Enhancing the med student experience on the Internal Medicine services at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Delivering daily pearls for students! #IMpearls
1/12 #IMPearls 55 yo F w/ a PMH of rheumatoid arthritis visits the doctor with 8 months of progressive SOB on exertion and dry cough. She has a 25-year smoking history. Bibasilar inspiratory crackles on exam. PFTs show a reduced TLC and DLCO. High-res CT shown.
12/12 ILD should be on your differential when evaluating patients with chronic dyspnea! If you rotate on #pulmonarymedicine you will absolutely see ILD in clinic! Educators, please add your clinical pearls! #MedEd@duca@mcgillen@davidshore
1/ #IMpearls#MedTwitter
A 64yoM with a PMH of significant alcohol use presents with his partner due to progressively worsening confusion, a distended and tender abdomen, fever, and jaundice. His partner says he has stopped taking his medications.
Here is a CXR from the ED:
10/
โฝ๏ธ Change in mental status - This could indicate hepatic encephalopathy which can be supported by elevated ammonia on labs.
โจ Recent TIPS procedure can lead to reduced hepatic elimination of ammonia and actually worsen encephalopathy โจ
This is a classic board question!