MRCP Part 2 Flashcards
What is the mainstay of treating anterior uveitis?
Steroid and Cycloplegic (mydriatic) Eye Drops
E.g. Cyclopentolate and Corticosteroids
What is a useful effect of COMT inhibitors in patients with Parkinson’s Disease?
It is effective at smoothing out on-off fluctuations in patients on L-DOPA/DOPA Decarboxylase Inhibitors
Why should pioglitazone be avoided in patients with congestive cardiac failure?
It causes fluid retention
In which patients should donepezil be avoided?
Bradycardia
Which type of ovarian tumour produces TSH?
Struma ovarii (variant of ovarian teratoma)
Outline the emergency management of acute angle closure glaucoma.
Eye Drops (e.g. pilocarpine, timlolol) + IV Acetazolamide
What is the first-line treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia?
Carbamazepine
Outline the stages of hypertensive retinopathy.
I Arteriolar narrowing and tortuosity Increased light reflex - silver wiring II Arteriovenous nipping III Cotton-wool exudates Flame and blot haemorrhages IV Papilloedema
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis?
Type 1
- Caused by excess iodine-induced thyroid hormone synthesis
- Goitre present
- Rx: Carbimazole or Potassium Perchlorate
Type 2
- Caused by amiodarone-related destructive thyroiditis
- Goitre absent
- Rx: Corticosteroids
NOTE: these can be distinguished using colour flow Doppler ultrasonography or thyroid uptake scans
What are the main features of leptospirosis?
Acute Phase: fever, malaise, headache, and abdominal pain
Later Phase: severe systemic upset such as renal failure, pulmonary haemorrhage, and hepatic failure.
Ix: Serology
Rx: high-dose benzylpenicillin or doxycycline
What does capillary wedge pressure represent in terms of cardiac catheterisation?
It is equivalent to the left atrial pressure which should equal the left ventricular diastolic pressure
A normal mitral valve would expect less than 5 mm Hg pressure difference (capillary wedge pressure minus left ventricular diastolic pressure). If it is greater than that, there is a degree of mitral stenosis.
How is p wave asystole managed?
External pacing
NOTE: this is when you see only p waves on a rhythm check in a cardiac arrest
What are the indications for carotid endartarectomy?
Recommend if patient has suffered stroke or TIA in the carotid territory and are not severely disabled
Should only be considered if carotid stenosis > 70% according ECST** criteria or > 50% according to NASCET*** criteria
How does Q fever manifest?
Fevers, headaches, fatigue and muscle aches
Transaminitis on LFTs
Comes from sheep and caused by Coxiella burnetti
Which therapy is effective and reducing morbidity and mortality in toxic epidermal necrolysis?
IVIG
How should patients with a superficial vein thrombosis be managed?
Ultrasound to check for DVT
Prophylactic dose LMWH for 30 days or fondaparinux for 45 days (if contraindicated, 8-12 days of NSAID)
NOTE: there is a risk of thrombosis extension into the deep veins
List some poor prognostic factors for CLL.
male sex age > 70 years lymphocyte count > 50 prolymphocytes comprising more than 10% of blood lymphocytes lymphocyte doubling time < 12 months raised LDH CD38 expression positive TP53 mutation
What are the features of local anaesthetic toxicity?
CNS: reduced GCS, seizures
Cardiovascular: arrhythmia, hypotension
In which patients can you not give ranolazine?
Severely impaired renal function
After calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers, which agents are used in the management of stable angina?
Long-acting nitrate
Nicorandil (stimulates guanylate cyclase to increase formation of cyclic GMP)
Ranolazine (inward sodium channel inhibitor)
Ivabradine (funny channel inhibitors - reduces HR and workload)
What are the main features of acute intermittent porphyria?
autosomal dominant
defect in porphobilinogen deaminase
female and 20-40 year olds more likely to be affected
typically present with abdominal symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms
hypertension and tachycardia common
urine turns deep red on standing
What are the main features of porphyria cutanea tarda?
most common hepatic porphyria
defect in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase
may be caused by hepatocyte damage e.g. alcohol, oestrogens
classically photosensitive rash with bullae, skin fragility on face and dorsal aspect of hands
urine: elevated uroporphyrinogen and pink fluorescence of urine under Wood’s lamp
manage with chloroquine
What are the main features of variegate porphyria?
autosomal dominant defect in protoporphyrinogen oxidase photosensitive blistering rash abdominal and neurological symptoms more common in South Africans
What’s the most common chemotherapy regime for small cell lung cancer?
