(If immobile, patient will gain 6-12kg/year)
General ‘managing a medical condition’ framework (5)
Treat reversible causes / triggers Treat underlying disease Prevent further deterioration Manage complications of disease/treatment Disease-specific therapy
Depression mnemonic
I.e. the neurovegetative symptoms
‘DSIGECAPS’
Depression Sleep impairment Interest (loss) Guilt Energy (low) Concentration (reduced) Appetite (low) Psychomotor agitation Suicidality
Assessing alcohol dependence (or other substances) (4)
‘CAGE’
Have you ever felt the need to CUT down?
ANNOYED at someone telling you to quit?
Feel GUILT about your use?
EYE opener?
Managing substance dependence framework (6)
Set goals Brief intervention ('FRAMES' approach) Counselling (or appropriate services) Pharmacotherapy Detox referral Manage complications
Annual stroke risk if CHADS-VASc = 2
2.2% per year
Goes up roughly one percent for each extra point
Implication of high HAS-BLED score
Caution and regular review of benefit / risk (but no an indication to stopping!)
DDx for massive hepatomegaly (5)
‘HAMMR’
HCC Alcoholic liver with fatty infiltrate Metastases Myeloproliferative disease (PRV, ET, myelofibrosis) Right heart failure
DDx for non-massive hepatomegaly (6)
‘HI CHAF’
Haematological cancer (CML, lymphoma) Infection e.g. malaria, hydatid, HIV Cirrhosis Haemochromatosis Amyloid Fatty liver disease
DDx for pulsatile liver (2)
TR
HCC
DDx for firm + irregular liver (4)
Cirrhosis
Hydatid disease
Metastic disease
Infiltrative disease
DDx for large kidney (5)
Polycystic kidney Renal cancer Renal vein thrombosis Hydronephrosis Infiltrative disease e.g. amyloid, lymphoma
DDx for massive splenomegaly (3)
‘CML’
CML
Myelofibrosis
Lymphoma (primary)
DDx for non-massive splenomegaly (8)
‘SO PITCHI’
Storage disease e.g. Gaucher's Other haematological malignancy Portal HTN Infiltrative disease e.g. sarcoid, amyloid Thalassaemia Connective tissue disease Haemolytic anaemia Infection e.g. EBV, malaria (Idiopathic is the most common cause)
Why does valsalva make HOCM louder?
By decreasing left ventricular filling, the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction worsens, making the murmur louder.
Mitral stenosis indications for surgery (4, 1)
Worsening dyspnoea
Falling valve area <1cm2
Pulmonary HTN
Recurrent thromboembolism
(Do surgery before pulmonary oedema or haemoptysis arises)
Mitral regurgitation indications for surgery (2)
Usually mitral valve REPAIR (rather than replacement)
NYHA III or IV symptoms or worsening LV dysfunction (try to do before LV has become too damaged, i.e. before EF <30%)
Aortic regurgitation indications for surgery (3)
Worsening dyspnoea
Worsening LV function
LV dilatation >5.5cm
Most common type of ASD in adults
Ostium secundum
DDx for digital clubbing (9)
Non-small cell lung cancer Suppurative lung disease: bronchiectasis, CF, PCD ILD Cyanotic heart disease Lymphoma Endocarditis IBD Cirrhosis Thyrotoxicosis (achropachy)
Cushingoid patient with thoracotomy scar; consider:
Lung transplant
Complications of portal HTN (5)
Ascites +/- SBP Varices +/- bleed Encephalopathy Hydrothorax Hepatorenal syndrome
DDx for hepatosplenomegaly (6)
‘IPMAIL’
Infection Portal HTN Myeloproliferative disease Acromegaly Infiltrative Lupus
Complications of Autologous SCT (6)
Mucositis Infection Marrow suppression Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (liver Sx) Secondary cancer Fertility issues
Post-SCT-transplant management (3)
Transfusion support
Infective prophylaxis e.g. cotrimoxazole, valaciclovir, fluconazole
Vaccinations
Things to ask about in allogenic SCT (5)
When/why Donor source: syngeneic, matched sibling, MUD, haploidentical, cord blood Donor: HLA match, CMV status Recipient: CMV status Conditioning regimen
Complications of allogeneic SCT
- Infectious (4)
Fungal
Viral: herpes, varicella, CMV/EBV, BK, JC
Bacterial: mycobacterium, pneumococcus
Protozoal: pneumocystis, toxoplasmosis
Allogeneic SCT: post-transplant management (5)
Long-term immunosuppression (cf. autologous SCT)
Transfusion support
GvHD prophylaxis (MTX, cyclosporin)
Infection prophylaxis: cotrimoxazole, valaciclovir, fluconazole
Vaccinations
Complications of allogeneic SCT
- Acute (6)
- Chronic (5)
Mucositis Marrow suppression GvHD - acute/chronic Infection Sinusoidal obstructive syndrome Rejection
PTLD Disease relapse Infertility Secondary malignancy Long-term increase in cardiovascular risk
CKD; complications + management
‘AABCDEFGHI + UM’
