Harrison's PodClass: Internal Medicine Cases and Board Prep

A primary care review focused on the first visit for a 73-year-old new patient. Discussion covers aging physiology and demographic trends. They debate individualized goals of care, medication choices like statins, and screening decisions such as colon cancer checks. Blood pressure, anemia workup, and diabetes A1c targets for older adults are highlighted.

A deep dive into implantable cardiac defibrillator care after a shock, including why device interrogation is essential. Discussion of cardiac sarcoidosis, when to reassess heart function, and driving and urgent-care guidance after a defibrillator firing. Exploration of psychological effects of shocks and how anti-tachycardia pacing can reduce painful therapies.

Dive into the intriguing case of a 21-year-old college student facing a persistent malodorous vaginal discharge. The discussion highlights the importance of STI testing while dissecting common culprits like trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis. The complexities of diagnosing infections are explored, with a sharp focus on physical examination findings. Additionally, the risks associated with bacterial vaginosis, including complications during pregnancy, are thoroughly examined. Learn about diagnostic criteria and treatment options while busting common myths surrounding these conditions.

A 71-year-old man's participation in a prostate cancer trial reveals fascinating insights about the placebo effect. The discussion delves into ethical considerations and informed consent, enhancing our understanding of clinical trials. It then unpacks how patient expectations inform their responses, supported by psychological studies and neuroimaging. Misconceptions about placebo controls are addressed in an engaging format, making complex concepts accessible and intriguing.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of ambient and household air pollutants, which may significantly affect respiratory and cardiac health.See more on this topic on AccessMedicine.Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition

In this episode, we discuss a 72-year-old man with new-onset seizures, exploring potential etiologies and initial treatment.See more on this topic on AccessMedicine.Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition

A young man struggles with shortness of breath, prompting an intriguing look into familial links to lung conditions. The case reveals a restrictive pulmonary defect while maintaining normal cardiac function, raising diagnostic challenges. The conversation shifts to the fascinating connection between interstitial lung disease and telomere length, highlighting its significance in prognosis. Finally, the hosts dive into telomere diseases, discussing their impact on organ function and the complexities surrounding lung fibrosis.

A 72-year-old woman struggles with fatigue and respiratory distress following a blood transfusion. The discussion highlights the significance of cancer screening and regular medical check-ups for older adults. It dives deep into Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI), examining its causes and management. The podcast also covers complications from blood transfusions, detailing citrate toxicity and the risks of massive transfusions. Listeners gain insights into the importance of pre-transfusion testing and supportive care in managing these complications.

Discover how point-of-care ultrasound is revolutionizing bedside examinations. Learn about its evolution from bulky machines to portable devices, making patient assessments more efficient. The podcast dives into diagnosing shortness of breath using POCUS, showcasing its strengths and limitations. Explore how POCUS enhances diagnostic accuracy for respiratory conditions like pneumothorax and pleural effusions, ultimately improving patient care. This blend of technology and medicine illustrates a significant leap in clinical practice.

Dive into the complexities of penicillin allergies, focusing on desensitization therapy for cases with confirmed allergies. The podcast discusses the stigma surrounding these allergies and the importance of 'delabeling' those at low risk. It also confronts common misconceptions about allergic reactions, differentiating between immediate and delayed responses. A compelling case involving a pregnant woman with primary syphilis highlights the tough decisions healthcare providers face when treating allergic patients. Discover the diagnostic challenges and testing methods for accurately identifying penicillin allergies.