Cisplatin and etoposide
NOTE: cisplatin causes hypomagnesemia which leads to muscle cramps, tremor, arrhythmias and confusion
Which UC patients should be considered for drugs that maintain remission (e.g. azathioprine, mercaptopurine)?
severe relapse or >=2 exacerbations in the past year they should be given either oral azathioprine or oral mercaptopurine to maintain remission
What are the criteria for LTOT?
Offer LTOT to patients with a pO2 of < 7.3 kPa or to those with a pO2 of 7.3 - 8 kPa and one of the following:
secondary polycythaemia
peripheral oedema
pulmonary hypertension
What is one crucial interaction between TB and HIV medications that you should be aware of?
Rifampicin causes reduced absorption and increased metabolism of protease inhibitors
NOTE: in these circumstances, an alternative rifamycin such as rifabutin is recommended as it induced cytochromse p450 less than rifampicin
What is the first-line management option for renal complications of systemic sclerosis?
ACE Inhibitors
What clinical features is associated with an increased risk of NSAID-induced asthma exacerabtions?
Presence of nasal polyps
How is crusted scabies managed?
Isolated and ivermectin
NOTE: crusted scabies is something that happens in people who are significantly immunocompromised
How is cryptococcal meningitis managed?
IV Antifungals (e.g. amphotericin B and flucytosine)
How does cryoglobulinaemia present?
Raynaud’s only seen in type I
cutaneous: vascular purpura, distal ulceration, ulceration
arthralgia
renal involvement (diffuse glomerulonephritis)
What are the three types of cryoglobulinaemia?
Three types type I (25%): monoclonal type II (25%): mixed monoclonal and polyclonal: usually with rheumatoid factor type III (50%): polyclonal: usually with rheumatoid factor
Type I
monoclonal - IgG or IgM
associations: multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia
Type II
mixed monoclonal and polyclonal: usually with rheumatoid factor
associations: hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s, lymphoma
Type III
polyclonal: usually with rheumatoid factor
associations: rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s
Which common cardiac drug should be avoided in patients with cardiac amyloid?
Digoxin (higher risk of digoxin toxicity as the drug binds avidly to amyloid fibrils)
How is idiopathic intracranial hypertension managed?
Weight Loss
Acetazolamide
Why are SSRIs contraindicated in patients with a background of peptic ulcer disease?
Increases the risk of upper GI bleeds by inhibiting platelet aggregation
Which treatment should be considered in addition to a statin in a young patient with familial hypercholesterolaemia?
Evolocumab (PCSK9 inhibitor)
Outline the Simon Broome criteria for familial hypercholesterolaemia.
In adults total cholesterol (TC) > 7.5 mmol/l and LDL-C > 4.9 mmol/l or children TC > 6.7 mmol/l and LDL-C > 4.0 mmol/l, plus:
DEFINITE FH: tendon xanthoma in patients or 1st or 2nd degree relatives or DNA-based evidence of FH
POSSIBLE FH: family history of myocardial infarction below age 50 years in 2nd degree relative, below age 60 in 1st degree relative, or a family history of raised cholesterol levels
What is an important acute complication of a ketamine infusion?
Raised ICP (monitor for headache, papilloedema and vomiting when administering)
What is the time window for thrombectomy for stroke?
an extended target time of 6-24 hours may be considered if there is the potential to salvage brain tissue, as shown by imaging such as CT perfusion or diffusion-weighted MRI sequences showing limited infarct core volume
How should patients with gestational diabetes be followed-up after birth?
Postnatal glucose check (fasting blood glucose) 6-13 weeks postpartum
How should patients with COPD who are being worked up for LTOT and have a significant rise in pCO2 with oxygen therapy be managed?
