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IPLab:Lab 6:Rheumatoid Arthritis

Revision as of 20:47, 8 July 2020 by Peter Anderson (talk | contribs) (Clinical Summary)

Contents

Clinical SummaryEdit

This 73-year-old female had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for 40 years. She took large doses of aspirin in addition to her prescribed medications. The patient was came to the emergency room for weakness and hematemesis. Her hematocrit was 21%. Endoscopy demonstrated a large bleeding ulcer and fresh blood in the stomach. The sites of bleeding were cauterized; however, shortly after the procedure the patient became hypotensive and died despite aggressive resuscitation.

There were numerous erosions and ulcers in the stomach and a large quantity of fresh blood in the gastrointestinal tract. There was also significant swelling and deformation in multiple joints. On the medial aspect of the right foot there was a firm, irregular, rubbery subcutaneous nodule measuring. The cut surface was whitish-yellow and fibrous.

Autopsy FindingsEdit

There were numerous erosions and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract and a large quantity of fresh blood in the gastrointestinal tract. There was also significant swelling and deformation in multiple joints. On the medial aspect of the right foot there was a firm, irregular, rubbery subcutaneous nodule measuring 2 x 1.5 cm. The cut surface was whitish-yellow and fibrous.

ImagesEdit

Virtual MicroscopyEdit

Study QuestionsEdit


Additional ResourcesEdit

Related IPLab CasesEdit

Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood.

A hematocrit value represents the number of packed red cells in mL per 100 mL of centrifuged whole blood--expressed as a percentage. A normal hematocrit for a female is 34 to 44%.

Autoimmune disorders involve an immune response directed at the host's own cells.