tracheal intubation in burn patients

Q: All of the following are indications of tracheal intubation in burn patients EXCEPT

A) Hoarseness

B) Carbonaceous sputum 

C) Elevated carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level

D) Superficial flash burns on the face

E) Circumferential neck burns

Answer: D

Although intubation is a clinical decision, cautious intubation is preferred in burn patients when clinical signs are not reassuring (a do-or-not-do situation). 

Said that a few clinical signs may be taken lightly but may be the tip of an iceberg of impending doom. This question aims to help students understand that post-burn hoarseness (choice A) may seem mild but can require intubation. On the other spectrum, exclusive superficial facial burns sparing the neck (choice D) rarely involve the airway and can be watched closely. Some of the other signs that probably indicate preemptive intubation are:

• Persistent cough
• Stridor
• Wheezing
• Deep facial burn
• Circumferential neck burns (choice E)
• Nares with singed hair (usually associated with other signs)
• Carbonaceous sputum (choice B)
• Burnt matter in mouth or nose
• Blistering or edema of the oropharynx
• Depressed mental status
• Elevated carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level (choice C)

We added three relevant review articles to the reference section below.

#burn

#procedures

References:

1. Concannon E, Damkat Thomas L, Kerr L, Damkat I, Reddi B, Greenwood JE, Solanki NS, Wagstaff MJD. Review of Indications for Endotracheal Intubation in Burn Patients with Suspected Inhalational Injury. Eur Burn J. 2023 Mar 29;4(2):163-172. doi: 10.3390/ebj4020014. PMID: 39599924; PMCID: PMC11571857.

2. Wardhana A, Farhana N. Early intubation decisions in burn-related inhalation injury: a systematic review of the utility of physical findings in rural and low-resource healthcare settings. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open. 2026 Jul 2;11(3):e002208. doi: 10.1136/tsaco-2025-002208. PMID: 42404874; PMCID: PMC13331052.

3. Badulak JH, Schurr M, Sauaia A, Ivashchenko A, Peltz E. Defining the criteria for intubation of the patient with thermal burns. Burns. 2018 May;44(3):531-538. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2018.02.016. Epub 2018 Mar 13. PMID: 29548862.

DCB

Q: 58-year-old male with a severe history of bleeding peptic ulcer is admitted to the coronary ICU with acute coronary syndrome. The patient is stabilized with standard anti-anginal treatment. Cardiology is considering Drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB) instead of a drug-eluting stent due to his known history. Which drugs are used in DCB?

Answer: Paclitaxel with either iopromode or urea

DCB is getting increasing popularity instead of DES in patients with in-stent restenosis, de novo lesions in small coronary arteries, and in patients with high risk of bleeding after stenting due to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The other drugs that have been combined with Paclitaxel are either iopromide or urea.

Paclitaxel is a cytostatic agent that binds to tubulin inside cells, blocking normal cell division and chromosome separation. Iopromide is added as a carrier to transfer and release the paclitaxel into the arterial wall. Paclitaxel is lipophilic and may not dissolve or may stick to the balloon surface on its own. Iopromide, a water-soluble, low-osmolality contrast medium, helps paclitaxel rapidly absorb into the intima within seconds, inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and preventing restenosis. Iopromide dissolves safely in blood and is well tolerated by vascular tissue without causing inflammation.

Few studies have used Urea instead of iopromide, as urea acts as a spacer that prevents paclitaxel molecules from clumping together, with a more even, reproducible, and uniform transfer and absorption of the drug into the targeted vascular tissue within 30 to 60 seconds of balloon inflation.

#cardiology

#pharmacology

References:

1. Gitto M, Tartaglia F, Leone PP, Calamita G, Gabrielli A, Gramss L, Rossi ML, Regazzoli D, Gasparini G, Cozzi O, Reimers B, Stefanini GG, Mangieri A, Latib A, Colombo A. Paclitaxel-coated balloon with urea or iopromide as the excipient for treatment of coronary artery disease. Clin Res Cardiol. 2026 Jan;115(1):89-98. doi: 10.1007/s00392-025-02758-6. Epub 2025 Oct 27. PMID: 41143901.

