Laz Paper 5

Question 1

How is serum ascites- albumin gradient calculated? (SAAG)

Answer 1

Serum albumin - ascites albumin

• >= 11 –> transudate as tension forces fluid out of the vasculature leading to increased serum albumin concentration
• < 11 –> exudate as vascular damage allows proteins to leak into the ascites, nephrotic syndrome is the exception as albumin can be freely filtered across the damaged glomerular membrane

Question 2

What is the tumour marker for ovarian cancer?

Answer 2

CA125

Question 3

How does spinal cord stenosis present?

Answer 3

Bilateral sciatic pain exacerbated by walking downhill/ stairs as the lumbar spine is squashed together, patients commonly present as stooped over in attempt to stretch the lumbar spine

Question 4

What is the difference in clinical investigation of spinal cord stenosis and cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 4

Cauda equina

• LMN signs

Spinal stenosis

• UMN signs

Question 5

Which lymph nodes do testicular tumours spread via?

Answer 5

Para-aortic

Question 6

Which lymph nodes will be enlarged in scrotal and penile infections and tumours?

Answer 6

Inguinal

Question 7

What is Felty’s syndrome?

Answer 7

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Neutropaenia
• Splenomegaly

Question 8

What is the Giemsa stain used for?

Answer 8

Malaria

Question 9

What is the Breslow thickness?

Answer 9

The scale used to stage malignant melanomas by estimating how deeply they’re penetrating the skin