QUICK TAKES

We'll review some uncommon clinical scenarios...not so uncommonly covered, by the medical boards.


Q: What does a WIDENED MEDIASTINUM most commonly imply?



A: 1. Dissecting Thoracic Aneurysm
2. Inhalational Anthrax

3. Improper patient positioning during CXR (this is most common).




Q: What does finding of CALCIUM OXALATE in urinalysis imply?


A: 1. Ethylene Glycol Poisoning
2. IBD (Crohn's Disease)




Q: What are BURTON'S LINES?



A: Bluish discoloartion along the gingival margins of teeth...in CHRONIC LEAD POISONING.
Not seen in edentulous persons. It is a highly suggestive sign!






Q: What is a PINGUECULA?



A: It is a harmless, yellow-while collagen (jelly-like) depostion on the corneal surface.
Can be removed for bothersome-cosmetic reasons.




Q: What are MEES' LINES?



A: A whitish transverse discoloration of the fingernails...seen in ARSENIC or LEAD poisoning.






We'll continue soon!