Patients who develop a respiratory acidosis and/or a rise in PaCO2 of >1 kPa (7.5 mmHg) during an LTOT assessment on two repeated occasions, while apparently clinically stable, should only have domiciliary oxygen ordered in conjunction with nocturnal ventilatory support
What is seen on a biopsy of a patient with CMV colitis?
Inclusion bodies
NOTE: treated with gancyclovir
Which antibody is specific for drug-induced lupus?
Anti-histone
NOTE: common causes include procainamide and hydralazine
Which conditions are associated with SIBO?
neonates with congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities
scleroderma
diabetes mellitus
Describe the appearance of cryptosporidium on Ziehl Nielson staining.
Red cysts
May be treated with rifaximin but is usually supportive in patients who are immunocompetent
Other treatment: nitazoxanide
What is the drug of choice for lymphatic filariasis?
Diethylcarbamazine
How is FSGS treated?
Steroids
How does histoplasmosis present?
Productive cough
Retrosternal chest pain
Recent travel to USA
Rx: Itraconazole or amphotericin
Which medication enhances the effects of adenosine?
Dipyridamole
Leads to prolonged effects
Which TB drug causes arthralgia?
Pyrazinamide
What is the purpose of a long synacthen test?
A long synacthen test (where samples are taken at 1, 4, 8, and 24 hours) can be used to distinguish Addison’s from secondary causes of adrenal insufficiency such as steroid use, panhypopituitarism, and isolated failure of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).
RATIONALE: with primary failure, the adrenals will never be able to produce any cortisol. With secondary failure, the exogenous ACTH will eventually be able to produce some cortisol.
Which ECG change is commonly seen in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy?
TWI in V1-V3 Epsilon wave (terminal notch in QRS complex)
When are platelets and FFP recommended in the context of a gastrointestinal bleed?
platelets < 50 and INR/APTT > 1.5 x normal
What are the four types of renal tubular acidosis?
Type 1 RTA (distal)
inability to generate acid urine (secrete H+) in distal tubule
causes hypokalaemia
complications include nephrocalcinosis and renal stones
causes include idiopathic, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, Sjogren’s, amphotericin B toxicity, analgesic nephropathy
Type 2 RTA (proximal)
decreased HCO3- reabsorption in proximal tubule
causes hypokalaemia
complications include osteomalacia
causes include idiopathic, as part of Fanconi syndrome, Wilson’s disease, cystinosis, outdated tetracyclines, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide, topiramate)
Type 3 RTA (mixed)
extremely rare
caused by carbonic anhydrase II deficiency
results in hypokalaemia
Type 4 RTA (hyperkalaemic)
reduction in aldosterone leads in turn to a reduction in proximal tubular ammonium excretion
causes hyperkalaemia
causes include hypoaldosteronism, diabetes
What are the features of Miller-Fisher Syndrome?
Ophthalmoplegia
Areflexia
Ataxia
Usually a DESCENDING paralysis
NOTE: Anti-GQ1b antibodies present in 90% of cases
What is one negative aspect of G6PD level assays?
It may be normal during an acute episode
NOTE: this is because cells with the lowest levels of G6PD are destroyed first during an acute episode. Measure again once acute episode has resolved.
Which four cranial nerve nuclei arise in the medulla?
CN 9-12
Which four cranial nerve nuclei arise in the pons?
CN 5-8
Which four cranial nerve nuclei arise ABOVE the pons?
CN 1-2 (from the cerebrum)
CN 3-4 (from the midbrain)
Which neuroanatomical structures are in the MIDLINE in the brainstem?
Motor pathways (corticospinal tract)
Medial lemniscus
Medial longitudinal fasciculus
Motor nuclei of 3, 4, 6 and 12
Which neuroanatomical structures are in the LATERAL aspect of the brainstem?
Spinothalamic Tract
Sympathetic Fibres
Sensory Nuclei of CN 5
Spinocerebellar Tract
Which rule can be used to remember which motor nuclei are in the midline vs the lateral aspect of the brainstem?
The ones in the midline are all divisible by 12 (12, 6, 4 and 3) (N.B. excludes 1 and 2)
The others are found in the lateral aspect (5, 7, 9 and 11)
How does an uncal herniation manifest?
