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Review Question - QID 210424

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QID 210424 (Type "210424" in App Search)
A 77-year-old man is brought to his primary care physician by his daughter for incoherent speech. It seemed to have started a few weeks ago and has been steadily worsening. He also now requires adult diapers. The patient has a medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He has been smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day for over 40 years. His temperature is 98.9°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 167/108 mmHg, pulse is 83/min, respirations are 12/min, and oxygen saturation is 97% on room air. Physical exam reveals a confused elderly man who does not respond coherently to questions. The cardiac and pulmonary exam are within normal limits. Inspection of the patient's scalp reveals a healing laceration which the daughter claims occurred yesterday when he fell while walking. Gait testing is significant for the patient taking short steps with reduced cadence. Which of the following findings is most likely in this patient?

Decreased dopamine synthesis in the substantia nigra on dopamine uptake scan

13%

6/47

Dilated ventricles on MRI

53%

25/47

White matter T2 hyperintensities of the cerebral cortex on MRI

9%

4/47

Minor atrophy of the cerebral cortex on CT

2%

1/47

Severe atrophy of the cerebral cortex on MRI

15%

7/47

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This patient is presenting with symptoms suggestive of normal pressure hydrocephalus (wet, wacky, and wobbly), which is associated with dilated ventricles on MRI.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) presents with classic symptoms of "wet, wacky, and wobbly," which corresponds to symptoms of urinary incontinence, dementia, and unstable gait. This disease is caused by the accumulation of ventricular fluid that compresses surrounding structures. The outflow of the ventricular system is usually obstructed. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a CT scan or MRI demonstrating dilated ventricles. Treatment is with shunts that remove excessive fluid and pressure.

Williams and Malm review the evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus. They discuss how this disease will present with dilated ventricles on MRI. They recommend the placement of a shunt in patients with recurrent symptoms.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Decreased dopamine synthesis in the substantia nigra on dopamine uptake scan describes Parkinson disease which presents with memory loss and a slow, stooped, and festinating gait. Treatment is with carbidopa and levodopa in order to supplement CNS dopamine.

Answer 3: White matter T2 hyperintensities of the cerebral cortex on MRI is a nonspecific finding, but can be seen in cases of vascular dementia, which presents with a step-wise decline in cognitive function. Treatment is with control of underlying risk factors such as hypertension.

Answer 4: Minor atrophy of the cerebral cortex on CT describes normal aging which would present with minor forgetfulness without impaired daily function. Treatment is with reassurance and support.

Answer 5: Severe atrophy of the cerebral cortex on MRI describes Alzheimer dementia which presents with a gradual decline in cognitive function that eventually is incapacitating. Treatment is with memantine.

Bullet Summary:
Normal pressure hydrocephalus presents with "wet, wacky, and wobbly," and dilated ventricles on MRI.

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