Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice UK Medical PG questions for Fever of unknown origin. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 1: Understanding the concept of 'diagnostic uncertainty' in managing undifferentiated symptoms in primary care involves recognizing that certain presentations cannot be immediately diagnosed. Which of the following statements best describes the evidence-based approach to managing diagnostic uncertainty?
- A. Immediate referral to secondary care is always appropriate when a diagnosis cannot be made in primary care to ensure patient safety
- B. Safety-netting with clear instructions for re-consultation if symptoms persist, worsen, or new features develop is an essential component of managing uncertainty (Correct Answer)
- C. Extensive investigation should be undertaken immediately to exclude all possible serious diagnoses before adopting a watch-and-wait approach
- D. Patients should be reassured that the absence of abnormal findings on initial tests means serious pathology is excluded and no follow-up is needed
- E. Empirical treatment should be started for the most likely diagnosis to avoid delays in management
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***Safety-netting with clear instructions for re-consultation if symptoms persist, worsen, or new features develop is an essential component of managing uncertainty***- **Safety-netting** is an evidence-based strategy that allows for the management of **undifferentiated symptoms** by providing patients with clear, specific **red-flag symptoms** and a planned follow-up.- This approach maintains **patient safety** and utilizes the clinical tool of **time as a diagnostic test**, permitting the natural history of a condition to reveal itself without unnecessary harm.*Immediate referral to secondary care is always appropriate when a diagnosis cannot be made in primary care to ensure patient safety*- Primary care clinicians frequently manage **low-prevalence conditions** where immediate referral would lead to **over-medicalization** and unnecessary patient anxiety.- Most undifferentiated symptoms in primary care are **self-limiting** or benign, making immediate specialist referral an inefficient and potentially harmful use of resources.*Extensive investigation should be undertaken immediately to exclude all possible serious diagnoses before adopting a watch-and-wait approach*- Over-investigation increases the risk of **false positives** and **incidentalomas**, which may lead to invasive procedures that cause more harm than the original symptom.- A **judicious use of investigations** is preferred to avoid the cascades of care that arise from testing without sufficient clinical suspicion.*Patients should be reassured that the absence of abnormal findings on initial tests means serious pathology is excluded and no follow-up is needed*- Many serious conditions can present with **normal initial tests** because some pathologies only become detectable as the disease progresses over time.- Providing false reassurance without a plan for **re-evaluation** violates the principles of safety-netting and may lead to **delayed diagnoses** if symptoms evolve.*Empirical treatment should be started for the most likely diagnosis to avoid delays in management*- Initiating treatment without a diagnosis can **mask symptoms**, making it significantly more difficult to reach a definitive diagnosis later.- This approach exposes patients to potential **adverse drug reactions** and side effects that are unnecessary if the underlying cause is a self-limiting viral illness.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 2: A 35-year-old woman presents with a 10-week history of severe fatigue, aching limbs, and subjective fever. She works as a veterinary nurse. She reports a flu-like illness that never fully resolved. Examination shows temperature 37.8°C, no rash or lymphadenopathy. Blood tests show: Hb 128 g/L, WCC 3.8 × 10⁹/L (lymphocytes 1.2 × 10⁹/L), platelets 156 × 10⁹/L, CRP 12 mg/L, ALT 124 U/L, AST 96 U/L. Blood film shows atypical lymphocytes. Monospot test is negative. What is the most appropriate next investigation?
- A. Serology for Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) (Correct Answer)
- B. HIV antibody and antigen test
- C. EBV serology (IgM and IgG)
- D. CMV serology (IgM and IgG)
- E. Toxoplasma serology
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***Serology for Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)***
- This patient's occupation as a **veterinary nurse** provides significant exposure to **Coxiella burnetii**, which is commonly found in livestock and birthed animals.
- The clinical picture of **prolonged flu-like illness**, **fever**, **fatigue**, **hepatitis** (elevated ALT/AST), and **atypical lymphocytes** is highly characteristic of **acute Q fever**, especially with a negative Monospot test.
*HIV antibody and antigen test*
- While **acute HIV seroconversion** can present with a mononucleosis-like syndrome, symptoms typically resolve within 2-4 weeks, not persist for **10 weeks**.
- The **occupational history** of a veterinary nurse strongly points towards a zoonotic infection, making HIV a less specific initial investigation in this context.
