Gastrointestinal Disorders

SAN ANTONIO - New research shows that nearly 40% of missed colonoscopies is due to a patient's difficulty in understanding bowel preparation. 

SAN ANTONIO - A national analysis has revealed an increase in the rate of colorectal cancer resections occurring after bariatric surgery.

A recent study found that obese or severely obese patients have a 60% higher risk of chronic diarrhea vs those who are within a normal weight range. 

When is liver transplant curative? What is the best management option for esophageal varices? And, is hepatorenal failure to blame here?  Test your hepatic management know-how.

CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have all taken branded and generic ranitidine products off shelves as FDA continues to investigate contamination with a suspected carcinogen.

Contamination of some lots of ranitidine (Zantac) led the Novartis Sandoz unit today to stop distribution of the drug while the issue is being investigated.

Is ferritin level elevated in SIBO? How does linoclotide work? How would you prevent Montezuma’s Revenge? Try these 3 case challenges.

A 28-y/o who is pregnant with first child; a 39-y/o with hypothroidism; and a 25-y/o with 3 days of severe abdominal pain. Please diagnose and treat.

Possible gastrointestinal issues during gestation range from expected to significant threat. Choose your next steps for these 3 young women.

She is 35 y/o with a history of migraine, bipolar disorder, and hypertension. Years of structured diets and nutrition consult have failed. Which agent would you consider?

Vomiting, rash, and mental changes; numbness in the feet and stumbling. What's causing these odd symptoms after successful weight loss surgery?

You see a 45-year-old woman 3 years after small bowel resection related to MVA with trauma to the abdomen. What do her presenting symptoms suggest? 

Both patients complain of diarrhea x1 year; neither presents with weight loss, melena, or hematochezia. What test, which treatment would you choose?

Most patients with UC have mild-moderate disease; updated recommendations reflect the AGA’s effort to promote standardized care for this group.

A 47 y/o woman with cirrhosis, HCV, and chronic pancreatitis requests Demerol for the worst abdominal pain she has ever had. What's your diagnosis? 

True or False: Smoking causes IBD flares; peak IBD onset occurs in 3rd decade; UC affecting the rectum increases risk of colon cancer; plus 3 more.

True or False: Surgical removal of the colon will cure ulcerative colitis without significant long-term sequelae. Answer and 4 more statement challenges, here.

What might cause severe abdominal bloating & diarrhea 3 years after ileocolonic resection and adalimumab/methotrexate treatment? 

Two women with inflammatory bowel disease present in opposite states of health. How would you manage each?

On hospital day 3, abdominal pain continues for the 57-year-old man, made worse by oral intake. Abdominal US suggests next steps. What would you do?

These symptoms are recurrent despite patient's adherence to enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatitis. Your next step?

After endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stone extraction, the picture gets complicated for this 40-year-old woman.

A 62-year-old man is transported to the ED after becoming incontinent in the middle of the night. He has a history of HCV. What do test results suggest?

The 31-year-old has not seen a healthcare provider in more than 10 years and claims good health until now. Lab and imaging results tell a different story.

The patient reports mild fatigue and pruritis but denies jaundice, scleral icterus, abdominal swelling. What’s your impression?

The patient also has a 2-year history of elevated ALP. Results of MRCP and liver biopsy guide next steps. What's your choice?

The 21-year-old recently immigrated from Mexico. She has had trouble swallowing both solids and liquids x4 months. The clue to diagnosis is a subtle one.

A bite of steak has been lodged in the patient's throat for 1 hour; why hasn't this bout of dysphagia resolved spontaneously?

A young woman presents with sharp LLQ pain, fever, and increased white count. What's your diagnosis? 

Two scenarios: a 42-y/o man with MRCP findings of concern and a 35-y/o woman s/p RNY and C-sections, with RUQ pain. Your solutions?