2. von Koch S, Frank E, Gabrysch K, James S, Götberg M, Mohammad MA, Erlinge D. Real-World Usage of a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon With Urea Compared With Other Contemporary Drug-Coated Balloons: A 2-Year Analysis From SCAAR in Over 6000 Patients. J Am Heart Assoc. 2026 Jun 2;15(11):e045621. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.125.045621. Epub 2026 May 29. PMID: 42216271; PMCID: PMC13315143.

3. Rissanen TT, Uskela S, Eränen J, et al. Drug-coated balloon for treatment of de-novo coronary artery lesions in patients with high bleeding risk (DEBUT): a single-blind, randomised, non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2019; 394:230.

4. Jeger RV, Farah A, Ohlow MA, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloons versus drug-eluting stents for small coronary artery disease (BASKET-SMALL 2): 3-year follow-up of a randomised, non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2020; 396:1504.

PSA level and drugs

Q: Regular use of acetaminophen may cause falsely ____________ level of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). - Select one

A) elevated

B) lowered

Answer: B

Although it is known that a regular intake of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (like finasteride and dutasteride) decreases PSA by almost 50 percent, it is less known that regular use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen can also give lower PSA levels when compared with men not taking these drugs. This correlation is time-dependent, meaning longer duration of use may cause even lower PSA values, particularly in patients who are habitual users of NSAIDs, possibly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs.

Similarly, statin or thiazide use for over a year may lower PSA levels.

Either adjust PSA levels in these patients or interpret them with more caution.

#Urology

#pharmacology

References:

1.Etzioni RD, Howlader N, Shaw PA, et al. Long-term effects of finasteride on prostate specific antigen levels: results from the prostate cancer prevention trial. J Urol 2005; 174:877.

2. Singer EA, Palapattu GS, van Wijngaarden E. Prostate-specific antigen levels in relation to consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen: results from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cancer 2008; 113:2053.

3. Chang SL, Harshman LC, Presti JC Jr. Impact of common medications on serum total prostate-specific antigen levels: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:3951.

Medical Rx of Cushing's

Q: Which antifungal drug can be used as the primary medical treatment in hypercortisolism? - Select one

A) Fluconazole 

B) Itraconazole 

C) Ketoconazole 

D) Miconazole

E Voriconazole 

Answer:  C

Although hypercortisolism in Cushing syndrome is primarily treated surgically, in a few cases where surgery is not an option, medical treatment is pursued. Ketoconazole is the primary agent in these cases; interestingly, in the United States, it is used off-label to treat hypercortisolism.

Ketoconazole is a racemic mixture of L- and D-form enantiomers and has two targets. First, it inhibits the first step in cortisol biosynthesis, i.e., side-chain cleavage. Second, it inhibits the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol. For this reason, it may also decrease the production of other steroid hormones.

#endocrinology

References:

1. Castinetti F, Guignat L, Giraud P, et al. Ketoconazole in Cushing's disease: is it worth a try? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:1623.

2. Viecceli C, Mattos ACV, Costa MCB, de Melo RB, Rodrigues TDC, Czepielewski MA. Evaluation of ketoconazole as a treatment for Cushing's disease in a retrospective cohort. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Oct 7;13:1017331. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1017331. PMID: 36277689; PMCID: PMC9585352.

RESP score

Q: A 53-year-old male with viral pneumonia developed severe ARDS post-intubation, requiring deep sedation along with neuromuscular blockade (NMB) without much improvement, and ECMO evaluation was initiated. ECMO team asks to calculate the RESP (Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction) Score. NMB prior to ECMO insertion is considered a __________ sign for survival. (Select one).

A) good

B) bad

Answer: A

RESP (Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction) Score looks into the following components prior to ECMO cannulation:

• Age
• Immunocompromised status
• Malignancy, solid organ transplant, HIV, or cirrhosis
• Mechanically ventilated before ECMO initiation
• Diagnosis (if reversible)
• History of central nervous system dysfunction
• Neurotrauma, stroke, encephalopathy, cerebral embolism, or seizure/epilepsy
• Acute associated nonpulmonary infection
• Any other bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infection not involving the lung
• Neuromuscular blockade before ECMO
• Nitric oxide before ECMO
• Bicarbonate infusion before ECMO
• Cardiac arrest before ECMO
• PaCO₂ ≥75 mmHg (≥10 kPa)
• Peak inspiratory pressure ≥42 cm H₂O (≥4.1 kPa)

Most components decrease survival, except short ventilator time, NMB before ECMO, and reversible diagnoses like asthma.

A score calculator is available on any search engine.

#pulmonary

#ECMO

Reference:

Schmidt M, Bailey M, Sheldrake J, Hodgson C, Aubron C, Rycus PT, Scheinkestel C, Cooper DJ, Brodie D, Pellegrino V, Combes A, Pilcher D. Predicting survival after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure. The Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction (RESP) score. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2014 Jun 1;189(11):1374-82. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201311-2023OC. PMID: 24693864.

Acute metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity

Q: Metronidazole neurotoxicity can be diagnosed and can be distinguished when many drugs are concomitantly administered via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

In metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity, particularly in patients taking higher doses, MRI may show bilateral symmetric T2 hyperintense lesions, and this can be further confirmed by their resolution after stopping the drug. Central metronidazole symptoms are seizures, dizziness, vertigo, ataxia, encephalopathy, irritability, weakness, insomnia, headache, and tremors.

Metronidazole is also commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy, which resolves after cessation of the drug. 

#pharmacology

#neurology

#radiology

References:

1. Patel L, Batchala P, Almardawi R, Morales R, Raghavan P. Acute metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity: an update on MRI findings. Clin Radiol. 2020 Mar;75(3):202-208. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2019.11.002. Epub 2019 Dec 16. PMID: 31858989.

2. Lefkowitz A, Shadowitz S. Reversible cerebellar neurotoxicity induced by metronidazole. CMAJ 2018; 190:E961.

3. Daneman N, Cheng Y, Gomes T, et al. Metronidazole-associated Neurologic Events: A Nested Case-control Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:2095.

spleen size

Q: The size of the spleen correlates with a person's height, weight, and sex.

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

Spleen size correlates with a person's height, weight, and sex, as it is expected to be larger in taller, bulkier males. 

Clinical significance: Calculated spleen size reduces splenomegaly misdiagnosis and avoids a million-dollar workup in otherwise normal individuals.

Bonus pearl: Radiologically reported splenomegaly in an otherwise normal person or without physical findings is called "scanomegaly"! (reference #4)

#physical-exam

#radiology

References:

1. Schranz T, Klaus J, Kratzer W, et al. A comparison of spleen size measured by ultrasound in a random population sample and a matched sample of patients at a university hospital, and the determination of normal values and influencing factors. Z Gastroenterol 2021; 59:438.

2. Pelizzo G, Guazzotti M, Klersy C, et al. Spleen size evaluation in children: Time to define splenomegaly for pediatric surgeons and pediatricians. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202741.

3. Tsehay B, Shitie D, Afenigus A, Essa M. Sonographic evaluation of spleen size in apparently healthy children in north-west Ethiopia, 2020: time to define splenomegaly. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:318.

4. Ntaios G, Chatzinikolaou A. The spleen in beta thalassaemia minor: splenomegaly or just 'scanomegaly'? Br J Haematol. 2008 Oct;143(1):143. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07306.x. Epub 2008 Jul 28. PMID: 18665837.

SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetes-related foot disease

Q: SGLT2 inhibitors (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, also called "flozins" have an extra advantage in patients with active diabetic foot ulcerations by advancing healing.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

SGLT2 inhibitors should be avoided in the following groups of patients:

• frequent bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) 
• genitourinary (GU) yeast infections
• low bone density 
• high risk for falls and fractures
• active foot ulceration
• risks for diabetic ketoacidosis 
• pancreatic insufficiency
• drug or alcohol use disorder
• NPO status

SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly canagliflozin, are associated with an added risk of lower extremity infection and amputation. Diabetic patients with neuropathy, foot deformity, vascular disease, and history of previous foot ulceration should be cautioned and examined frequently if SGLT2 drugs are used.

#endocrine

References: 

1. Halimi S, Vergès B. Adverse effects and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Diabetes Metab. 2014 Dec;40(6 Suppl 1):S28-34. doi: 10.1016/S1262-3636(14)72693-X. PMID: 25554069.

2. Highton P,  & et.al: The use of SGLT2 inhibitors in people with diabetes-related foot disease: A Delphi-based consensus study. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025 Aug;27(8):4537-4546. doi: 10.1111/dom.16498. Epub 2025 Jun 11. PMID: 40495570; PMCID: PMC12232341.

Etomidate and Seizure

Q: Etomidate is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders.

A) Yes

B) No

Answer: B

Conventionally, it is believed that etomidate is contraindicated in patients with seizures. This belief came from instances of post-etomidate myoclonus, which occurs in a few patients. Major side effects of etomidate include adrenal suppression, myoclonus, and evidence of regional cerebral excitation (nonclinical, EEG-specific) after intubation. Myoclonus is frequently misidentified as seizure activity. Etomidate is safe to use for the induction of patients with seizures and even in refractory status epilepticus. Postintubation sedation with propofol or a benzodiazepine prevents neuroexcitation.

Etomidate decreases cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolic oxygen demand while preserving cerebral perfusion pressure.

#neurology

#pharmacology

#procedures

References:

1. Jellish WS, Riche H, Salord F, et al. Etomidate and thiopental-based anesthetic induction: comparisons between different titrated levels of electrophysiologic cortical depression and response to laryngoscopy. J Clin Anesth 1997; 9:36.

2. Oglesby AJ. Should etomidate be the induction agent of choice for rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department? Emerg Med J 2004; 21:655.

3. Reddy RV, Moorthy SS, Dierdorf SF, et al. Excitatory effects and electroencephalographic correlation of etomidate, thiopental, methohexital, and propofol. Anesth Analg 1993; 77:1008.

D-Dimer, PE and crack

Q: 38-year-old male presented to the ED after a "crack" party with acute shortness of breath. Initial CXR is c/w signs of pulmonary infarction. A CT scan was ordered, and the D-dimer was positive. D-dimer is a good test to differentiate pulmonary embolism (PE) from acute "crack lung."

A) True 

B) False

Answer: B

Acute cocaine-induced pulmonary toxicity can cause a false positive D-dimer. No specific laboratory test differentiates the two conditions. History, physical exam, and signs and symptoms play an integral role. This is further compounded by the fact that even toxicology testing for cocaine and its metabolites is not confirmatory, as cocaine is rapidly metabolized and detectable in blood and urine only briefly. 

A specialized test, benzoylecgonine, is the major urinary metabolite of cocaine and can be detected in the blood for two days after cocaine use and in the urine for a few more days. 

#toxicity

#lab-med

References:

1.  Kabrhel C, Mark Courtney D, Camargo CA Jr, Plewa MC, Nordenholz KE, Moore CL, Richman PB, Smithline HA, Beam DM, Kline JA. Factors associated with positive D-dimer results in patients evaluated for pulmonary embolism. Acad Emerg Med. 2010 Jun;17(6):589-97. doi: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2010.00765.x. PMID: 20624138; PMCID: PMC3538031.

Gadolinium in pregnancy.

Q: A 27-year-old female with a 32-week pregnancy and a past medical history of multiple sclerosis (MS) is admitted with an exacerbation of her MS. MRI with Gadolinium is ordered by a neurology intern.  Intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) can be safely administered to pregnant patients.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Gadolinium may cause an adverse fetal outcome. Use GBCA only if ABSOLUTELY necessary. GBCA in utero is associated with increased rates of neonatal death. It may also be associated with rheumatologic or inflammatory skin conditions through age 4.