Acidosis - bicarb Anaemia - iron + EPO Bones - phosphate binders Calcium - vit D sups, parathyroidectomy Diabetes - screen +/- manage Electrolytes - monitor (K+ and Mg2+) Fluid - restriction +/- frusemide Gout - monitor +/- treat Hypertension / CARDIOVASCULAR - address/treat risk factors (statin, aspirin) Immunisations Uraemia - encephalopathy, pericarditis Malnutrition - high protein
Causes for bronchiectasis (6)
‘PIC CAT’
Primary ciliary dyskinesia / Kartagener's Immune deficiency / infection Cystic fibrosis Connective tissue disease ABPA TB
Bronchiectasis key HRCT findings (4)
Bronchial wall thickening
Bronchial dilatation (bigger than adjacent vessel)
Signet rings
‘Tree in bud’
X-ray findings in psoriatic arthritis (5)
Narrowed joint space NO periarticular osteopaenia (cf RA) Pencil in cup Joint tuft erosion Arthritis mutilans
Key x-ray finding in gout
‘Punched out’ erosions
Causes /groups for interstitial lung disease (7)
Idiopathic Connective tissue disease Drug related Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Occupational exposure Smoking-related Sarcoidosis
If finding ILD on exam, where to proceed to (2)
Look for pulmonary HTN
Look for connective tissue disease (RA, scleroderma, nodules etc.)
Normal liver span
8-12cm (midclavicular line)
Depends on age, size etc.
DDx for generalised adenopathy (7)
Lymphoma Leukaemia Metastatic disease Infection Connective tissue disease Sarcoidosis Phenytoin (pseudolymphoma)
Eye signs only found in Grave’s disease (but not other thyroid diseases) (5)
Exophthalmos Ophthalmoplegia (affects inferior rectus → difficulty with upward gaze) Chemosis Change in visual acuity, Optic atrophy
Causes for goitre (6, 2)
Grave's Iodine deficiency Thyroiditis Idiopathic Peri-partum Pendred syndrome (inborn error of T4 synthesis, a/w SNHL)
If irregular:
- Multinodular goitre
- Malignancy
DDx for frontal bossing (5)
Acromegaly Paget's disease Thalassaemia Achondroplasia Hydrocephalus
How to assess disease activity in acromegaly (7)
Skin tag number
Hypertension
Worsening visual fields / new CN palsies (cavernous sinus)
Excessive sweating
Glycosuria
Headache
Increasing ring size, shoe size or dentures
Exam ‘types’ to consider if given hand stem (4)
Rheum
Acromegaly
Peripheral neuropathy / isolated nerve lesion
Myopathy
DDx for deforming polarthropathy (5)
RA Seronegative arthropathies e.g. PsA, Reiter's, enteropathic Gout OA Haemochromatosis
Geriatric giants (5)
Think about this when doing a geriatric style long case:
- Immobility / instability (falls)
- Incontinence
- Confusion / memory / dementia
- Iatrogenic (polypharmacy)
- Impaired self-care
Considerations re: illness that started in childhood (4)
Impact on missed school
Playing sports
Making / playing with friends
Final education level
‘Niche’ questions in renal long case (5)
Dry weight
Still passing urine? (residual renal function)
Current Hb / EPO / iron use
Salt / fluid restriction
Post-dialysis Sx e.g. nausea, hypotension, cramps
Long-term complication of analgesic nephropathy (other than ESRF)
Transitional cell carcinoma
Most common causes of ESRF in NZ (4)
Diabetes - 50%
GN - 25%
HTN - 9%
Idiopathic
eGFR considerations (5)
Start dialysis at eGFR ~10-15
Plan vascular access for HD at eGFR ~20
Pre-emptive renal transplant performed at eGFR ~15
eGFR starts to fall from ~35 years of age
Many confounders e.g. amputees, AKI, weight loss
IgA nephropathy associations (4)
HIV
IBD
Chronic liver disease
Coeliac disease
Cons of peritoneal dialysis (5)
Infection risk (peritonitis, tunnel site) Diabetes worsening Peritoneal fibrosis Protein loss Hernias
DDx for livedo reticularis (3)
Cholesterol emboli
Anti-phospholipid syndrome
Vasculitis
Antibodies associated with GPA (2)
cANCA
anti-pr3
Systemic vasculitides associated with pANCA (2)
Other conditions with positive pANCA but negative MPO (3)
EGPA
MPA
Also have positive MPO antibodies
- IBD
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- PSC
Key toxicities of cyclophosphamide (5)
Cytopaenia Haemorrhagic cystitis (manage with mesna) / bladder cancer Infertility / premature menopause Opportunistic infection Increased malignancy (haem/skin)
Mechanism: DNA cross-linking
Classifying tremor (3)
Parkinsonian
Action / Postural (drug, thyroid, alcohol/toxin, essential)
Cerebellar - intention vs outflow tract
Seronegative spondyloarthropathies (5)
Psoriatic arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Reactive arthritis Enteropathic Arthritis Juvenile spondyloarthritis
When to use DMARDs in ankylosing spondylitis?
If there is also peripheral joint involvement.
(Can use anti-TNF-alpha for axial and peripheral disease as second line).
Ankylosing Spondylitis: non-medical management (7)
Regular exercise and daily stretch (or hydrotherapy)
Self-help groups
Stop smoking
Education re: iritis - needs urgent review
Education re: maintaining good posture
Firm mattress - offers symptomatic benefit
Monitor cardiovascular risk (main cause of early mortality)
Indications for ASD / PFO closure (4)
Asymptomatic but haemodynamically-significant shunt e.g. RV enlargement
Some pulmonary hypertension (prior to right-to-left shunt developing)
Paradoxical embolic stroke in patient <60
Platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome
Cut-off in FEV1 of how much is clinically important in lung transplant?
> 10%
Why is diltiazem still used in patients after they have had a heart transplant?
Slows metabolism of cyclosporin - can use lower doses, and is cheaper.
Angiography after heart transplant (2)
Performed 1-2x / year
For coronary artery intimal proliferation (AKA coronary artery vasculopathy)
Scars to look for in heart transplant (2)
Sternotomy
Small neck scars (from endomyocardial biopsy forceps)
Components of MELD score (3)
INR
Bilirubin
Creatinine
+/- extra points for haemodialysis or liver cancer
Components of Child-Pugh score (5)
Ascites Encephalopathy Bilirubin Albumin INR
Things addressed at cardiac rehab class (4)
Safe exercise
Weight reduction strategies
Changes to diet
Smoking reduction
Possible examination finding if only LIMA graft CABG performed (2)
Sternotomy
Numbness to left side of sternum
Patients who would benefit from CABG > angio (3)
LMS disease
3x vessel disease
Diabetics
Indications for surgery in infective endocarditis (5)
Valve / root abscess or conduction disturbance Persistent bacteraemia despite Rx Heart failure secondary to valve failure Resistant organisms (e.g. fungi) Recurrent major embolic phenomena
I.e. not just an isolated vegetation
NYHA classification
I - no limitation on physical activity
II - Sx on moderate activity
III - Sx on mild activity
IV - Sx at rest
DDx for wheeze (7)
Asthma COPD Bronchiectasis L) heart failure Polyarteritis nodosa EGPA External compression e.g. tumour
Complications of bronchiectasis (5)
Recurrent infections Sinusitis Haemoptysis Brain abscess Amyloidosis
Components of Kartagener’s syndrome (3)
Bronchiectasis
Sintus inversus
Chronic sinusitis
Which systems have irreversible damage from haemochromatosis? (2)
Joints
Endocrine
Extrahepatic complications of hepatitis C (6)
GN (membranoproliferative) Cryoglobulinaemia Porphyria cutanea tarda Vasculitis Polyarthralgias B cell lymphomas
Key features of nephrotic syndrome (4)
Proteinuria >3.5g / day
Hypoalbuminaemia
Oedema
Hyperlipidaemia
Extra-colonic complications of UC (8)
Pyoderma gangrenosum Erythema nodosum Oral ulcers Eye: uveitis Liver: PSC, cirrhosis Anaemia Amyloidosis Arthropathy
Bowel-related complications of UC and CD (4, 2)
Both: Pain / bleeding Strictures / obstruction Perforation Malignancy
Crohn’s:
Malnutrition
Peri-anal disease
Evaluating stricture in Crohn’s (3, 1)
CT enterography
MR enterography
Push endoscopy
Pill cam has high risk of worsening obstruction
Why is budesonide useful in IBD?
