Cases
Clinical Case Studies
Interactive cases for clinical decision-making practice
Specialty:
Complexity:
Total Cases
71
Specialties
18
Beginner
10
AI Generated
35
Pancreatic Cancer - Painless Jaundice
Yellow eyes and skin with dark urine
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate obstructive (conjugated) from hemolytic (unconjugated) jaundice
- Recognize painless jaundice as red flag for malignancy
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Two days of fever and confusion after camping
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize classic RMSF rash distribution (wrists/ankles to centrally, palms/soles)
- Identify thrombocytopenia and hyponatremia as lab clues
Hepatic Encephalopathy with Cirrhotic Ascites
Worsening abdominal distension and confusion
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize hepatic encephalopathy and grade severity
- Perform and interpret ascitic fluid analysis including SAAG and cell count
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Child
Pale child with sudden bruising and petechiae
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize clinical presentation of childhood leukemia
- Identify pancytopenia and blasts on CBC
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - Thunderclap Headache
Severe headache, worst of life, with vomiting
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize thunderclap headache as red flag for subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Interpret CT findings of SAH
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Acute confusion and lethargy with high glucose
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the diagnostic triad of DKA (hyperglycemia, ketosis, acidosis)
- Calculate anion gap and corrected sodium
Long QT Syndrome with Torsades de Pointes
Periods of passing out and palpitations
Learning Objectives:
- Identify long QT syndrome on ECG and calculate QTc
- Recognize torsades de pointes and risk factors
Early Lyme Disease - Erythema Migrans
New rash and joint pain after hiking
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize classic erythema migrans rash of early Lyme disease
- Identify endemic tick exposure as key risk factor
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Falls and behavioral changes in a 70-year-old
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the classic triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Interpret neuroimaging features distinguishing NPH from atrophy
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Right-sided weakness and abnormal bleeding
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the simultaneous thrombosis and bleeding of DIC
- Interpret coagulation studies in DIC
Acute Inferior STEMI - RCA Occlusion
Crushing substernal chest pain radiating to left arm
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize STEMI on ECG using ST elevation criteria
- Apply acute reperfusion pathways (PCI vs fibrinolysis)
Acute Gallstone Pancreatitis
Epigastric pain radiating to back with nausea
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose acute pancreatitis using Atlanta classification criteria
- Identify gallstone etiology and assess severity
Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Cough, weight loss, and night sweats for 2 months
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize clinical and radiographic features of pulmonary TB
- Implement appropriate diagnostic testing including AFB smear and NAAT
Acute Epiglottitis - Airway Emergency
Acute severe sore throat and fever
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize clinical presentation of acute epiglottitis
- Identify the thumb sign on lateral neck radiograph
Wilson Disease - Hepatolenticular Degeneration
Behavioral changes, memory problems, and tremor
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the classic triad of Wilson disease: hepatic, neurologic, psychiatric
- Identify Kayser-Fleischer rings and interpret copper studies
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Early Presentation
Chronic joint pain and morning stiffness in hands
Learning Objectives:
- Apply ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA diagnosis
- Differentiate RA from other inflammatory arthritides
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain for 5 days
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the clinical triad of hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Identify Shiga toxin-producing E. coli as common cause
Acute Cholecystitis
Right upper quadrant abdominal pain after fatty meals
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the classic presentation of biliary disease
- Differentiate biliary colic from acute cholecystitis
Resistant Hypertension - Secondary Cause Evaluation
Elevated blood pressure found at screening
Learning Objectives:
- Define resistant hypertension and confirm diagnosis
- Identify red flags suggesting secondary hypertension
Delirium Tremens - Severe Alcohol Withdrawal
Agitated and seeing things that aren't there
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize delirium tremens as severe alcohol withdrawal
- Apply CIWA-Ar scoring for symptom-triggered therapy
Hyperthyroidism - Graves' Disease
Vision changes, palpitations, tremors for 3 months
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate Graves' disease from other causes of hyperthyroidism
- Recognize thyroid eye disease as Graves-specific manifestation
Acute Ischemic Stroke - Left MCA Occlusion
Sudden weakness on right side and slurred speech
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize stroke warning signs using BE-FAST
- Distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke on imaging
Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Sepsis