#pharmacology

#neurology

#radiology

#ob-gyn

References:

1. Ray JG, Vermeulen MJ, Bharatha A, et al. Association Between MRI Exposure During Pregnancy and Fetal and Childhood Outcomes. JAMA 2016; 316:952.

2. Alghamdi SA Sr. Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in Pregnant Women: A Literature Review of MRI Safety. Cureus. 2023 May 3;15(5):e38493. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38493. PMID: 37273372; PMCID: PMC10237509.

3. Coyte RM, Darrah T, Olesik J, Barrett E, O'Connor TG, Brunner J, Love T, Perez-D'Gregorio R, Wang HZ, Aleksunes LM, Buckley B, Doherty C, Miller RK. Gadolinium during human pregnancy following administration of gadolinium chelate before pregnancy. Birth Defects Res. 2023 Aug 15;115(14):1264-1273. doi: 10.1002/bdr2.2209. Epub 2023 Jun 19. PMID: 37334869; PMCID: PMC11784526.

An ENT case!

Q: 55 years old male originally from Tunisia without any past medical history is admitted to the ICU with severe otitis media and marked epistaxis. On clinical exam, a neck mass is noted. What is the probable diagnosis?

Answer: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma 

The objective of this question is to describe the classic triad of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which consists of

• neck mass
• nasal obstruction with epistaxis
• serous otitis media

Other clinical features include headache, diplopia, and facial numbness, which occur due to cranial nerve involvement. A neck mass is cervical node metastasis. Any middle-aged patient, particularly a male with classically no past medical history of otitis media, should raise suspicion for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The origin of the patient's culture and birth is also very important in making the diagnosis; the patient in the above question is from Tunisia (or neighboring Algeria and Morocco), where food is many times cooked in rancid butter and/or sheep's fat, containing butyric acid, which is a potential EBV activator and a causative agent for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The most endemic area is Southern China, including Hong Kong. Other high-risk areas are Southeast Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arctic. The risk remain high despite the (im)migration and takes few generations to subside with change in diet. In some of these cultures, feeding salted fish to children is common and considered a risk factor.

#oncology

#ENT

References:

1. Chang ET, Adami HO. The enigmatic epidemiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006; 15:1765.

2. Chua ML, Wee JT, Hui EP, Chan AT. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Lancet 2016; 387:1012.

3. Wen Y, Xu Y, Du Y, Zhan Y, Fan S. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: epidemiology, risk factors, signaling pathways, clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Mol Biomed. 2026 Sep 17;7(1):175. doi: 10.1186/s43556-026-00590-6. PMID: 42752793; PMCID: PMC13586136.

Colonoscopy prep

Q: It is required to prepare patients treated with 4L of polyethylene glycol for colonoscopy for the optimum view.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Evidence shows that patients who consume a low-residue diet or clear liquids for at least 24 hours before colonoscopy, rather than 4 L of polyethylene glycol, have no difference in preparation quality. A low-residue diet is low in fiber*. This means avoiding high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Clear liquids include water, clear broth, coffee or black tea (no milk), ice, gelatin, and fruit juices without red pigments, as they can be mistaken for blood or can obscure mucosal viewing.

Some experts recommend a cautious approach with a low-residue diet for three days before colonoscopy, with only clear liquids the day before. Also, per American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) guidelines, patients should fast for a minimum of two hours after ingestion of clear liquids and six hours after ingestion of light meals before sedation is administered.

*Advise to refer to credible lists from societies/organizations

#GI

#procedures

References:

1. Scaglione G, Oliviero G, Labianca O, et al. One-Day versus Three-Day Low-Residue Diet and Bowel Preparation Quality before Colonoscopy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Dig Dis 2023; 41:708.

2. Park DI, Park SH, Lee SK, et al. Efficacy of prepackaged, low residual test meals with 4L polyethylene glycol versus a clear liquid diet with 4L polyethylene glycol bowel preparation: a randomized trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 24:988.

3. Sipe BW, Fischer M, Baluyut AR, et al. 726 Effect of low residual diet on colonoscopy bowel preparation. Gastrointest Endosc 2012; 75:AB163.

4. Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Fasting and the Use of Pharmacologic Agents to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration: Application to Healthy Patients Undergoing Elective Procedures: An Updated Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Preoperative Fasting and the Use of Pharmacologic Agents to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration. Anesthesiology 2017; 126:376.

Classic neurologic triad of early disseminated Lyme disease

Q: What is the classic neurologic triad of early disseminated Lyme disease?

Answer: Although it may not always present as a triad, in classic cases, the triad consists of:

• meningitis
• cranial neuropathy
• motor or sensory radiculoneuropathy

The common neurologic features of early disseminated Lyme disease may include one or all of:

• Lymphocytic meningitis
• Unilateral or bilateral* cranial nerve palsies (mostly facial nerve)
• Radiculopathy
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Mononeuropathy multiplex
• Cerebellar ataxia 
• Encephalomyelitis 

Although the facial nerve is the most commonly affected cranial nerve, other nerves such as the abducens nerve may be involved.

*Lyme disease is one of the few causes of bilateral cranial nerve palsies, along with tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and trauma. 

#neurology

References:

1. Halperin JJ. Nervous system Lyme disease. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2008; 22:261.

2. Sauer A, Hansmann Y, Jaulhac B, et al. Five cases of paralytic strabismus as a rare feature of lyme disease. Clin Infect Dis 2009; 48:756.

3. Lantos PM, Rumbaugh J, Bockenstedt LK, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and American College of Rheumatology (ACR): 2020 Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e1.

PSA level and Acetaminophen

Q: Regular use of acetaminophen may cause falsely ____________ level of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). - Select one

A) elevated

B) lowered

Answer: B

Although it is known that a regular intake of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (like finasteride and dutasteride) decreases PSA by almost 50 percent, it is less known that regular use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen can also give lower PSA levels when compared with men not taking these drugs. This correlation is time-dependent, meaning longer duration of use may cause even lower PSA values, particularly in patients who are habitual users of NSAIDs, possibly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs.

Similarly, statin or thiazide use for over a year may lower PSA levels.

Either adjust PSA levels in these patients or interpret them with more caution.

#Urology

#pharmacology

References:

1.Etzioni RD, Howlader N, Shaw PA, et al. Long-term effects of finasteride on prostate specific antigen levels: results from the prostate cancer prevention trial. J Urol 2005; 174:877.

2. Singer EA, Palapattu GS, van Wijngaarden E. Prostate-specific antigen levels in relation to consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen: results from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cancer 2008; 113:2053.

3. Chang SL, Harshman LC, Presti JC Jr. Impact of common medications on serum total prostate-specific antigen levels: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:3951

Danger triangle of face

Q: 72-year-old patient who is intubated for a week due to severe ARDS after community-acquired pneumonia, noted to have an abscess of 2 x 3 cm at the nasal fold. The abscess appears slightly deep but is hard to ascertain. On slight palpation, it appears fluid-filled. Your next action?

A) Do needle aspiration

B) Do incision and drainage

C) Consult ENT

D) Observe

Answer: C

This question emphasizes the importance of infections and abscesses in the central triangle of the face (corners of the mouth and the nasal bridge). This area is popularly known as the "Danger Triangle of the Face" as it carries a high risk of septic phlebitis and intracranial extension through the cavernous sinus. 

Radiological workup to assess depth and evaluation by an ENT service are recommended instead of blind bedside incision and drainage. Usually, superficial abscesses can be managed with warm compresses and broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, early investigation is warranted to avoid major complications.

#ID

#ENT

References:

1. Pannu AK, Saroch A, Sharma N. Danger Triangle of Face and Septic Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. J Emerg Med. 2017 Jul;53(1):137-138. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.03.016. Epub 2017 Apr 10. PMID: 28408235.