*EBV serology (IgM and IgG)*
- Although **Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)** can cause atypical lymphocytes and hepatitis, the **Monospot test was negative**, making acute infectious mononucleosis due to EBV less likely.
- The specific **occupational exposure** to animals makes **Q fever** a more probable diagnosis than typical infectious mononucleosis given the overall presentation.
*CMV serology (IgM and IgG)*
- **Cytomegalovirus (CMV)** can cause a Monospot-negative mononucleosis syndrome with fever, fatigue, and hepatitis.
- However, the patient's **veterinary nurse** profession makes **Q fever** a higher priority in the differential diagnosis due to direct zoonotic exposure, though CMV should be considered if initial tests are negative.
*Toxoplasma serology*
- **Toxoplasmosis** typically presents with **lymphadenopathy** and flu-like symptoms, which are not prominent features in this case (**no lymphadenopathy**).
- While exposure is possible in this occupation, the characteristic combination of **prolonged fever**, **hepatitis**, and **atypical lymphocytes** without significant lymphadenopathy is less suggestive of toxoplasmosis and more aligned with Q fever.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 3: A 66-year-old man with a 15-week history of fatigue and 8kg weight loss has been investigated extensively in primary care. Blood tests including FBC, U&E, LFT, TFT, calcium, glucose, CRP, and PSA are normal. Chest X-ray and abdominal ultrasound are unremarkable. He has no specific symptoms beyond fatigue and weight loss. His appetite is reduced but he has no dysphagia. He is a lifelong non-smoker. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Arrange colonoscopy under routine pathway as he is >60 years
- B. Arrange urgent upper GI endoscopy under 2-week wait pathway
- C. Request CT chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast (Correct Answer)
- D. Refer to general surgery under 2-week wait for further assessment
- E. Reassure and arrange review in 4 weeks with repeat blood tests
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***Request CT chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast***
- In a patient over **60 years** with significant **unexplained weight loss** and fatigue, a **CT scan** is the gold-standard investigation to screen for occult malignancy across multiple organ systems.
- This approach is recommended when initial primary care screens, including **blood tests**, **CXR**, and **ultrasound**, have failed to reveal a clear diagnosis.
*Arrange colonoscopy under routine pathway as he is >60 years*
- **Colonoscopy** is generally reserved for patients presenting with **lower GI symptoms**, such as altered bowel habits or rectal bleeding, or unexplained **iron deficiency anemia**.
- A **routine pathway** is inappropriate given the significant **8kg weight loss**, which necessitates an urgent investigation for potential malignancy.
*Arrange urgent upper GI endoscopy under 2-week wait pathway*
- **Upper GI endoscopy** is indicated for suspected gastric or esophageal cancer when specific symptoms like **dysphagia**, persistent vomiting, or new-onset dyspepsia are present.
- While the patient has a reduced appetite, the lack of localized **GI symptoms** makes a broad imaging approach like CT more appropriate than an invasive localized procedure.
*Refer to general surgery under 2-week wait for further assessment*
- A **general surgical referral** is premature without a localized finding or a suspected site-specific diagnosis to guide management.
- **Cross-sectional imaging** should be performed first to identify the primary pathology, which will then determine the most relevant **specialist referral**.
*Reassure and arrange review in 4 weeks with repeat blood tests*
- Clinical **reassurance** is unsafe in an elderly patient with **unintentional weight loss** exceeding 5% of their body weight, regardless of normal initial blood tests.
- Delaying further investigation by 4 weeks could lead to a **delayed diagnosis** of an underlying malignancy that requires urgent intervention.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 4: A 41-year-old woman presents with a 15-week history of fatigue and 5kg weight loss. She reports heat intolerance and palpitations. Her grandmother had 'thyroid problems'. Examination shows pulse 96 bpm regular, BP 138/72 mmHg, fine tremor, and a smooth thyroid gland enlarged to twice normal size with an audible bruit. Blood tests show: TSH <0.01 mU/L, free T4 42 pmol/L, free T3 12.8 pmol/L. TSH receptor antibodies are strongly positive. What is the most important counselling point before initiating definitive treatment?
- A. Carbimazole may cause agranulocytosis and she should seek urgent medical attention if she develops a sore throat or fever
- B. Radioiodine treatment is contraindicated in women of childbearing age due to long-term fertility effects
- C. She must use reliable contraception and avoid pregnancy during and for 6 months after radioiodine treatment (Correct Answer)
- D. Thyroid surgery carries a high risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage causing permanent voice changes
- E. Propranolol should not be used if she has a history of asthma or COPD
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***She must use reliable contraception and avoid pregnancy during and for 6 months after radioiodine treatment***
- **Radioiodine (I-131)** is a common **definitive treatment** for Graves' disease, but is strictly **contraindicated during pregnancy** as it crosses the placenta and can destroy the fetal thyroid gland.