Ipsilateral 3rd nerve palsy involving the pupil Contralateral paralysis (due to compression of cerebral peduncle)
What is the recommended treatment option for fatigue associated with MS?
Amantadine
NOTE: anaemia, depression and thyroid dysfunction should be ruled out first
How is oscillopsia associated with MS treated?
Gabapentin
How should bladder dysfunction in MS be investigated and managed?
Ix: US to assess bladder emptying
If significant residual volume –> Intermittent self-catheterisation
If no significant residual volume –> anticholinergics
What are the criteria for beta-interferon use in multiple sclerosis?
Relapsing-remitting disease + 2 relapses in past 2 years + able to walk 100m unaided
Secondary progressive disease + 2 relapses in past 2 years + able to walk 10m (aided or unaided)
Alternatives: glatiramer acetate, diethyl fumarate and teriflunomide
NOTE: interferons are contraindicated in liver dysfunction
What causes mucosal leishmaniasis and how does it manifest?
Leishmania braziliensis
Skin lesions across mucosa of nose and pharynx (may manifest years after exposure)
What causes cutaneous leishmaniasis and how does it manifest?
Leishmania tropica or Leishmania mexicana
Crusted lesion at site of bite
What causes visceral leishmaniasis and how does it manifest?
Leishmania donovani
Fever, sweats and rigors
Massive splenomegaly and hepatomegaly
Grey skin
Pancytopaenia (due to hypersplenism)
Ix: bone marrow or splenic aspirate
Which vector transmits leishmaniasis?
Sandfly
Which blood film abnormalities will be seen in G6PD deficiency?
Heinz bodies
Bite cells
Blister cells
Which stain is used to distinguish primary from metastatic lung cancers when performing cytological analysis of a malignant pleural effusion?
TTF1 (thyroid transcription factor)
This is only expressed by cells found in lung and thyroid.
How does Kearns-Sayre syndrome manifest?
Onset in patients < 20 years old
External ophthalmoplegia, retinitis pigmentosa (causing night blindness). Ptosis may be seen, heart block
NOTE: mitochondrial disease
What is the most specific ECG feature of acute pericarditis?
PR Depression
Which drugs are used in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (with pulse)?
Procainamide (best option)
Amiodarone
Lidocaine (caution in left ventricular impairment)
What is a major risk of starting ACE inhibitors in someone with bilateral renal artery stenosis?
It can case deteriorating renal function and flash pulmonary oedema
What are the features of severe iron toxicity (i.e. overdose)?
Abdominal pain and haematemesis (gastrointestinal corrosion) Diarrhoea Raised BM (HALLMARK) Significant sample haemolysis Metabolic acidosis with high anion gap Coagulopathy (particularly APTT)
What increase in transaminases is allowed after starting a statin?
Up to 3 x upper limit of normal
If it appears to be rising but within this limit, the statin can be continued and LFTs repeated in 4-6 weeks
How is methotrexate toxicity treated?
Folinic acid
NOTE: folic acid is used to prevent methotrexate side-effects
Which antibiotics have good Pseudomonas cover?
Ciprofloxacin Tazocin Ceftazidime Aztreonam Meropenem
What is the only absolute contraindication for ECT?
Raised intracranial pressure
In which subgroup of patients with stable angina should revascularisation with PCI be offered?
Stable coronary artery disease and ischaemia in > 10 % of the left ventricle
What is an osmolar gap?
Measure Osmolality - Calculated Osmolality (2 x Na + Glu + Ur) = <10
If it is high, it means that there is an unmeasured solute in high amounts (e.g. ethylene glycol)
Which cause of pneumonia is associated with bulging fissure sign?
Klebsiella pneumonia
List some indications for IVIG
primary and secondary immunodeficiency
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
myasthenia gravis
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Kawasaki disease
toxic epidermal necrolysis
pneumonitis induced by CMV following transplantation
low serum IgG levels following haematopoietic stem cell transplant for malignancy
dermatomyositis
chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy
NOTE: aseptic meningitis is a classic complication
What is the preferred imaging modality for patients with suspected TIA who need brain imaging?
MRI brain with diffusion-weighted imaging
What is a gradient record MRI brain used for?
To look for microhaemorrhages
How are hiccups managed?
Chlorpromazine
Haloperidol and Gabapentin
Dexamethasone (used if there are hepatic lesions)
What should you do in patients with neutropenic sepsis that has failed to respond to antibiotics after 48 hours?
It may be fungal –> start antifungal therapy
What feature can help distinguish dengue from chikungunya?
Chikungunya is more associated with severe joint pains
What is the most common GI side-effect of clozapine?
Constipation and intestinal obstruction
What are the indication for CRT?
NYHA class three or four symptoms
They are in normal sinus rhythm with either
→ QRS duration of 150 ms or longer estimated by standard electrocardiogram (ECG)
→ QRS duration of 120-149 ms estimated by ECG and mechanical dyssynchrony that is confirmed by echocardiography.
They have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less.
They are receiving optimal pharmacological thera
How is Schistosoma haematobium infection treated?
Single dose of praziquantel
Which types of porphyria only cause neurovisceral symptoms (i.e. no skin involvement)?
Acute intermittent porphyria
Aminolaevulinic acid dehydrogenase porphyria
Which types of porphyria only manifest with photosensitivity?
Porphyria cutanea tarda
Congenital erythropoietic porphyria
Erythropoietic protoporphyria
Which types of porphyria cause both neurovisceral and photosensitive manifestations?
Variegate porphyria
Hereditary coproporphyria
How long after CT contrast can a patient have radioiodine therapy?
8 weeks
Which criteria are used to diagnose a total anterior circulation stroke?
Unilateral hemiparesis and/or hemisensory loss of face/arm/leg
Homonymous hemianopia
Higher cognitive dysfunction (e.g. dysphasia)
NOTE: partial anterior circulation stroke is if 2 of the 3 above criteria are present
Which arteries are affected in a total anterior circulation stroke?
Anterior and Middle Cerebral Arteries
What are the main complications of typhoid?
Bowel perforation and haemorrhage
Myocarditis and endocarditis
List some contraindications for second line anti-anginal drugs.
Ivabradine - sick sinus syndrome
Ranolazine - liver injury
Nicorandil - LV failure and cardiogenic shock
What are the five types of lupus nephritis?
I - Minimal Mesangial II - Mesangial Proliferation III - Focal IV - Diffuse (WORST PROGNOSIS) V - Membranous
What treatment should be offered to 15-49 year olds with early ADPKD (eGFR > 90)?
ACE inhibitor with target blood pressure of < 110/75 mm Hg
NOTE: tolvaptan is recommended for rapidly progressive disease at CKD stage 2-3.
What are the indications for starting treatment of CLL?
progressive marrow failure: the development or worsening of anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia
massive (>10 cm) or progressive lymphadenopathy
massive (>6 cm) or progressive splenomegaly
progressive lymphocytosis: > 50% increase over 2 months or lymphocyte doubling time < 6 months
systemic symptoms: weight loss > 10% in previous 6 months, fever >38ºC for > 2 weeks, extreme fatigue, night sweats
autoimmune cytopaenias e.g. ITP
NOTE: FCR is usually the initial treatment of choice, ibrutinib is used afterwards
What ABG picture would you see in someone with methaemoglobinaemia?
Mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis with a relative hypoxia despite the inspired fraction of oxygen.
When might ITP be used instead of steroids in a patient with ITP?
If platelets need to rise quickly (e.g. ahead of surgery)
What can cause a thunderclap headache with a normal CT head and normal CSF results?
Reversible cerebrovascular vasoconstriction syndrome
Why must you exercise caution when thinking about administering blood products to people with selective IgA deficiency?
Associated with anaphylactic reaction to blood products
How does benzodiazepine withdrawal manifest?
PHYSICAL: tachycardia, sweating, tremor
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC: nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, seizures, photophobia, derealisation and kinaesthetic hallucinations
Which medications cause false positive 5-HIAA results?
Paracetamol
Naproxen
Caffeine
Fluorouracil
FOODS: Banana, Avocado, Aubergine, Pineapple, Plums, Walnuts, Tomatoes
Which medications cause false negative 5-HIAA results?
