Triage:

History of Present Illness: A woman in her mid-40’s with no significant PMH is sent to the hospital for left index finger pain for 2 months progressively getting worse and now with swelling for the past 3 weeks.  There is also pain and swelling in the right wrist.  She denies any injury and has already seen a neurologist who ruled out carpal tunnel syndrome early in the course of her illness.  She then saw a rheumatologist who found elevated inflammatory markers but negative tests for gout, RA, SLE and all other known rheumatologic conditions.  She was sent to the ER to see a hand specialist.  She denies fever or chills

Vital Signs: normal

Physical Exam: The right index finger is swollen and tender and she cannot bend it very well but it is not warm nor pink

What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A) Streptococcus
  • B) Gonococcus
  • C) Staphylococcus
  • D) None of the above

SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS & 1-MINUTE CONSULT

 

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ANSWER:

  • A) Streptococcus
  • B) Gonococcus – CORRECT
  • C) Staphylococcus
  • D) None of the above

1-Minute Consult on this topic: Click HERE and scroll to page 268.

DGI article 1

DGI article 2

 

CASE CONCLUSION:

CASE LESSONS: