Author: Norbert Wrobel, Graham Johnson / Editor: Sarah Edwards / Codes: GP1, RP7, SLO3, SLO4, SuP1 / Published: 23/05/2025
The patient is a lady in her 60s, arriving to resus with 12-hour history of moderate upper abdominal pain, which radiates to both shoulders. She appears pale and unwell.
She returned from a holiday in Spain a few days ago, where she had a mild febrile illness.
Her initial observations show a BP of 81/43 mmHg, HR of 82, with normal sats and temperature. Her PMHx includes hypertension and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
There is no history of any trauma or injury.
On examination the patient looks pale and has a raised BMI. Her abdomen is soft, with tenderness over the epigastrium and left upper quadrant.
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Question 1 of 3
1. Question
Which initial blood tests are important in this case? (Select all that apply)
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Question 2 of 3
2. Question
The initial VBG shows a Haemoglobin (Hb) of 83 (on review of previous blood tests there was no history of anaemia) and a lactate of 1.7. The patient’s BP transiently improves after a bolus of fluid. A Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is performed, which shows some free fluid in the subcostal views, though is partly limited by bowel gas and body habitus.
What are your top 3 differential diagnoses? (Select all that apply)
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Question 3 of 3
3. Question
The observations remain stable with ongoing hypotension despite Intravenous (IV) fluids. Given the clinical concern, a cross-matched blood transfusion is started, and tranexamic acid is administered. Pain is well controlled with IV morphine and paracetamol.
What are the 2 most important next steps in managing this patient? (Select all that apply)
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7 responses
Great Revision
Nice topic
Reflecting importance of broad differential
Nice case and rare presentation of rupture spleen, Thanks.
Great and succinct revision.
Typical ED presentation, symptom-wise.
excellent
Great case Norbert & GJ