2. Battistin U, Hallak YO, Hallak F, Hallak O, AlKhani R. Subacute Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis following a Dental Procedure: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2020 Oct;197:106135. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106135. Epub 2020 Aug 16. PMID: 32836064.

3. Thong JK, Ho BJW, Lim EH, Singh S. A Rare Case of an Isolated Nasal Floor Abscess in an Immunocompetent Patient. Cureus. 2025 Nov 24;17(11):e97694. doi: 10.7759/cureus.97694. PMID: 41450431; PMCID: PMC12737980.

Water Hammer effect

Q: What is the "water hammer" effect in blunt aortic injury (BAI) during Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA)?

Answer: The mechanism revolves around the isthmus

To understand "water hammer" in BAI, it helps to understand the role of the isthmus between the ascending and descending thoracic aorta as a "transition zone." The ascending aorta is more mobile, and as it transits around the isthmus, it becomes relatively fixed as the descending thoracic aorta. Because the isthmus is intrinsically weaker than the rest of the aorta, it stretches with rapid deceleration. For this reason, most BAIs occur at the aortic isthmus just distal to the (left) subclavian artery.

"Water hammer" effect: In MVA, compression of the abdomen secondary to sudden impact occludes the aorta and leads to rupture of the proximal, intrinsically weak isthmus. This phenomenon explains the correlation of geographically distant diaphragmatic rupture and BAI. This effect was first described more than six decades ago.

#trauma

#CVS

References:

Nikolic S, Atanasijevic T, Mihailovic Z, et al. Mechanisms of aortic blunt rupture in fatally injured front-seat passengers in frontal car collisions: an autopsy study. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2006; 27:292.

LUNDERVALL J. THE MECHANISM OF TRAUMATIC RUPTURE OF THE AORTA. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand 1964; 62:34.

Rizoli SB, Brenneman FD, Boulanger BR, Maggisano R. Blunt diaphragmatic and thoracic aortic rupture: an emerging injury complex. Ann Thorac Surg 1994; 58:1404.

Richens D, Field M, Neale M, Oakley C. The mechanism of injury in blunt traumatic rupture of the aorta. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2002; 21:288.

Night sweats associated with a strong, peculiar, moldy odor

Q: Which Infectious Disease (ID) may present with night sweats associated with a strong, peculiar, moldy odor?

Answer: Brucellosis

Although Brucellosis has many symptoms, it is hard to distinguish from other ID symptoms, such as fever, malaise, night sweats, arthralgias, weight loss, low back pain, headache, dizziness, anorexia, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, cough, and depression, and possibly hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and/or lymphadenopathy, but the association of night sweats with a strong, peculiar, moldy (or musty) odor is characteristic of Brucellosis.

A couple of good reviews on Brucellosis can be found in the references below.

#ID

References:

1. Qureshi KA, Parvez A, Fahmy NA, Abdel Hady BH, Kumar S, Ganguly A, Atiya A, Elhassan GO, Alfadly SO, Parkkila S, Aspatwar A. Brucellosis: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment-a comprehensive review. Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2295398. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2295398. Epub 2024 Jan 2. PMID: 38165919; PMCID: PMC10769134.

2. Khairullah AR, Kurniawan SC, Puspitasari Y, Aryaloka S, Silaen OSM, Yanestria SM, Widodo A, Moses IB, Effendi MH, Afnani DA, Ramandinianto SC, Hasib A, Riwu KHP. Brucellosis: Unveiling the complexities of a pervasive zoonotic disease and its global impacts. Open Vet J. 2024 May;14(5):1081-1097. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i5.1. Epub 2024 May 31. PMID: 38938422; PMCID: PMC11199761.

3. Alavi SM, Alavi L. Treatment of brucellosis: a systematic review of studies in recent twenty years. Caspian J Intern Med. 2013 Spring;4(2):636-41. PMID: 24009951; PMCID: PMC3755828.

"Paradoxical hypokalemia"

Q: "Paradoxical hypokalemia" is more common in? - Select one

A) Hereditary hypokalemic periodic paralysis

B) Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis

Answer: B

Many patients with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis may develop worsening, "paradoxical" hypokalemia after potassium repletion. This phenomenon may even occur in the nonperiodic phase whenever potassium is repleted. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanism is increased thyroxine concentration, which causes exaggerated potassium uptake.

