Harrison's PodClass: Internal Medicine Cases and Board Prep

In this episode, we discuss asymptomatic bacteriuria in a pregnant woman.Read more on this topic in Harrison's.Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition

A pregnant woman expresses concern about lead exposure, prompting a deep dive into the health risks of heavy metal toxicity. The discussion highlights the importance of accurately measuring lead levels, emphasizing whole blood assessments. The hosts explore the dire consequences of maternal lead exposure, including its effect on fetal development and potential long-term health issues for children. This conversation sheds light on the critical need for public awareness, particularly for vulnerable groups facing such environmental hazards.

Dive into the challenges of high-altitude health with a case study of a 30-year-old woman heading to Machu Picchu. Learn about acute mountain sickness, its symptoms, and how to differentiate it from other altitude issues. Discover key risk factors like ascent rate and age. Explore acclimatization strategies to mitigate health risks, including hydration techniques and preventive medications. Unravel myths about remedies such as ginkgo biloba in the fight against mountain sickness while emphasizing the value of a gradual ascent.

A 58-year-old man's elevated PSA levels spark a deep dive into prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The podcast reveals the rising rates of prostate cancer alongside its surprisingly low mortality. It emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making in healthcare. Genetic risks are discussed, shedding light on screening complexities. The significance of advanced imaging in understanding PSA results is also highlighted, making for a compelling conversation on balancing detection and treatment.

Dive into a captivating clinical case about a 44-year-old woman grappling with cirrhosis and shortness of breath. The discussion unravels the complexities of pleural effusions, highlighting how to differentiate between exudates and transudates using Light's criteria. Listeners gain insights into vital signs, imaging, and diagnostic reasoning that enhance their understanding of internal medicine. Treatment strategies for hepatic hydrothorax and the implications of liver failure are key highlights that offer valuable learning for medical enthusiasts.

Delve into a fascinating case of a 24-year-old man with Noonan syndrome facing new-onset dyspnea. Discover the nuances of congenital heart disease and the various murmurs associated with valvular disorders. Learn to differentiate conditions like mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis through physical exam findings. Plus, explore the common cardiac issues linked to Noonan syndrome, especially pulmonic stenosis, highlighting symptoms, treatment options, and possible surgical interventions. It's a captivating blend of patient stories and medical insights!

An intense case study of an 18-year-old with chest trauma from a lacrosse game sets the stage. The discussion delves into the complexities of blunt cardiac injuries and the vital differences between myocardial contusion and other issues. The hosts highlight the importance of ECGs and cardiac biomarkers for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for prompt medical responses, including defibrillator access at sports events, to ensure athlete safety.

Dive into the case of a 58-year-old woman getting ready for robotic cholecystectomy. Explore the critical preoperative assessments focused on her cardiovascular and pulmonary health. Learn about the importance of electrocardiograms and risk calculators for evaluating surgical readiness. Discover how individualized evaluations and functional capacity measurements play pivotal roles in planning her procedure. This discussion highlights the intricate process of ensuring safety in elective surgeries.

A man grapples with prostate cancer fears during his annual physical, sparked by a friend's diagnosis. The hosts dive into the nuances of PSA testing, discussing its critical role in early detection and what influences those levels. They highlight promising preventive strategies, noting the absence of FDA-approved medications despite encouraging trial results. Lifestyle adjustments and dietary choices also emerge as key elements in overarching cancer prevention efforts.

The hosts dissect a compelling case of a 66-year-old man grappling with speech issues and grip weakness, highlighting the need for comprehensive medical evaluations. They delve into stroke diagnoses, underlining the urgency of treatment as stroke prevalence rises globally. The discussion explores the nuances between transient ischemic attacks and strokes, clarifying common misconceptions. Emphasizing the connection between TIAs and subsequent stroke risk, they stress the importance of early intervention to improve patient outcomes.