Question Easy: A 28-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Blood tests reveal elevated TSH and low free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis? 😊
A) Addison’s disease
B) Hyperthyroidism
C) Hypothyroidism
D) Cushing’s disease
E) Grave’s disease
Question Medium: A 45-year-old man presents with hypertension, headaches, and sweating. Plasma metanephrines are elevated. What is the most likely underlying condition? 🔍
A) Cushing’s syndrome
B) Hyperparathyroidism
C) Pheochromocytoma
D) Hyperaldosteronism
E) Acromegaly
Question Hard: A 33-year-old woman presents with episodes of visual loss and eye pain. An MRI reveals multiple demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system. What is the most appropriate management for an acute flare-up of this condition? 🧠
A) Oral azathioprine
B) IV methylprednisolone
C) Oral cyclophosphamide
D) Subcutaneous interferon-beta
E) IV immunoglobulin
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) Hypothyroidism
Question Easy Explanation: This presentation is classic for hypothyroidism, as confirmed by the elevated TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and low free T4 (thyroxine) levels. According to NICE guidelines, hypothyroidism is commonly associated with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Question Medium Answer: C) Pheochromocytoma
Question Medium Explanation: The symptoms of hypertension, headaches, and sweating, along with elevated plasma metanephrines, suggest pheochromocytoma. NICE guidelines recommend checking plasma free metanephrines or urinary fractionated metanephrines for diagnosis.
Question Hard Answer: B) IV methylprednisolone
Question Hard Explanation: This patient’s symptoms and MRI findings indicate multiple sclerosis, which can present with demyelinating lesions. For acute flare-ups, NICE guidelines recommend high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone as the first-line treatment to reduce inflammation.
Medical fact of the day: The pituitary gland, often dubbed the “master gland”, is critically important in regulating endocrine functions yet is just the size of a pea! This tiny organ sits at the base of the brain and controls growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Quote of the day: “Healing takes courage, and resilience is found in the hearts of those who care.”