SBA

Question 1

A 40-year-old woman has become increasingly short of breath over a 24h period. She also has central chest pain that is made slightly easier if she sits forwards. She has had no previous cardiorespiratory problems but does take prednisolone 20mg PO once daily for a
rheumatological condition. T 37.2 ° C, HR 100bpm, BP 115/75mmHg.

She has several mouth ulcers and tender, swollen wrist joints. Which single examination finding is most likely to support the diagnosis?

A.Displaced apex beat
B Flushed cheeks
C Pericardial rub
D Red rash on trunk with clear centres
E Splinter haemorrhages in fingernails

Answer 1

Pericardial rub - pericariditis caused by lupus. Pericardial friction rub indicates serositis and that pericardium is involved.