- Women must be counselled to avoid pregnancy for at least **6 months** post-treatment to ensure the radioactive isotope has cleared and thyroid status is stable, making this the most important counselling point for a woman of childbearing age.
*Carbimazole may cause agranulocytosis and she should seek urgent medical attention if she develops a sore throat or fever*
- While **agranulocytosis** is a severe side effect of **antithyroid drugs (ATDs)** like carbimazole, these are typically used for medical management rather than considered a "definitive" therapy like surgery or radioiodine.
- Patients on carbimazole must be warned to report **fever or sore throat** immediately for a full blood count, but this is not counselling for definitive treatment.
*Radioiodine treatment is contraindicated in women of childbearing age due to long-term fertility effects*
- Radioiodine is **not contraindicated** in women of childbearing age; it is only strictly contraindicated in those who are **currently pregnant or breastfeeding**.
- There is no evidence that radioiodine causes **long-term infertility** or an increased risk of congenital malformations in future pregnancies conceived after the recommended wait period.
*Thyroid surgery carries a high risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage causing permanent voice changes*
- While **recurrent laryngeal nerve injury** is a recognized complication of thyroidectomy (a definitive treatment), the risk is generally **low (1-2%)** when performed by experienced surgeons, not a "high risk."
- Although important to mention, the absolute contraindication of pregnancy with **radioiodine** represents a more critical safety counselling point for a woman of childbearing potential.
*Propranolol should not be used if she has a history of asthma or COPD*
- This is a standard contraindication for **non-selective beta-blockers** such as propranolol, which are used for **symptomatic relief** of hyperthyroid symptoms like palpitations and tremor.
- However, this counselling point does not pertain to the **definitive treatment** (radioiodine or surgery) aimed at curing the underlying hyperthyroidism.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 5: A 62-year-old man presents with an 11-week history of intermittent fevers up to 38.6°C, night sweats, and 7kg weight loss. He has a 35-year history of Crohn's disease managed with adalimumab. Examination shows temperature 38.2°C, no lymphadenopathy, chest clear, abdomen soft with no masses. Blood tests show: Hb 102 g/L, WCC 11.2 × 10⁹/L, neutrophils 8.4 × 10⁹/L, CRP 78 mg/L. Chest X-ray is normal. Three sets of blood cultures are negative. What is the most appropriate next investigation?
- A. CT chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast (Correct Answer)
- B. Colonoscopy with multiple biopsies
- C. Faecal calprotectin and Crohn's disease activity index
- D. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for tuberculosis
- E. Transthoracic echocardiography
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***CT chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast***- This patient presents with signs of **Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)** and constitutional symptoms; **CT imaging** is the gold-standard next step to screen for occult infection, abscesses, or malignancy.- Patients on **anti-TNF therapy (adalimumab)** are at increased risk for **lymphoma** and opportunistic infections, making comprehensive cross-sectional imaging vital to visualize both intestinal and extra-intestinal pathology.*Colonoscopy with multiple biopsies*- While useful for assessing **Crohn's disease activity**, it cannot detect extra-luminal complications like **intra-abdominal abscesses** or systemic processes that CT can identify.- The systemic nature of the symptoms (high fever, weight loss) suggests a need for broader imaging before invasive luminal assessment.*Faecal calprotectin and Crohn's disease activity index*- These are primarily used to monitor **luminal inflammation** and disease severity but lack the sensitivity to diagnose **extraintestinal malignancy** or deep-seated infections.- A high **CRP** and significant weight loss in an immunosuppressed patient require more definitive diagnostic imaging than stool biomarkers.*Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for tuberculosis*- **IGRA** is used to screen for **latent TB**, but it cannot distinguish between latent and active disease, nor can it identify extrapulmonary or disseminated TB.- Patients on **adalimumab** may have active TB despite a **normal chest X-ray**, necessitating CT for better visualization of lymphadenopathy or miliary patterns.*Transthoracic echocardiography*- This is used to investigate **infective endocarditis**; however, three sets of negative **blood cultures** and the absence of a new murmur make this a lower diagnostic priority.- Given the history of Crohn's and biologic use, searching for **intra-abdominal complications** or **malignancy** via CT is a more clinically relevant next step.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 6: According to NICE guidelines on assessing patients with chronic pain in primary care, which of the following approaches represents best practice for comprehensive pain assessment?
- A. Focusing assessment primarily on pain intensity using a numeric rating scale, as this is the most objective measure
- B. Using a biopsychosocial approach that assesses pain intensity, physical function, psychological wellbeing, and social factors (Correct Answer)
- C. Prioritizing identification of underlying pathology through imaging and specialist referral before addressing symptom management
- D. Assessing pain characteristics and response to analgesia, deferring psychosocial assessment to secondary care
- E. Emphasizing patient expectations for cure and setting goals for complete pain resolution
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***Using a biopsychosocial approach that assesses pain intensity, physical function, psychological wellbeing, and social factors***
- **NICE guidelines** advocate for a **biopsychosocial model** in chronic pain assessment, recognizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
- This comprehensive approach allows for a holistic understanding of the patient's pain experience, including its impact on **function** and **quality of life**, guiding tailored management plans.
*Focusing assessment primarily on pain intensity using a numeric rating scale, as this is the most objective measure*
- While pain intensity scales are useful, relying solely on them provides an incomplete picture and neglects the **subjective nature** and **multifaceted impact** of chronic pain.
- A numeric rating scale does not capture how pain affects a patient's **daily activities**, mood, or social interactions, which are crucial for effective management.
*Prioritizing identification of underlying pathology through imaging and specialist referral before addressing symptom management*
- In **chronic primary pain**, imaging often reveals findings that are not directly correlated with the patient's symptoms and may lead to **unnecessary investigations** or interventions.
- NICE guidelines emphasize that early intervention should focus on symptom management and improving **function**, rather than delaying care by exhaustively searching for structural pathology.
*Assessing pain characteristics and response to analgesia, deferring psychosocial assessment to secondary care*
- **Psychosocial factors** are significant contributors to the persistence and disability associated with chronic pain, and their early assessment is critical in **primary care**.
- Deferring this to secondary care can delay appropriate holistic management and miss opportunities for early intervention in addressing **"yellow flags"** for poor prognosis.
*Emphasizing patient expectations for cure and setting goals for complete pain resolution*
- Setting expectations for **complete pain resolution** in chronic conditions is often unrealistic and can lead to patient dissatisfaction, frustration, and a sense of treatment failure.
- Best practice involves helping patients set **realistic goals** focused on improving function, managing pain, and enhancing their **quality of life**, rather than eliminating pain entirely.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 7: A 48-year-old woman presents with a 16-week history of severe fatigue, widespread pain, and 4kg weight loss. She scores 7/10 on a pain scale and reports poor sleep with frequent waking. Examination shows multiple tender points on palpation but no synovitis or muscle weakness. Blood tests show: Hb 118 g/L, WCC 6.2 × 10⁹/L, ESR 8 mm/hr, CRP 3 mg/L, TSH 2.4 mU/L, calcium 2.38 mmol/L, vitamin D 28 nmol/L. She meets fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. What feature most strongly suggests an alternative or additional diagnosis requires investigation?
- A. The presence of unintentional weight loss (Correct Answer)
- B. The elevated ESR relative to normal CRP
- C. The vitamin D insufficiency
- D. The severity of fatigue and sleep disturbance
- E. The widespread pain with multiple tender points
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***The presence of unintentional weight loss*** - Significant **unintentional weight loss** is a clinical "red flag" that is not typical of **fibromyalgia** and necessitates investigation for malignancy, chronic infection, or metabolic disorders. - While the patient meets the **ACR criteria** for fibromyalgia, systemic symptoms like weight loss and anemic trends (Hb 118 g/L) suggest an underlying organic pathology. *The elevated ESR relative to normal CRP* - An **ESR of 8 mm/hr** is within the normal reference range, and it is concordant with a **CRP of 3 mg/L**, supporting a non-inflammatory condition. - In **fibromyalgia**, inflammatory markers are characteristically normal, differentiating it from inflammatory conditions like **polymyalgia rheumatica** or **rheumatoid arthritis**. *The vitamin D insufficiency* - A **Vitamin D level of 28 nmol/L** represents insufficiency, which is common in the general population and can exacerbate **musculoskeletal pain**. - While it requires supplementation, **vitamin D insufficiency** is a frequent finding in pain clinics and does not explain the more concerning "red flag" symptom of **unintentional weight loss**. *The severity of fatigue and sleep disturbance* - Severe **fatigue** and **non-restorative sleep** are cardinal, defining features of **fibromyalgia** and are part of the core diagnostic criteria. - These symptoms help confirm the **fibromyalgia diagnosis** rather than suggesting a need for alternative investigations for a different underlying condition. *The widespread pain with multiple tender points* - **Widespread pain** lasting more than 3 months and the presence of **multiple tender points** on palpation are classic clinical markers of **fibromyalgia**. - The absence of **synovitis** or swelling on examination further points away from inflammatory arthritis and toward a central pain sensitization syndrome.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 8: A 39-year-old man presents with a 12-week history of fever occurring every 48 hours, peaking at 39.5°C, with associated rigors and sweating. Between episodes he feels completely well. He returned from a 6-month work assignment in Nigeria 10 months ago. He took malaria prophylaxis irregularly. Examination during a febrile episode shows temperature 39.4°C, pulse 108 bpm, BP 126/78 mmHg, mild splenomegaly. Three blood films taken during afebrile periods were negative for malaria parasites. What is the most appropriate next step?
- A. Repeat thick and thin blood films during a febrile episode (Correct Answer)
- B. Perform malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) immediately
- C. Request serology for Plasmodium vivax and ovale antibodies
- D. Arrange bone marrow aspiration for malaria detection
- E. Start empirical treatment with artemether-lumefantrine
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***Repeat thick and thin blood films during a febrile episode***
- Parasitemia in malaria is maximal during **fever spikes**; repeating the blood films during a febrile episode significantly increases the sensitivity for detecting **Plasmodium parasites**.
- The characteristic 48-hour fever cycle, despite previous negative films during afebrile periods, strongly suggests malaria, likely due to **P. vivax** or **P. ovale** which can have lower peripheral parasite densities.
*Perform malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) immediately*
- While useful for rapid screening, **RDTs** are generally less sensitive than microscopy, especially for non-falciparum species like **P. vivax** or **P. ovale**, or in cases of low parasite density.
- A negative RDT does not definitively rule out malaria, and **microscopy** remains the gold standard for confirming diagnosis, identifying species, and quantifying parasitemia.
*Request serology for Plasmodium vivax and ovale antibodies*
- **Serology** detects past exposure to malaria parasites and cannot distinguish between a **past infection** and a current active infection.
- It is primarily used for **epidemiological studies** or screening prospective blood donors, not for the acute diagnosis and management of active malaria.
*Arrange bone marrow aspiration for malaria detection*
- **Bone marrow aspiration** is an invasive procedure and is not part of the standard initial diagnostic workup for malaria.
- It is only considered in extremely rare and atypical cases where there is very high clinical suspicion despite multiple negative **peripheral blood films**, and even then, usually after other non-invasive options are exhausted.
*Start empirical treatment with artemether-lumefantrine*
- **Empirical treatment** with antimalarials is generally discouraged unless the patient is severely ill and rapid diagnosis is unavailable, as it can lead to drug resistance and delays in proper diagnosis.
- For relapsing species like **P. vivax** or **P. ovale**, treatment must also include **primaquine** to eradicate liver hypnozoites (radical cure), which requires a confirmed diagnosis and prior **G6PD screening**.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 9: A 57-year-old woman presents with a 13-week history of fatigue and 6kg weight loss. She has developed a sensation of fullness after small meals. Her only medication is levothyroxine 100mcg for hypothyroidism. Examination reveals a palpable spleen 4cm below the left costal margin. Blood tests show: Hb 142 g/L, WCC 68 × 10⁹/L (neutrophils 52 × 10⁹/L, lymphocytes 4 × 10⁹/L, eosinophils 3 × 10⁹/L, basophils 5 × 10⁹/L, myelocytes 4 × 10⁹/L), platelets 528 × 10⁹/L. Blood film shows a full spectrum of myeloid cells. What is the most appropriate immediate management?
