Question

A 40 year old female is seen in the dermatologist office, upon recommendation of her internist, for a workup for suspected SLE. Her presenting symptoms include erythema rash across her cheeks and nose. Photosensitivity resulting in raised rash in sun exposed areas, patches of alopecia and pain and stiffness in her joints. The dermatologists examines the patient and orders exfoliative cytology and fungal scrapings to rule out other sources of the rash. Her internist had already placed the patient on oral anti inflammatory medication for the joint pain. The dermatologist orders corticosteroid cream for the rash. The patient is advised to use a sunscreen and make a follow up appointment for results of the biopsy

1.What pathological condition does the internist think this patient might have? Describe

2.List and define each of the patients presenting symptoms

3.What diagnostic tests did the dermatologists perform? Describe and why were they important in helping the dermatologist make a diagnosis?

4.Each physician initiates a treatment. Describe

5.What does “workup” mean?

Answer 1

1.The internist can think the pathological condition may be SLE (systemic lupus erthematosus).It is an autoimmune disease.It occurs due to genetic factors.

2.symptoms are rashes over the cheeks and nose that is described as butterfly rash,photosensitivity,hair loss that leads to alopecia and pain and stiffness over the joints.The patient have these symptoms.

3.The diagnostic test mentioned is exfoliative cytology and fungal scraping these two tests will helps to identify whether the lesions are malignant or not.To confirm the malignancy. And to find the extend of it.

4.The internist already given oral antiinflammatory drug.He prescribed it for joint pain.Initially oral drugs are given.Drugs taken by orally have great effect but if a client with the complaints of rashes and pruitis can prefer for topical agents to avoid the complications. Hence the dermatologist prescribes the client for topical agent. Sunscreen to provide protection against the sun to the rashes and for the photosensitivity.

5.Workup means to achieve the correct diagnosis. That is if suspecting the client for particular disease then doing the appropriate tests and confirming the diagnosis is workup.