Question 1

Q: A 27-year-old man presents to the emergency department with back pain. The patient states that he has back pain that has been steadily worsening over the past month. He states that his pain is worse in the morning but feels better after he finishes at work for the day. He rates his current pain as a 7/10 and says that he feels short of breath. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 130/85 mmHg, pulse is 80/min, respirations are 14/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. On physical exam, you note a young man who does not appear to be in any distress. Cardiac exam is within normal limits. Pulmonary exam is notable only for a minor decrease in air movement bilaterally at the lung bases. Musculoskeletal exam reveals a decrease in mobility of the back in all four directions. Which of the following is the best initial step in management of this patient?

MRI of the sacroiliac joint. ***MRI of the sacroiliac joint*** - The patient's symptoms of **worsening back pain**, morning stiffness that improves with activity, and decreased back mobility are highly suggestive of **ankylosing spondylitis**. - **MRI** is the most sensitive imaging modality for detecting early inflammatory changes in the **sacroiliac joints** and spine, which are characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis, even before radiographic changes are visible. *CT scan of the chest* - While the patient reports feeling **short of breath**, his vital signs and oxygen saturation are normal, and he does not appear in acute distress. - A CT scan of the chest would be a more appropriate step if there were clearer signs of acute pulmonary pathology, such as significant hypoxemia, fever, or adventitious lung sounds, which are not present here. *Pulmonary function tests* - **Shortness of breath** could eventually be a complication of severe ankylosing spondylitis due to restricted chest wall expansion. - However, PFTs are generally not the *initial* diagnostic step given the primary presentation of back pain and the need to confirm the underlying rheumatologic condition first. *Ultrasound* - **Ultrasound** is not a primary imaging modality for evaluating the sacroiliac joints or the spine in the context of suspected ankylosing spondylitis. - It could be useful for assessing peripheral joint inflammation in other arthropathies, but not for axial involvement. *Radiography of the lumbosacral spine* - **X-rays of the lumbosacral spine** might show changes in advanced ankylosing spondylitis (e.g., squaring of vertebrae, syndesmophytes), but they are often normal in the early stages of the disease. - **MRI** is superior for detecting early inflammatory changes and is often used to diagnose the condition before radiographic damage is evident.

Question

A 27-year-old man presents to the emergency department with back pain. The patient states that he has back pain that has been steadily worsening over the past month. He states that his pain is worse in the morning but feels better after he finishes at work for the day. He rates his current pain as a 7/10 and says that he feels short of breath. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 130/85 mmHg, pulse is 80/min, respirations are 14/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. On physical exam, you note a young man who does not appear to be in any distress. Cardiac exam is within normal limits. Pulmonary exam is notable only for a minor decrease in air movement bilaterally at the lung bases. Musculoskeletal exam reveals a decrease in mobility of the back in all four directions. Which of the following is the best initial step in management of this patient?

Accepted Answer

MRI of the sacroiliac joint

Answer

CT scan of the chest

Answer

Pulmonary function tests

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Radiography of the lumbosacral spine

Imaging/Clinical — MCQs

Imaging/Clinical — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?