Interestingly, the treatment is further potassium repletion. Usually, the drop is around 0.4 mEq/L, which can be life-threatening in view of already critical hypokalemia in these patients. Unfortunately, these patients are prone to develop hyperkalemia after repletion.

The differential diagnosis is based on urinary potassium excretion rates. Patients with hereditary hypokalemic periodic paralysis have a low urinary excretion of potassium, while patients with paradoxical hypokalemia have higher urinary potassium excretion rates, higher renin levels, and require higher volumes of saline resuscitation.

#electrolytes

# nephrology

#neurology

References:

1. Shiang JC, Cheng CJ, Tsai MK, et al. Therapeutic analysis in Chinese patients with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis over 6 years. Eur J Endocrinol 2009; 161:911.

2. Sung CC, Cheng CJ, Chiang WF, et al. Etiologic and therapeutic analysis in patients with hypokalemic nonperiodic paralysis. Am J Med 2015; 128:289.

3. Qing G, Zakaria WNA, Rom FZM, Nik WNFHW, Zulkeflee HA, Rahim SNA. Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: Pathophysiological Mechanisms. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2025 Dec;40(6):821-829. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2025.2554. Epub 2025 Dec 11. PMID: 41376301; PMCID: PMC12765881.

4. Holm-Yildiz S, Krag T, Witting N, Pedersen BS, Dysgaard T, Sloth L, Pedersen J, Kjær R, Kannuberg L, Dahlqvist J, de Stricker Borch J, Solheim T, Fornander F, Eisum AS, Vissing J. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a 3-year follow-up study. J Neurol. 2023 Dec;270(12):6057-6063. doi: 10.1007/s00415-023-11964-z. Epub 2023 Sep 1. PMID: 37656291; PMCID: PMC10632268.

Tricks of Bougie

Q: Endotracheal tube (ETT) introducer, popularly known as a 'Bougie ', should not be bent more than? - select one

A) 10 degrees

B) 30 degrees

C) 45 degrees

Answer: B

Three tricks to use Bougie successfully are:

1. Lubricating the lower part of the bougie. This may help the ETT to pass over. Avoid lubricating the part the operator will hold, as it may make it difficult to grasp and control.

2. Enter the bougie and try to keep it in the right corner of the mouth, while keeping the angle of approach to the larynx, and stay as anterior as possible. The objective is to avoid the midline and the incisors. Often, when entering the midline, it may get stuck at the base of the tongue and track posteriorly into the hypopharynx.

3. Bending the introducer at the distal level, depending on the view (from partially visible to the completely obscure view of the vocal cord), to about 10-20 cm. This allows the bougie to curve around the base of the tongue to travel towards the larynx. Some operators "hit-up" the bougie by stripping it firmly between the thumb and finger at about 15 cm from the distal tip. The friction from this maneuver heats up and stretches the material, while inducing a bend. 

The bend should never exceed 30 degrees (choice B); otherwise, the distal coudé tip will angle too anteriorly and may catch on the tracheal rings.

#procedures

#airway

References:

1. Sime J, Bailitz J, Moskoff J. The bougie: an inexpensive lifesaving airway device. J Emerg Med. 2012 Dec;43(6):e393-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.11.053. Epub 2011 May 7. PMID: 21550750.

2. Shekhar AC, Altman-Ezzard M, Kimbrell J, Stebel J, Ashley E, Mitra A, Friedmann T, Abbott EE, Strother C, Kutzin J. Flexible Tip Bougie for Emergency Tracheal Intubation by Paramedics and Emergency Physicians. Air Med J. 2025 Jan-Feb;44(1):67-69. doi: 10.1016/j.amj.2024.11.013. Epub 2024 Dec 22. PMID: 39993863; PMCID: PMC12266224.

3. Bougie for Difficult Intubation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9MlXl3NIzk