Acts locally in bowel, but is 90% metabolised by liver thereby reducing systemic effects.
Major AZA side-effects (4)
Cytopaenia
Pancreatitis
Rashes
Lymphoma
Key CIDP exam findings (3,1)
Proximal > distal weakness
Stocking/glove sensory loss (all modalities)
Absent reflexes
+/- sensory ataxia
CIDP DDx (4)
Guillain-Barre
HMSN (Charcot’s)
MMN
Neuropathy due to MGUS, diabetes, vasculitis, drugs etc.
Mitral stenosis: signs of severity (5)
Small pulse pressure 'Opening snap' Signs of pulmonary HTN Diastolic thrill Short distance between S1 and S2
Mitral regurgitation: signs of severity (4)
LV displacement
LV failure
Pulmonary HTN
Early diastolic murmur
Aortic regurgitation: signs of severity (6)
Wide pulse pressure Collapsing pulse Quinke's nails Corrigan's pulse Austin flint murmur LV failure
Aortic stenosis: signs of severity (6)
Narrow pulse pressure Aortic thrill Loss of heart sounds S4 presence Radiates to carotids CP / SOB / syncope (LV failure)
Cancer screening in NZ (4)
Prostate - not routine if asymptomatic
Bowel - 60-74 years (kit +/- scope)
Breast - 45 - 69 years (mammogram)
Cervical - 25 - 69 (smear)
Key side-effect of protease inhibitors
E.g. saquinavir
Increased CVD risk - e.g. via diabetes, increased lipids
Use pravastatin - has less interaction with antivirals
DDx for chorea (6)
Sydenham's chorea Huntington's Wilson's disease SLE Basal ganglia infarcts Chorea gravidarum
ABCs approach for substance misuse
A - ask about current patterns of use. Can quantify risk using ‘AUDIT C’ score
B - brief interventions / advice
C - counselling (this may involved community / allied health services)
Alcoholism - potential drugs (3)
Disulfiram - aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor (no change in cravings)
Topiramate - reduced cravings and withdrawal Sx
Naltrexone - opioid receptor antagonist (reduces urge to drink)
Mechanical valve INR targets (3, 1, 1)
Newest AVRs (‘On-X’) - 1.5 - 2.0
AVR with no other risk - 2 - 3
AVR with other thromboembolic risks, or old valves 2.5 - 3.5
Mitral or tricuspid valves - 2.5 - 3.5
UpToDate recommends concurrent aspirin in all patients with a mechanical prosthetic valve
‘Extras’ in renal transplant exam (7)
Prednisone complications - skin, myopathy, Cushings Gouty tophi Mouth - gum hypertrophy, candida Diabetes screening exam Skin cancers Parathyroidectomy scar Fistula function
General principles for pre-op assessment (4)
Consider the operation: what is planned, is there something safer
Assess comorbidity / severity + optimise
Manage medications: blood thinners, insulin, BP meds, stress dosing etc.
Planned post-op care e.g. incentive spirometry, warfarin bridging, stress dosing, temporary dialysis
Components of CHADS-VASc with 2 points
Age >75
Prior stroke / TIA
(all others are 1 point)
Oestrogen-related breast cancer risks (4)
Nulliparity
First pregnancy >30 years
Early menarche / late menopause
Obesity
Tamoxifen key side effects (3, 1)
Thromboembolism
Hot flushes
Endometrial hyperplasia
(Via CYP2D6 inhibition from SSRIs, the conversion of tamoxifen to its active metabolite is slowed)
Multiple myeloma prognostic factors
Beta-2-microglobulin conc.