Aspirin
Levodopa
Methyldopa
ACTH
How is a scleroderma renal crisis managed?
STAT ACE Inhibitor
What are the first, second and third line treatment options for acute dystonia?
1: Procyclidine
2: Benzodiazepine
3: Anticholinergic Antihistamines
List some common drugs that can increase seizure frequency in people with epilepsy?
Fentanyl Mefenamic Acid Tramadol Amitriptyline Aminophylline Isotretinoin Haloperidol
Outline the differences between the Parkinson’s plus syndromes.
PSP: bilateral symptoms, vertical gaze palsy, nasal voice (due to pseudobulbar palsy)
MSA: significant cerebellar or autonomic dysfunction
CBD: significant higher order dysfunction (e.g. apraxia, aphasia, alien hand syndrome)
What level of LFT derangement would warrant stopping methotrexate?
Doubling of ALT or AST
Which opioids are safe in patients with impaired renal function (eGFR < 30)?
Oxycodone
Fentanyl
Buprenorphine
Methadone
How is lupus nephritis treated?
Focal and Mild: Oral Steroids
Nephrotic Syndrome and Advanced Diffuse Lupus Nephritis: IV Methylprednisolone and IV Cyclophosphamide
When should statins be started after a stroke?
48 hours after the onset of symptoms
In which cases of hyperadrenalism is surgery indicated?
If it is caused by a unilateral adrenal adenoma
Otherwise you manage with spironolactone
When should EPO be started in a patient with CKD?
Once they are iron replete (this can be achieved with IV iron)
List the medical management guidelines for HOCM.
1: Beta-Blocker or Non-Dihydropyridine CCB (e.g. verapamil)
2: Disopyramide (class 1a anti-arrhythmic)
3: Myectomy, DDDR pacemaker, alcohol ablation
How should measles exposure be managed in someone that is vulnerable (e.g. unvaccinated, immunocompromised)?
Immunoglobulin
Why should patients undergoing open surgical valve repair have a coronary angiogram prior to the surgery?
To identify any coronary artery disease that could also be attended to at the same time
What is paragonimiasis and how does it present?
Lung Fluke Infection
Presents very similarly to TB with a chronic history of productive cough, weight loss, night sweats and rashes
Treated with praziquantel
List some side-effects of ciclosporin.
Nephrotoxic Hepatotoxic Fluid retention Hyperkalaemia Hypertrichosis Gingival hyperplasia
What is Fabry disease?
X-linked recessive lipid storage disorder
Caused by deficiency in alpha-galactosidase
Leads to accumulation of lipids in various tissues
Acroparaesthesia (tingling and burning in hands and feet triggered by stress, emotion and temperature) Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum Mitral valve prolapse/regurgitation Young strokes CKD
Which serum measurement is a useful marker of renal function that is less affected by age, sex, race and muscle mass?
Cystatin C
At what serum PTH level should patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism receive calcium and vitamin D supplements?
Twice the upper limit of normal
Supplementing calcium and vitamin D in secondary hyperparathyroidism runs the risk of adynamic bone disease if it is started sooner
How should hoarseness after a total thyroidectomy be investigated?
Laryngoscopy - to assess vocal cord paralysis and evaluate motility
How does strongyloidiasis manifest?
Diarrhoea Abdominal pain and bloating Papulovesicular lesions where skin has been penetrated (e.g. feet) Pruritic rash Pneumonitis (if larvae migrate to lungs)
Rx: Ivermectin
In which groups of patient is CABG considered better than PCI with stent insertion for the management of ischaemic heart disease?
Patients with complex anatomy
Triple vessel disease
Proximal left main stem disease
Which investigation is used for acute intermittent porphyria and how is it treated?
Raised urinary porphobilinogen
Treated with IV haem arginate
Which antibiotics are usually used to manage pyogenic liver abscesses?
amoxicillin + ciprofloxacin + metronidazole
What ECG features do you see in hypocalcaemia?
Prolonged QT Interval
How does histoplasmosis present and how is it treated?
