Cardiovascular history 3

 Musculoskeletal history 3 Written by Leya Bedar Diagnosis: Gout (attacks of pain, inflammatory features, alcohol use, dietary risk factors) Differential diagnosis: Pseudogout (similar features but unlikely to affect the big toe) Septic arthritis (inflammatory features, but not episodic or associated with these risk factors) Corns/callus on plantar surface of foot (possible to explain pain but…

 Gastrointestinal history 8 Written by Leya Bedar Diagnosis: Inflammatory bowel disease (diarrhoea, location of pain, fatigue, weight loss, blood in stools, extra-gastrointestinal manifestations) Other differentials: Chronic pancreatitis (possible due to weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain but less likely due to location of pain, no other suggestive symptoms) Coeliac disease (possible due to abdominal pain and…

 Gastrointestinal history 3 Written by Leya Bedar Diagnosis: Irritable bowel syndrome (flatulence, generalised abdominal pain, fluctuating between diarrhoea and constipation, link to anxiety) Other differentials: Inflammatory bowel disease – Crohn’s disease/ Ulcerative colitis (possible due to change in bowel habit but less likely due to lack of extra-gastrointestinal manifestations and no blood or mucus in…

 Cardiovascular history 2 Written by Leya Bedar Diagnosis: Stable angina (due to cardiac nature of pain, onset with exertion, improvement with rest, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac family history) Other differentials: Myocardial infarction (unlikely due to intermittent nature, lack of autonomic associated symptoms, likely more severe pain) Pulmonary embolism (due to shortness of breath and sudden…

Osteoarthritis We have cartilage between our joints to cushion the joints. Over time, this cartilage breaks down and wears away. As a result, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing swelling and pain in that joint. Rheumatoid arthritis The body needs a way of protecting itself. We call this the immune system. The…

 Gastrointestinal history 6 Written by Moriom Begum Diagnosis: Haemorrhoids (fresh blood, pruritus, recent constipation, lumps) Other differentials: Anal fissure (fresh blood, recent constipation but lumps indicate haemorrhoids) Anal cancer (unlikely due to acute history and age but may be considered if not responding to treatment) Mark scheme for history taking can be found below  …