Albumin level
Patient age
Cytogenetics
Key side effect of myeloma chemotherapy (lenalidomide / bortezomib)
Peripheral neuropathy
Criteria for bariatric surgery (2)
BMI >40
or BMI >35 and complications present (e.g. OSA, diabetes)
Both need to have tried and failed optimal medical therapy and be smoke-free
Trachea deviates away from (2)
Tension PTX
Large pleural effusion
Trachea deviates towards … (2)
Lobectomy / pneumonectomy
Lobar collapse
Tactile fremitus: Increased by (1) Decreased by (3)
Consolidation
Effusion, pneumothorax, emphysema
Normal spleen size
10-12cm
Metabolic syndrome criteria (5)
3 of 5 of:
- Increased waist circumference (102cm M, 88cm F)
- Increased triglycerides
- Decreased HDL
- Increased BP (>130/85)
- Increased BSLs
(Or on treatment for any of the above factors)
Heart failure pharmacotherapy (6, 2)
ACEi - key agent Beta blockers Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists ARNIs Ivabridine
(These all have hospitalisation and mortality benefit)
Emerging evidence for SGLT-2 inhibitors
Frusemide is symptomatic only
Heart failure lifestyle management (3,1)
Fluid restriction
Salt restriction
Daily weights
(Think of ‘rule of 2’s ‘)
Iron store optimisation
Heart failure devices (4)
CRT
ICD (primary vs secondary)
Ventricular assist device
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Indications for heart transplant (3, 1)
Severe AND symptomatic HF (despite optimal Tx)
Frequent discharges from ICD
Intractable angina
NOT just for low ejection fraction
Causes for late mortality after heart transplant (4)
Graft failure
Infection
Malignancy
Coronary artery vasculopathy (neointimal proliferation)
How to monitor myeloma progression (2)
‘CRAB’ criteria
Or increase in M-protein band
Medication that causes false-positive Coomb’s test
Daratumumab
anti-CD38, used in myeloma, which causes cross linking of RBCs
Engraftment
- What is it?
- How long to occur?
- How to measure?
Establishment of transplanted haematopoietic stem cells
2-3 weeks usually
Chimerism studies (seeing what proportion of peripheral cells are derived from donor vs recipient haematopoiesis)
How to assess for hyposplenism (3)
Howell-Jolly bodies on blood film
Pitted erythrocytes
Technecium-99 imaging
How to distinguish HOCM from hypertensive heart disease (3)
Predictors of hypertensive disease include:
Elevated indexed left ventricular mass
Absence of SAM
Absence of midwall LGE
Indications for ICD in HOCM (6)
Arrest from VF or sustained VT FHx of sudden cardiac death Septal wall thickness >30mm Unexplained syncope Young patient age High LV outflow tract gradient
HOCM screening (2, 1)
Autosomal dominant disease, with hypertrophy developing in second decade. As such:
- Screen 1st degree relatives aged 12-18 annually (Hx, Ex, ECG, ECHO)
- Screen 1st degree relatives >18 every 5 years
(Usually only then do diagnostic / genetic testing if positive screening. I.e. don’t screen via genetic testing)
What is the Fontan procedure (4)
Done for ‘univentricular’ congenital heart diseases, e.g. hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
SVC and IVC get directed straight to pulmonary arteries and into lungs, i.e. bypassing the heart.
The RV (via and ASD/VSD) then acts as the only pump around the body for blood returning from the lungs
Palliative procedure only - 10-20 years. Will eventually need heart/lung transplant.
How to diagnose heart transplant rejection
Endomyocardial biopsy (showing T-cell predominant inflammation).
(Note, complication of repeated biopsies = TR)
In which direction:
- Does the uvula deviate?
- Does the tongue deviate?
Uvula - away from lesion
Tongue - towards side of lesion
What does positive Romberg’s indicate?
Dorsal column disease (i.e. sensory ataxia)
(Normally, vision will compensate for the sensory loss. Cerebellar and vestibular disease is indicated if patient cannot stand with their feet together regardless if their eyes are open or closed).
Cerebellar gait (2)
Broad-based, lurching
Proceed with cerebellar exam
Parkinsonian gait (3, 1)
Small, shuffling, fastination.
Loss of arm swing.
Slow initiation of gait.
Proceed with Parkinson’s exam
Hemiplegic / hemiparetic gait (2, 1)
Slow, spastic - affected limb is lifted and circumducted. Upper limb is flexed + adducted.
Look for other UMN lesions
Sensory ataxia gait (3)
Wide based, feet lifted high off ground, patient has to look at floor, feet slap to ground.
Look for positive Romberg’s and then to LL sensory exam.