- A. Urgent referral to haematology for suspected chronic myeloid leukaemia within 48 hours (Correct Answer)
- B. Arrange bone marrow biopsy in primary care before referral
- C. Start prophylactic allopurinol and arrange routine haematology referral
- D. Prescribe hydroxycarbamide and refer to haematology within 2 weeks
- E. Admit to hospital immediately due to hyperleukocytosis risk
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***Urgent referral to haematology for suspected chronic myeloid leukaemia within 48 hours*** - The patient presents with classic **Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)** features: **splenomegaly**, weight loss, early satiety, and a blood film showing a **full spectrum of myeloid cells** (left shift) with persistent **basophilia**. - Per **NICE guidelines**, an unexplained high white cell count with suspicious clinical features requires an **urgent referral** to a specialist for assessment within **48 hours**. *Arrange bone marrow biopsy in primary care before referral* - **Bone marrow biopsy** is a specialist procedure that must be performed in secondary care to allow for **cytogenetic analysis** (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome). - Primary care lacks the facilities to manage the procedure or provide the necessary **molecular testing** (t(9;22) BCR-ABL1) required for diagnosis. *Start prophylactic allopurinol and arrange routine haematology referral* - **Allopurinol** is used to prevent **tumor lysis syndrome**, but it should be initiated under specialist guidance alongside definitive treatment. - A **routine referral** is inappropriate given the significant **leukocytosis** and constitutional symptoms, as the risk of disease progression must be managed promptly. *Prescribe hydroxycarbamide and refer to haematology within 2 weeks* - Cytoreductive therapy like **hydroxycarbamide** should only be initiated by a haematologist once the diagnosis is confirmed and specific baseline tests are complete. - A **2-week referral** (often for suspected solid tumors) is slower than the **48-hour** standard required for patients with high white cell counts and suspected leukaemia. *Admit to hospital immediately due to hyperleukocytosis risk* - Emergency admission is typically reserved for patients with **hyperviscosity syndrome** or those with a WCC typically exceeding **100 × 10⁹/L**. - This patient is clinically stable with a WCC of **68 × 10⁹/L**, suggesting **chronic phase** CML rather than an acute medical emergency requiring same-day admission.
Fever of unknown origin UK Medical PG Question 10: A 53-year-old woman presents with a 14-week history of progressive fatigue, 8kg weight loss, and intermittent abdominal discomfort. She has a history of coeliac disease diagnosed 12 years ago and reports good dietary compliance. Examination shows conjunctival pallor and mild generalised lymphadenopathy with 1cm nodes in cervical and axillary regions. Blood tests show: Hb 94 g/L, MCV 78 fL, WCC 3.2 × 10⁹/L, platelets 142 × 10⁹/L, ferritin 8 μg/L, tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies negative, IgA level normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Refractory coeliac disease type II
- B. Small bowel adenocarcinoma
- C. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma) (Correct Answer)
- D. Giardiasis causing malabsorption
- E. Progression to ulcerative jejunoileitis
Fever of unknown origin Explanation: ***Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma)***
- The combination of **progressive fatigue**, significant **weight loss**, **abdominal discomfort**, and **generalised lymphadenopathy** in a patient with long-standing coeliac disease is highly suggestive of **Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL)**.
- The **pancytopenia** (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia) and **iron deficiency** despite good dietary compliance further support a systemic malignancy, as EATL can involve bone marrow or cause systemic effects on hematopoiesis.
*Refractory coeliac disease type II*
- This condition involves persistent villous atrophy despite a strict gluten-free diet and is considered a **pre-malignant state** for EATL.
- However, it typically presents with severe malabsorption symptoms and doesn't usually cause **generalised lymphadenopathy** or **pancytopenia** as primary features, which are more indicative of an established lymphoma.
*Small bowel adenocarcinoma*
- Patients with coeliac disease have an increased risk of this malignancy, but it commonly presents with symptoms of **bowel obstruction**, acute bleeding, or localized abdominal pain.
- It is less likely to cause **generalised lymphadenopathy** or the full spectrum of **pancytopenia** observed in this patient, which points to a more systemic disease.
*Giardiasis causing malabsorption*
- Giardiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection that typically causes **diarrhea**, bloating, and malabsorption.
- It does not explain the significant **weight loss**, **generalised lymphadenopathy**, or the profound **pancytopenia** observed in this patient.
*Progression to ulcerative jejunoileitis*
- This rare complication of coeliac disease involves chronic ulceration of the jejunum and ileum, leading to severe malabsorption, abdominal pain, and potential complications like stricture or perforation.
- While it can cause weight loss and malabsorption, it does not typically present with **generalised lymphadenopathy** or the comprehensive **pancytopenia** seen in this clinical picture.
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