USMLE Step 1 Question of the Day!

A new patient is complaining of recurrent diarrhea. On exam she presents with cutaneous flushing, asthmatic wheezing (with no hx of asthma), and a new tricuspid murmur. Urinalysis shows increased 5-HIAA. Your diagnosis most likely is?

A) Renal Osteodystrophy
B) Diabetes Insipidus
C) Crohn’s Disease
D) Carcinoid Syndrome
E) MEN type I

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Answer: D) Carcinoid Syndrome. It is caused by tumor consisting of neuroendocrine cells, especially metastatic small bowel tumors. The tumors usually secrete large amounts of Serotonin which results in the symptoms in this patient. Use the ‘Rule of 1/3’: 1/3 metastasize, 1/3 present with 2nd malignancy, and 1/3 are multiple.


USMLE Step 1 D.O.C. of the Day!

Drug of choice for

Trichomonas causing trichomoniasis

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Metronidazole


USMLE Step 1 Fact of the Day!

Infectious agents causing tumors part II:
Human Papillomavirus- cervical and vaginal cancer
Human Herpes Virus #8- Kaposi sarcoma
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1- T-cell lymphoma or leukemia
Schistosoma haematobium- transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder