A 58-year-old man comes to the physician for the evaluation of intermittent dysphagia for 6 months. He states that he drinks a lot of water during meals to help reduce discomfort he has while swallowing food. He has hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease. He has smoked one half-pack of cigarettes daily for 32 years. He does not drink alcohol. Current medications include hydrochlorothiazide and ranitidine. He is 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) tall and weighs 101 kg (222 lb); BMI is 33.7 kg/m2. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 75/min, and blood pressure is 125/75 mm Hg. The lungs are clear to auscultation. Cardiac examination shows no murmurs, rubs, or gallops. The abdomen is soft and nontender. A barium esophagogram shows a smooth, circumferential narrowing at the distal esophagus. An upper endoscopy shows a sliding hiatal hernia and a thin mucosal ring at the gastroesophageal junction. Biopsies from the area show normal squamous and columnar epithelium with no dysplasia or malignancy. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
AMechanical dilation
BIron supplementation
CEsophageal stent
DEsophagectomy
ENissen fundoplication
A 49-year-old man presents to his primary care physician complaining of multiple symptoms. He states that over the past 8 months he has noticed voice changes and difficulty swallowing. The dysphagia started with just dry foods like crackers but has progressed to include smoothies and ice cream. He works as a newspaper editor and has also noticed trouble writing with his dominant hand. He is accompanied by his wife, who complains that he snores and drools in his sleep. His medical history is significant for hypertension and a bicuspid aortic valve. He takes hydrochlorothiazide. On physical examination, there is atrophy of the right hand. The patient’s speech is slow. A systolic murmur at the right upper sternal border is appreciated. Tapping of the left patellar tendon causes the patient’s left lower extremity to forcefully kick out. Stroking of the plantar aspect of the patient’s left foot causes his left toes to extend upward. Which of the following therapies is most likely to slow the progression of the patient’s symptoms?
AAmantadine
BBeta interferon
CRiluzole
DDonepezil
EReserpine
A 55-year-old man presents to his primary care physician for trouble swallowing. The patient claims that he used to struggle when eating food if he did not chew it thoroughly, but now he occasionally struggles with liquids as well. He also complains of a retrosternal burning sensation whenever he eats. He also claims that he feels his throat burns when he lays down or goes to bed. Otherwise, the patient has no other complaints. The patient has a past medical history of obesity, diabetes, constipation, and anxiety. His current medications include insulin, metformin, and lisinopril. On review of systems, the patient endorses a 5 pound weight loss recently. The patient has a 22 pack-year smoking history and drinks alcohol with dinner. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 177/98 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. On physical exam, you note an overweight man in no current distress. Abdominal exam is within normal limits. Which of the following is the best next step in management?
AEndoscopy
BOmeprazole trial
CManometry
DBarium swallow
ECT scan
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