A 45-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office Due to Slowly

question 776

Multiple Choice

A 45-year-old man comes to the office due to slowly progressive back and joint pain.  In particular, his knee and ankle joints are stiff and painful when he walks.  Over the past year, the patient has also experienced excessive sweating, and his ring and shoe sizes have increased.  He has no prior medical issues and takes no medications.  The patient does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs.  There is no significant family history.  Physical examination shows coarse facial features with a prominent forehead, protruding jaw, and widely separated maxillary teeth.  There is mild swelling and crepitus of the knees and ankles bilaterally.  Which of the following is most likely to be associated with this patient's condition?

• A)Aortic root dilation
• B)Bicuspid aortic valve
• C)Left ventricular hypertrophy
• D)Mitral valve prolapse
• E)Pericardial effusion

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Definitions:

Economic Impact

The effect of an event, policy, or market condition on the economy of a region or country, which may involve changes in job creation, GDP, and overall economic growth.

Influenza Epidemic

A widespread outbreak of the influenza virus that affects a large population across multiple areas or countries, often leading to significant illness and mortality rates.

Civil War

A conflict between citizens of the same country. In the United States, it refers specifically to the war fought from 1861 to 1865 over issues including states' rights and slavery.

Deaths

The end of life in biological organisms, marking the permanent cessation of vital functions and processes.