gastroenterology

A 68-year-old male with a long history of alcohol-related cirrhosis and previous treatment for hepatitis C presents with increasing abdominal distension, fatigue, and a dull ache in the right upper quadrant. He denies acute pain or fever. On examination, he has mild jaundice, shifting dullness, and spider naevi. His vital signs are stable. Recent blood tests show albumin 28 g/L, INR 1.4, total bilirubin 45 µmol/L, ALT 65 U/L, AST 88 U/L, creatinine 90 µmol/L. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is 850 µg/L (normal <10). An abdominal CT scan with contrast is performed, axial views of which are shown. Considering the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory results, and the findings on the provided imaging, what is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A 70-year-old male with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse presents with new-onset ascites and a palpable liver mass. His AFP is markedly elevated. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next diagnostic step?

A 63-year-old man presents to his GP with a 6-month history of intermittent postprandial fullness and mild dysphagia, particularly with solid foods. He reports occasional regurgitation but denies significant heartburn or chest pain. His vital signs are stable, and physical examination is unremarkable. Recent blood tests show mild iron deficiency anaemia. The provided image is from a CT scan of the chest and upper abdomen performed as part of his investigation. Considering the clinical presentation and the significant anatomical finding demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 45-year-old male with Crohn's presents with persistent right lower quadrant pain. Stool studies are negative. Review the imaging. What is the MOST likely complication?

A 72-year-old male presents with increasing dyspnea. He has a history of GORD. The provided image was taken. What is the most appropriate next step?

A 64-year-old woman presents for review in the outpatient clinic. She reports a history of intermittent, self-resolving episodes of right upper quadrant colicky pain over the past year, but is currently asymptomatic. She denies fever, jaundice, or other systemic symptoms. Her physical examination is unremarkable, and recent liver function tests are within the normal reference range. An elective abdominal ultrasound was performed, yielding the image shown. Based on the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?

A 62-year-old male presents with a three-month history of intermittent rectal bleeding and altered bowel habits. His past medical history is unremarkable. A colonoscopy was performed, and an image from the procedure is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 68-year-old male presents with fatigue, weight loss, and vague abdominal discomfort. His past medical history includes a recent diagnosis of gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). The provided image was obtained as part of his staging workup. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 55-year-old patient with a history of solid organ transplant on immunosuppressive therapy presents with a two-week history of intermittent fever, chills, and dull right upper quadrant pain. On examination, there is mild tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Blood tests reveal a white cell count of 14 x 10^9/L and CRP of 120 mg/L. Imaging is performed. Considering the clinical context and the provided images, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A 68-year-old male with known Hepatitis B related cirrhosis and a history of alcohol excess presents for routine surveillance. His alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, which has been stable at 15 ng/mL for the past two years, is now noted to be 185 ng/mL. A screening ultrasound performed three months prior was reported as showing diffuse parenchymal changes consistent with cirrhosis but no focal lesions. Due to the elevated AFP, a repeat ultrasound was performed, which identified a 2.5 cm nodule in segment VIII. To further characterise this lesion, a contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed, and the images provided are representative findings from this study. The patient has well-compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) and no significant comorbidities. His liver function tests are within normal limits except for a slightly elevated GGT. Given the clinical context and the findings demonstrated in the provided images, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 68-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of worsening right upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to her back, associated with fever, chills, and yellowing of her eyes. She denies prior similar episodes but reports occasional post-prandial discomfort. On examination, she is jaundiced and tender in the right upper quadrant. Vital signs are: temperature 38.5°C, heart rate 110 bpm, blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation 97% on room air. Initial laboratory investigations reveal: white blood cell count 14,000/µL, total bilirubin 6.0 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 450 U/L, ALT 300 U/L, and AST 250 U/L. An ERCP is performed, and the image is obtained. Following successful intervention to relieve the obstruction, the patient's symptoms begin to improve. Considering the likely underlying cause of this presentation and the findings during the procedure, what is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient's condition?

A 65-year-old male with new onset ascites and elevated ALP has the imaging shown. What is the MOST likely primary malignancy?

A 32-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of intermittent abdominal pain and bloating. She reports that the pain is crampy, occurs mainly in the lower abdomen, and is often relieved by defecation. She also notes a change in her bowel habits, alternating between constipation and diarrhea. She denies any weight loss, fever, or blood in her stool. Her medical history is unremarkable, and she is not on any medications. On examination, her abdomen is soft with mild tenderness in the lower quadrants but no palpable masses. Blood tests, including a complete blood count and C-reactive protein, are normal. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 58-year-old woman with cholangitis undergoes ERCP. The image is obtained. What intervention is MOST appropriate at this time?

A patient has a pathogenic variant in MLH1 identified via genetic testing. What cancer screening is most strongly indicated?

A 63-year-old woman with a 20-year history of Crohn's disease presents with a one-month history of worsening colicky abdominal pain, bloating, and occasional non-bilious vomiting, associated with a 3kg weight loss. She reports reduced stool frequency. She is currently managed with mesalazine and azathioprine. Her vital signs are stable (BP 120/75, HR 82, Temp 36.8), and physical examination reveals mild right lower quadrant tenderness without guarding or rebound. Bowel sounds are hyperactive. Imaging is performed. Considering the clinical presentation, her current therapy, and the findings suggested by the provided images, which of the following represents the most appropriate next step in this patient's management?

A 28-year-old woman presents for a check-up, reporting occasional mild abdominal discomfort. Her father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 48, and his tumour showed microsatellite instability. A paternal aunt had endometrial cancer at 55. Physical exam is normal. What is the most appropriate next step regarding genetic testing?

A 68-year-old male presents to his general practitioner with a three-month history of progressive dysphagia to both solids and liquids, accompanied by postprandial regurgitation. He also reports experiencing early satiety and occasional episodes of nocturnal coughing. His past medical history is significant for well-controlled hypertension and a remote history of smoking (quit 20 years ago). Physical examination reveals mild epigastric fullness, but is otherwise unremarkable. His vital signs are within normal limits. An abdominal CT scan with contrast was performed, and a representative image is shown. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 58-year-old male with cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse presents for routine surveillance. His AFP is 25 ng/mL. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A neonate, born at 38 weeks gestation, presents with bilious vomiting starting 12 hours after birth. Antenatal ultrasound revealed polyhydramnios. On examination, the baby is active and has a distended upper abdomen but a scaphoid lower abdomen. An abdominal X-ray shows a 'double bubble' sign. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this neonate, considering potential associated complications?

A 72-year-old male with acute cholangitis is undergoing ERCP for stone extraction. The image is obtained after cannulation. Based on the findings, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the procedure?

A 70-year-old male with known gastric MANEC presents with worsening jaundice and ascites. The provided CT scan was performed. Which of the following serum markers would be MOST useful in monitoring disease progression in this patient?

A 68-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of progressive dysphagia, early satiety, and unintentional weight loss of 8 kg. He has a background of well-controlled hypertension. Physical examination reveals mild epigastric tenderness. Initial blood tests show a normocytic anaemia. An urgent upper endoscopy identified a large, ulcerated mass in the gastric body, and biopsies were taken. A staging CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was subsequently performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided imaging, which of the following statements best reflects the likely prognosis and primary management strategy for this patient?

A 62-year-old male presents to the emergency department with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. He has a known history of chronic hepatitis C infection. His vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and mild ascites. The patient denies any alcohol consumption. Laboratory investigations reveal elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. Based on the imaging and clinical findings, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 70-year-old male with known cirrhosis secondary to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease presents for routine surveillance. He has Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis and ECOG performance status 0. His recent surveillance ultrasound showed a new 3 cm lesion in segment VIII. Serum alpha-fetoprotein is elevated at 450 ng/mL. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed, and representative images are shown. Considering the patient's history, clinical status, laboratory results, and the findings demonstrated in the contrast-enhanced ultrasound images, what is the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with a low-grade fever (38.1°C) and mild nausea. He denies vomiting, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding. On examination, he has localised tenderness in the left iliac fossa. His vital signs are stable: BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 78 bpm, RR 16/min, SpO2 98% on air. Blood tests show a white cell count of 12.5 x 10^9/L and CRP 45 mg/L. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image provided). Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the provided image, which of the following investigations is most appropriate to recommend for this patient *after* resolution of the acute episode?

A patient with severe lower GI bleeding refractory to colonoscopy requires further management. Which intervention is most appropriate if the bleeding source is suspected in the small bowel or inaccessible colon?

A 63-year-old man presents to his GP with a 6-month history of intermittent postprandial fullness and mild dysphagia, particularly with solid foods. He reports occasional regurgitation but denies significant heartburn or chest pain. His vital signs are stable, and physical examination is unremarkable. Recent blood tests show mild iron deficiency anaemia. The provided image is from a CT scan of the chest and upper abdomen performed as part of his investigation. Considering the clinical presentation and the significant anatomical finding demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 58-year-old male with cirrhosis presents for routine surveillance. His AFP is 8. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 55-year-old man with a history of renal transplant on long-term immunosuppressive therapy presents with a 3-month history of intermittent right upper quadrant pain and unintentional weight loss. He denies fever or chills. Physical examination is unremarkable. Liver function tests show mild elevation of alkaline phosphatase and gamma-GT. Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) are slightly elevated. Imaging is performed. Considering the clinical context and the findings on imaging, what is the most appropriate next diagnostic step?

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset ascites and right upper quadrant pain. His AFP is elevated. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 32-year-old male with Crohn's disease presents with worsening abdominal pain and diarrhea despite being on maintenance infliximab. He denies fever or blood in his stool. An abdominal CT and MRI are performed. Based on the imaging, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 25-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 2-week history of abdominal pain and diarrhea. She reports that the pain is crampy and occurs mostly in the lower abdomen. She has also noticed some blood in her stool. She has no significant past medical history and is not on any medications. On examination, she has mild tenderness in the lower abdomen but no rebound tenderness or guarding. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 62-year-old male presents with a 3-month history of rectal bleeding and altered bowel habits. Colonoscopy was performed, and a representative image is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 62-year-old male presents with jaundice and RUQ pain. An ERCP is performed, and the image is obtained. Following successful stone extraction, what is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient?

A 50-year-old woman presents with increasing abdominal swelling and early satiety. Examination reveals ascites. Which investigation is most crucial to guide initial management?

A 4-week-old male presents with persistent projectile vomiting after feeding. He is otherwise well-appearing. An upper GI series is performed, with relevant images attached. What acid-base disturbance is MOST likely present?

A 72-year-old woman presents with a 2-day history of worsening right upper quadrant pain radiating to her back, associated with nausea and a low-grade fever. On examination, she is jaundiced and has tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory tests show a total bilirubin of 75 µmol/L, ALP 350 U/L, ALT 200 U/L, and WCC 13.5 x 10^9/L. An urgent ERCP is performed, during which the image is captured. Following successful endoscopic clearance and clinical improvement, which of the following is the MOST appropriate long-term management strategy?

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset ascites and right upper quadrant pain. His AFP is markedly elevated. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 75-year-old female presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of worsening colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and multiple episodes of bilious vomiting. She reports no passage of flatus or stool for the past 18 hours. Her past medical history includes an open appendectomy 30 years ago and a hysterectomy 10 years ago. On examination, she is afebrile, heart rate 92 bpm, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, respiratory rate 18/min, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. Her abdomen is distended and diffusely tender to palpation, with high-pitched tinkling bowel sounds on auscultation. A plain abdominal X-ray series, including the image provided, was obtained. Given the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, which of the following is the most appropriate *next* investigation to guide definitive management?

A 62-year-old male presents with a three-month history of intermittent rectal bleeding and a change in bowel habits. He reports increased constipation alternating with episodes of diarrhea. His family history is significant for a father who had colon cancer at age 70. A colonoscopy was performed, and an image from the procedure is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 35-year-old male presents to the ED with intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and melena. He has multiple cutaneous hemangiomas. A CT scan is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 55-year-old male presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, associated with subjective fever and chills. He denies nausea, vomiting, or change in bowel habits. On examination, he is afebrile, heart rate 85 bpm, blood pressure 130/80 mmHg. Abdominal examination reveals tenderness in the left iliac fossa without guarding or rebound. White cell count is 14 x 10^9/L, CRP 80 mg/L. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed, the relevant axial image is shown. Considering the patient's presentation and the findings on the provided image, which of the following represents the most appropriate initial management strategy?

A 65-year-old male presents with 2 days of constant right upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, associated with nausea and subjective fever. On examination, he is febrile (38.5°C) with significant tenderness and a positive Murphy's sign in the right upper quadrant. His white cell count is elevated at 15 x 10^9/L, and CRP is 120 mg/L. Liver function tests are within normal limits. Considering the clinical presentation and the provided imaging, what is the most appropriate timing for definitive surgical management?

A 62-year-old male with a history of poorly controlled diabetes presents with fever, RUQ pain, and recent travel to a rural area. Lab results show elevated ALP and GGT. Imaging is performed. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 64-year-old woman reports past episodes of transient right upper quadrant pain, now resolved. She is currently asymptomatic with normal liver function tests. An abdominal ultrasound was performed as part of her evaluation. Based on the findings from this imaging study and her clinical history, what is the most appropriate management recommendation?

A 50-year-old man presents to the general practice with a 3-month history of persistent heartburn and regurgitation, especially after meals. He has tried over-the-counter antacids with minimal relief. He denies any weight loss, dysphagia, or gastrointestinal bleeding. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A 62-year-old male with cirrhosis presents for routine surveillance. His AFP is elevated at 450 ng/mL. The provided image was obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 62-year-old woman presents with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and jaundice. Initial labs show elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. An ERCP is performed, and the image is obtained. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A 45-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of epigastric pain that is worse at night and occasionally wakes her from sleep. She describes the pain as a burning sensation that improves with food intake but worsens a few hours after eating. She denies any weight loss, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. She has a history of intermittent use of ibuprofen for chronic back pain. On examination, she appears well-nourished, with normal vital signs and mild epigastric tenderness on palpation. A urea breath test is positive. What is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?