Look for Argyll Robertson pupil
(DDx Friedreich’s ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, tabes dorsalis, subacute degeneration of the cord, MS, cord lesions)
High stepping gait (2)
Due to foot drop
Proceed with foot drop isolation
Scissor gait (paraparetic) (seen in + DDx + examine for)
Spastic paraplegia - legs can cross in front of one another
DDx: Hereditary spastic paraparesis, Friedreich’s ataxia, cord lesions, MS, cerebral palsy, transverse myelitis
Examine for LL UMN signs, sensory level, check spine, then check ULs to see if extended, then check cerebellum
Waddling gait
Proximal myopathies
Brown-Sequard syndrome key findings (3)
Below level of lesion:
Ipsilateral weakness (UMN pattern)
Ipsilateral dorsal column loss
Contralateral spinothalamic loss
At level of lesion:
Ipsilateral weakness (LMN pattern)
Ipsilateral sensory loss
Brown-Sequard DDx (5)
Syringomyelia Trauma - stab, bullet Spinal cord tumour Multiple myeloma Degenerative spine disease
Bulbar palsy findings (5)
Nasal speech Wasting / fasciculating tongue Weak soft palate Absent gag reflex Absent jaw jerk
Dividing hypoglycaemic symptoms (2)
Neurogenic (adrenergic excess, e.g. tremor, agitation, anxiety, palpitations, sweating)
Neuroglycopaenic (low BSL e.g. delirium, coma, seizure)
Management approach for diabetic with hypoglycaemia
- Information gathering (3)
- Planning (7)
History initially - how frequent events, what symptoms, needing the help of someone else (i.e. severe)?
Further information - BSL records, machine log, CGM
Further information - intercurrent illness, exercise, diet change
Establish plan:
- Individualised regimen - balanced according to patient
- May be reasonable to run higher / adjust injsulin
- Run higher for 2-3 weeks to restore hypoglycaemic awareness
- Increase monitoring frequency
- Educate about symptoms, exercise, diet
- Access to carbs / glucagon at home
- Educate family/friends about Sx + emergency management
Hypoglycaemia / driving stand-downs (3)
Mild - one hour if insulin, longer if sulfonylurea used
Severe - no driving for 24h
Severe event WHILE driving - no driving 1 month / until specialist review
Vision standards for driving (2)
Class 1 - 6/12
Other classes - 6/9
Key components of palliative care / optimising quality of life case to discuss (1, 5, 4)
“Each person has unique definition of quality of life” - needs wholistic approach. “What area is important to the patient?”
Areas: Physical Psychosocial Spiritual Cultural needs Support family/friends - with caring role and with bereavement
During discussions, involve: Patient / selected close contacts Cultural support worker Palliative care team Hospice
Findings in nerve conduction studies:
Compressive lesion
Demyelinating condition
Axonal condition
Proximal nerve root lesion (e.g. GBS)
Conduction block (sudden slowing of velocity >50%)
Slowed conduction velocity and temporal dispersion (signals arrive at different times)
Reduced conduction amplitude
Prolonged F-waves
Findings in EMG studies:
Denervated muscles
Neuronal muscle disease
Myopathic muscle disease
Positive sharp waves and fibrillations (dead nerve –> upregulated AChRs –> start to respond to background ACh)
- Note fasciculation is what is seen clinically, not fibrillation
Increased motor unit amplitude, decreased recruitment
Small motor unit amplitude, increased recruitment
(Dive bomber sound in myotonic dystrophy)
Pulmonary HTN exam findings (6)
Parasternal heave Loud P2, with splitting +/- S3 or S4 Tricupsid regurgitation Elevated JVP Pulsatile liver Ascites / oedema
(Then to proceed to look for other causes, e.g. scleroderma)
‘Rheum drugs’ key side-effects:
- All of them
- Methotrexate (5)
All cause GI upset commonly.
Mucositis, LFTs, cytopaenia, lung disease, teratogen.
Need to avoid other anti-folate Rx e.g. triprim
‘Rheum drugs’ key side-effects:
Sulfasalazine (3)
Orange sweat/urine, LFTs, cytopaenia
Avoid in G6PD deficiency
‘Rheum drugs’ key side-effects:
Hydroxychloroquine (2)
Photosensitivity, retinitis
Avoid in G6PD deficiency
‘Rheum drugs’ key side-effects:
Leflunomide (4)
LFTs, neuropathy, cytopaenia, teratogen
Reverse with cholestyramine
DDx for demyelinating disease other than MS (4)
ADEM
Devic’s disease
Leukodystrophies
Tuberous sclerosis
Key features in MSA (5)
Cerebellar signs / ataxia Autonomic dysfunction Incontinence Hot cross bun sign on MRI Poor L-dopa response
Key features on exam for myasthenia gravis (8, 1)
Ptosis, worsening with sustained upgaze. Peek sign (can't keep eyes closed) Diplopia Snarling instead of smile Nasal speech Count to 50 - voice deteriorates (bulbar features) Proximal weakness, and weak neck flexion - Can compare by moving one arm for 15 seconds, then testing both sides simultaneously Thymectomy scar
NORMAL sensation and reflexes
Key features LEMS (vs myasthenia) (4)
Improves with exercise
Absent reflexes
Rare to have bulbar symptoms
Positive anti-P/Q-calcium channel antibodies
MRC dyspnoea scale (5)
Breathless on:
1 - strenuous exercise 2 - uphill / hurrying 3 - walking at pace on level / after 15min 4 - within 100m 5 - getting dressed / can't leave house
What virus causes Kaposi’s sarcoma / multi-centric Castleman’s disease
HHV-8
Castleman’s managed with rituximab and doxorubicin, +/- ART if HIV+
Barriers to medication adherence
- ‘Patient-related’ (5)
- Practical (3)
Psychiatric disease e.g. schiophrenia, bipolar
Low mood / ambivalence about condition
Low understanding / insight into condition + why on Rx
Stigma about taking Rx / denial
Doesn’t trust doctor
Finances / distance to pharmacy
Regimen too complex / can’t physically use (e.g. MDIs)
Previous side-effects
Managing / improving medication adherence (1, 7)
Confirm the correct diagnosis - is the condition not improving because the right thing isn’t being treated?
- Establish partnership with patient - set a realistic and shared goal (avoid “therapeutic perfectionism”)
- Explore understanding / re-educate
- Assess perceived and practical barriers
- Simple / inexpensive regimen, clear written instructions
- Set alarms / reminders, involve family
- Strategies for managing with side-effects
- Regular follow-up / review on how it’s going
Key features of PSP (2)
Axial rigidity
Vertical gaze palsies
Mixed neuropathies (6)
‘DAD RUM’
Diabetes - amyotrophy Alcohol Drugs (cisplatin, vincristine, phenytoin) Rheumatoid Uraemia Malignancy
Motor neuropathies DDx (5)
GBS Charcot-Marie Tooth Lead toxicity Porphyria Polio
Sensory neuropathy DDx (5)
Diabetes Alcohol B1/B12 Leprosy Renal failure
DDx / causes for pseudobulbar palsy (4)
Bilateral stroke
MS
MND
Parkinson’s
DDx for bulbar palsy (4)
MND
GBS
Myasthenia
Myopathies
Radial nerve lesion: high vs low (i.e. injury above/below middle of humerus) (4, 1)
In high lesion:
- Loss of forearm flexion and supination (brachioradialis lost)
- Loss of wrist extension
- Loss of MCPJ extension
- Loss of thumb abduction
(Whereas lower lesion only affects finger extension and thumb)
Corneal reflex pathway
V –> VII
Gag reflex pathway
IX –> X
Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Cord;
- key findings (4)
- proceed to (4)
Brisk knee jerk reflex
Absent ankle reflex
Upgoing plantars
Posterior column sensory loss (and Romberg’s positive)
Mucous membranes (red tongue, anaemia) Abdomen (gastrectomy scar) Pupils - tabes dorsalis in DDx Optic atrophy
Categories for proximal weakness (3)
Myopathy - see ‘PACE PODS + others’
NMJ disease e.g. myasthenia, Grave’s
Neurogenic e.g. MND, demyelinating disease
Wallenberg’s key features (2)
Face: ipsilateral Horner’s, Cerebellar signs, bulbar palsy and face/temp loss
Limbs: contralateral pain/temp loss
Alcohol / smoking - management overview (6)
- ‘ABC’ approach (ask, brief intervention, cessation support/counselling)
- Categorise severity via ‘CAGE’
Set ‘QUIT DATE’ - Behavioural intervention e.g. AA, education, positive feedback, counselling, smoking helplines (Quitline), CAMS
- Pharmacological interventions
- Manage complications / side-effects
- Screen for other harmful substances
- Regular follow-up (GP probably)
Smoking cessation medications (4)
NRT - based on time of first cigarette (<1h) and amount per day (>10)
Bupropion - atypical antidepressant, reduces cravings
Nortriptyline - TCA
Varenicline (Champix) - second line, blocks nACHrs in brain
HIV medication classes: integrase inhibitors
Names ending in -‘gravir’ e.g. dolutegravir
HIV medication classes: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Names with ‘vir’ in the middle
HIV medication classes: fusion inhibitors
Enfurvitide, maraviroc
HIV medication classes: protease inhibutors
Names ending in -‘navir’
HIV medication classes: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
All other meds not covered by above ‘rules’
Horner’s syndrome - why does internal carotid artery lesion only cause ptosis/miosis (but not anhidrosis)?
Sweating fibres are carried along external carotid artery branch, so these are unaffected. Would see ‘triad’ if lesion is proximal to the carotid bifurcation.
Acronym for initial neuro inspection
‘SWIFT’
Scars Wasting / walking aids Involuntary movements (chorea) Fasciculations Tremor
‘Overview’ for threatened independence (5)
Address / optimise underlying conditions
Involve family / friends / community groups
Optimise home e.g. OT, package of care
Access to transport e.g. bus, shuttle, driving miss daisy
‘Other’: counselling, capacity, finances, will/EPoA, St John’s alarm
Splenectomy: Vaccines (5)
Conjugate vaccine first (PCV13 AKA Prevenar)
Then polysaccharide vaccine (PCV23 AKA Pneumovax)
Meningitis vaccines - both types
HiB vaccine
Annual influenza
Secondary HTN screen (7)
Renal function Cortisol ECHO - coarctation Renal USS / angio Plasma metanephrines Renin-aldosterone ratio Consider sleep study
Vaccines in dialysis patients; key points (4)
Often generate lower immune / antibody response
Often get double hepatitis B vaccine dose
Annual flu vaccine
Routine for other vaccines
When to perform screening for intracranial aneurysms in PCKD? (4)
FHx of PCKD + aneurysms
About to have major surgery
High risk occupation
Being anticoagulated
(Done at diagnosis, then again at 5 years once only)
Structures that move upward (>2cm) on neck swallow assessment (2)
Goitre
Thyroglossal cyst
(Due to attachment to the larynx)
Diabetic amyotrphy: key features (5)
An asymmetric motor polyneuropathy:
Proximal thigh/hip atrophy and weakness Burning nerve pain Sensory loss in thigh Absent knee jerk reflex Associated autonomic failure and weight loss
What is the significance of rheumatoid nodules if found?
Suggests seropositive / more aggressive arthritis.
Can be found on hands, sacrum, elbow, tendons, lungs and myocardium
Portal HTN features on USS (5)
Small / nodular liver Dilated portal vein Reversal of flow in portal vein Splenomegaly Recanalisation of the umbilical vein
(Note, on bloods, also look at platelets)
Causes of lipodystrophy (3)
Diabetes (inuslin injection)
Anti-retroviral therapy
CKD (MPGN)
Antibody associated with drug-induced lupus
Anti-histrone Abs
Expected findings on fundoscopy in diabetic eye exam (5)
Cataract (loss of white reflex) Blot haemorrhages Cotton wool spots Hard exudates Macular oedema
Glucose suppression test:
- When to order
- What to expect
In work-up for acromegaly if positive / elevated IGF-1
Oral glucose should lead to decrease in GH. This doesn’t occur in acromegaly.
Medical management for acromegaly (4)
Somatostatin analogues (octreotide)
Cabergoline
Pegvisomant (GH-R antagonist)
RTx
Order that hormones fall in hypopituitarism.
First: GH, FSH, LH
Then: TSH, ACTH
Last: ADH
If extra time in aortic regurgitation exam, proceed to look for: (4)
Arm-span
High arch palate
Ank spond
Rheumatoid arthritis
HOCM vs aortic stenosis (3)
Valsalva - decreases AS, increases HOCM murmur
Jerky pulse in HOCM
AS radiates to carotids, HOCM to axilla
Long-term murmur after Tetralogy of Fallot repair
Pulmonary regurgitation
Causes for mixed aortic valve disease (3)
Rheumatic heart disease
Bicuspid aortic valve
Degenerative/age-related disease
Parkinson’s: key prodrome symptoms (4)
Anosmia
Constipation
REM behaviour sleep disorder
Mood / anxiety
Why are dopamine agonists preferred in younger Parkinson’s patients?
Examples
Key caution
Delays use of L-dopa, thereby delaying onset of dyskinesia problems
E.g. ropinirole, pramipexole
Impulse control disorders, punting
What is the benefit of amantidine in Parkinson’s treatment? (2)
Useful for mild Sx
Reduces dyskinesia
(Note caution in renal impairment)
What type of medications are used for tremor-predominant Parkinson’s?
Anti-cholinergics
COPD-X components
Confirm Dx Optimise disease Prevent deterioration - e.g. smoking, imms Develop plan - action plan, MDT Manage exacerbations