Symptoms of URTI
Retrosternal pain
Rx: amphotericin or itraconazole
Outline the mechanism of hungry bone syndrome.
The mechanism is thought to be thus: high pre-operative levels of parathyroid hormone provide a constant stimulus for osteoclast activity creating the hypercalcaemic state by de-mineralizing the bones. This process can result in x-ray changes very similar to metastatic lytic lesions if left untreated. Upon removal of the parathyroid adenoma the hormone levels fall rapidly (they have a very short half-life) and the osteoclast activity is subsequently diminished and the bones rapidly begin re-mineralisation - ‘hungry bone syndrome’. This process can be uncomfortable and also result in systemic hypocalcaemia.
Which lower limb neurological features do you see in subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord?
Brisk Knee Reflexes
Absent Ankle Reflexes
Extensor Plantar Reflexes
Describe the manifestations of methoxetamine overdose.
Sympathetic activation (tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis) Confusion and agitation Cerebellar signs (nystagmus, dysarthria, ataxia)
NOTE: methoxetamine is an analogue of ketamine
What is the most common side effect of checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab?
Dry itchy skin and rashes
How does anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis present?
Prominent psychiatric symptoms (agitation, hallucinations, delusions) Seizures Insomnia Dyskinesia Autonomic instability
Treated with immunosuppression (steroids, immunoglobulins, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, plasma exchange)
NOTE: it is normally caused by an ovarian teratoma
What is tropical spastic paraparesis?
A condition in which patients with HIV and HTLV1 present with urinary retention and paraparesis
Which antiemetic is best for metabolic causes of nausea and vomiting (e.g. hypercalcaemia, uraemia)?
Central dopamine antagonists (e.g. haloperidol)
What is the first-line antibiotic for ESBL UTIs?
Carbapenems
How does American trypanosomiasis manifest?
ACUTE: asymptomatic, sometimes orbital oedema
CHRONIC: myocarditis (and dilated cardiomyopathy), megaoesophagus (causing dysphagia) and megarectum
Rx: benznidazole or nifurtimox
What is idarucizumab used to reverse?
Dabigatran
What is used to reverse rivaroxaban and apixaban?
Andexanet alpha
What is the DMARD of choice in psoriatic arthritis?
Methotrexate
2nd line: leflunomide
What special feature of carbamazepine must you be aware of when starting patients on the drug?
It causes autoinduction so there may be an increase in seizure prevalence after 3-4 weeks
What forms of smoking cessation treatment are recommended by NICE?
Nicotine replacement therapy (patch and a short-form for acute cravings)
Varenicline (CI in pregnancy)
Bupropion (CI in pregnancy)
Outline the management of non-small cell lung cancer.
Stage 1 and 2: Resection Surgery
Stage 3: Chemotherapy
Stage 4: Palliative
List the contraindications for surgery for non-small cell lung cancer.
assess general health
stage IIIb or IV (i.e. metastases present)
FEV1 < 1.5 litres is considered a general cut-off point*
malignant pleural effusion
tumour near hilum
vocal cord paralysis
SVC obstruction
NOTE: FEV1 > 2 L for pneumonectomy
What special feature of Plasmodium ovale required additional consideration when determining how to treat it?
It has a liver hypnozoite phase that needs to be treated with primaquine
NOTE: primaquine can cause a haemolytic crisis in patients with G6PD deficiency so this should be excluded before starting treatment
Outline the criteria for diagnosing NF2.
Bilateral vestibular schwannomas
A first degree relative with NF2 AND
Unilateral vestibular schwannoma OR
Any two of: meningioma, schwannoma, glioma, neurofibroma, posterior subcapsular lenticular opacities
Unilateral vestibular schwannoma AND
Any two of: meningioma, schwannoma, glioma, neurofibroma, posterior subcapsular lenticular opacities
Multiple meningiomas AND
Unilateral vestibular schwannoma OR
Any two of: schwannoma, glioma, neurofibroma, cataract
What is the threshold for platelet transfusions in an actively bleeding patient?
50
What are the criteria for FFP in patients who are actively bleeding?
Either a fibrinogen level of less than 1 g/litre
or
PT or APTT greater than 1.5 times normal
Which vaccines are contraindicated in adults with HIV?
