During a thoracotomy procedure, a surgeon needs to access the posterior mediastinum. Which of the following structures forms the anterior boundary of the posterior mediastinum?
ADescending thoracic aorta
BPericardial sac
CAzygos vein
DThoracic vertebrae
ESternum
A 35-year-old woman comes to the physician because of blurred vision for the past 2 months. During this period, she has also had difficulty chewing and swallowing. She reports that her symptoms worsen throughout the day and improve with rest. There is no personal or family history of serious illness. The patient works as a teacher and has had a great deal of stress lately. She does not smoke and drinks a glass of wine occasionally. She takes no medications. Her temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 68/min, and blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg. Physical examination shows bilateral ptosis and mask-like facies. Muscle strength is decreased in both lower extremities. The anti–acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody test is positive. Electromyography shows a decremental response following repetitive nerve stimulation. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
ASerum ACTH and CRH levels
BPlasmapheresis
CAnti-VGCC antibody level
DPhysostigmine therapy
ECT scan of the chest
A 35-year-old man presents to his primary care provider complaining of dull pain in his scrotum and lower back pain over the last 3 months. He is a computer engineer working in a private IT company. He had an uncomplicated appendectomy at the age of 22 years, but is otherwise without a significant past medical history. He smokes 2–3 cigarettes on weekends and drinks alcohol occasionally. He is sexually active with his wife. Today his heart rate is 90/min and blood pressure is 132/76 mm Hg. Scrotal examination reveals a firm, small and painless nodule on the left testicle. Scrotal ultrasound reveals a 0.9 x 0.5 cm irregular, non-cystic mass. He undergoes a left radical orchiectomy and histopathological examination reveals uniform tumor cells with abundant clear cytoplasm and distinct cell borders, consistent with a seminoma. Subsequent PET/CT scans show supraclavicular and para-aortic lymph node involvement. Which is the next and most appropriate step in the management of this patient?
AImmunotherapy
BRadiotherapy
CChemotherapy
DObservation
ESurgery
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