Cholera CVD103-HgR
Influenza-intranasal
Poliomyelitis-oral (OPV)
Tuberculosis (BCG)
NOTE: if CD4 < 200, then MMR, varicella and yellow fever are also contraindicated
How does relapsing polychondritis present?
Relapsing episodes of chondritis (e.g. auricular chondritis)
Can involve the respiratory tract, heart valves and blood vessels.
List some lead chelators.
dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) - best for chronic exposure
D-penicillamine
EDTA - IV agent used for acute exposure
dimercaprol
How does lead poisoning manifest?
abdominal pain peripheral neuropathy (mainly motor) fatigue constipation blue lines on gum margin (only 20% of adult patients, very rare in children)
How should an HIV viral load of 50-200 in someone on established ART be managed?
Repeat blood test in 1 month
What are the criteria for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with ascites?
patients who have had an episode of SBP
patients with fluid protein <15 g/l and either Child-Pugh score of at least 9 or hepatorenal syndrome
NOTE: with ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin
What are the criteria for commencing treatment with GLP1 agonists?
- Triple therapy is ineffective/not tolerated/contraindicated
- BMI >= 35 kg/m² and specific psychological or other medical problems associated with obesity or
- BMI < 35 kg/m² and for whom insulin therapy would have significant occupational implications or weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related comorbidities
NOTE: only continue if there is a reduction of at least 11 mmol/mol [1.0%] in HbA1c and a weight loss of at least 3% of initial body weight in 6 months
What are the two different types of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
type A (left-sided pathway): dominant R wave in V1 type B (right-sided pathway): no dominant R wave in V1
How should WPW be managed?
DEFINITIVE: RFA of accessory pathway
MEDICAL: Sotalol, Amidarone, Flecainide
NOTE: caution with AV blocking drugs especially if broad complex tachycardia because it may lead to increased conduction over accessory pathway leading to 1:1 AV conduction and VF
List some CYP450 INDUCERS.
antiepileptics: phenytoin, carbamazepine
barbiturates: phenobarbitone
rifampicin
St John’s Wort
chronic alcohol intake
griseofulvin
smoking (affects CYP1A2, reason why smokers require more aminophylline
NOTE: these DECREASE INR
List some CYP450 INHIBITORS.
antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, erythromycin isoniazid cimetidine,omeprazole amiodarone allopurinol imidazoles: ketoconazole, fluconazole SSRIs: fluoxetine, sertraline ritonavir sodium valproate acute alcohol intake quinupristin
NOTE: these INCREASE INR
List the manifestations of myotonic dystrophy.
myotonic facies (long, 'haggard' appearance) frontal balding bilateral ptosis cataracts dysarthria cardiomyopathy (incl. heart block) dysphagia diabetes mellitus
Outline the differences between DM1 and DM2.
DM1
- DMPK gene on chromosome 19
- Distal weakness more prominent
DM2
- ZNF9 gene on chromosome 3
- Proximal weakness more prominent
- Severe congenital form not seen
How is dermatitis herpetiformis treated?
Dapsone and a gluten-free diet
Second Line: Sulfapyridine
What causes paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria?
Acquired intravascular haemolysis due to increased sensitivity of cell membranes to complement due to lack of glycoprotein glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI).
How does PNH manifest?
Haemolytic anaemia Cytopaenias Haemoglobinuria Thrombosis Aplastic anaemia
How can PNH be diagnosed?
Flow cytometry of blood to detect low levels of CD59 and CD55
How can PNH be managed?
ACUTE: blood products, anticaogulation, eculizumab
DEFINTIIVE: stem cell transplantation
What is Alport syndrome?
X-linked dominant condition caused by mutation in collagen IV leading to abnormal glomerular basement membrane
How does Alport syndrome manifest?
Microscopic haematuria Progressive renal failure Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss Lenticonus Retinitis pigmentosa Renal Biopsy: split lamina densa (basket weave appearance)
What is a relatively common complication that occurs in patients with Alport syndrome who have received a renal transplant?
Crescentic glomerulonephritis due to de novo anti-GBM disease