Worsening confusion, fever and cough for 3 days
Learning Objectives:
- Apply CURB-65 and PSI scoring for CAP severity
- Recognize sepsis criteria in pneumonia
Acute Bacterial Meningitis
3 days of fever, headache, and neck stiffness
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize classic meningitis triad
- Interpret CSF analysis for bacterial vs viral etiology
Acute Appendicitis
Acute severe abdominal pain that started as epigastric
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the classic pain migration pattern of appendicitis
- Apply Alvarado score for clinical decision-making
Severe Preeclampsia at 26 Weeks
26 weeks pregnant with headache, swelling, and visual changes
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose preeclampsia with severe features
- Initiate magnesium sulfate for seizure prophylaxis
Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Sudden onset shortness of breath and chest pain
Learning Objectives:
- Calculate Wells score for PE pretest probability
- Identify massive vs submassive vs small PE
Hypothyroidism - Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance for 6 months
Learning Objectives:
- Identify clinical features of hypothyroidism
- Interpret thyroid function tests
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring
Learning Objectives:
- Apply STOP-Bang screening for OSA risk
- Interpret polysomnography results including AHI
Acute STEMI in a 58-Year-Old Male
Crushing chest pain for 45 minutes
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize STEMI ECG patterns
- Understand door-to-balloon timing
Psoriasis with Psoriatic Arthritis
Scaly rash on elbows and knees with joint pain
Learning Objectives:
- Identify psoriasis on physical exam
- Recognize nail changes in psoriatic disease
Kawasaki Disease in a Toddler
5 days of high fever with rash and irritability
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize clinical criteria for Kawasaki disease
- Understand cardiac complications and monitoring
Acute Pericarditis
Sharp chest pain worse with deep breathing
Learning Objectives:
- Identify ECG changes of pericarditis
- Differentiate from STEMI
Atopic Dermatitis in an Infant
Itchy rash on cheeks and creases since 2 months old
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize atopic dermatitis distribution by age
- Apply the atopic march concept
Bronchiolitis in an Infant
Wheezing and difficulty breathing for 2 days
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize bronchiolitis clinical features
- Apply supportive care approach
Chest Pain in a 55-Year-Old Male
A 55-year-old male presents with sudden onset crushing chest pain radiating to left arm...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize ACS presentation
- Differentiate STEMI from NSTEMI
Acute Shortness of Breath
A 68-year-old female with history of DVT presents with sudden dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize PE presentation
- Apply Wells score
Altered Mental Status
A 72-year-old brought by family for confusion and right-sided weakness over past 3 hours...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize stroke symptoms
- Calculate NIHSS
Severe Abdominal Pain
A 35-year-old female with sudden RLQ pain, fever, nausea, and rebound tenderness...
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose acute appendicitis
- Assess surgical urgency
Febrile Seizure in Toddler
An 18-month-old brought to ER after witnessed generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 3 minutes...
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate simple vs complex febrile seizure
- Rule out serious causes
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
A 24-year-old type 1 diabetic presents with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fruity breath...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize DKA presentation
- Manage fluid and insulin therapy
Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation
A 70-year-old with CHF history presents unable to breathe, orthopneic, with bilateral leg swelling...
Learning Objectives:
- Identify HF exacerbation triggers
- Initiate diuretic therapy
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
A 45-year-old presents with fever, productive cough, and pleuritic chest pain for 3 days...
Learning Objectives:
- Apply CURB-65 score
- Choose appropriate antibiotics
Status Epilepticus
A 30-year-old with epilepsy brought by EMS having continuous seizure for 10 minutes...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize status epilepticus
- Follow treatment algorithm
Acute Asthma Exacerbation
A 28-year-old with asthma presents unable to speak full sentences, wheezing, using accessory muscles...
Learning Objectives:
- Assess asthma severity
- Initiate treatment protocol
Upper GI Bleeding
A 60-year-old with history of NSAID use presents with hematemesis and melena...
Learning Objectives:
- Resuscitate GI bleed
- Risk stratify with Glasgow-Blatchford
Septic Shock
A 65-year-old nursing home resident with AMS, fever 103°F, hypotension 80/50, HR 130...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize sepsis criteria
- Implement sepsis bundle
Acute Kidney Injury with Hyperkalemia
A 70-year-old diabetic with CKD presents with weakness. Labs show Cr 4.5, K+ 6.9, ECG shows peaked T waves...
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate AKI types
- Manage life-threatening hyperkalemia
Acute Monoarticular Arthritis
A 52-year-old male presents with sudden severe pain in right great toe, unable to bear weight. Joint is hot, red, swollen...
Learning Objectives:
- Perform arthrocentesis interpretation
- Differentiate gout from septic arthritis
Suspected Meningitis
A 22-year-old college student with fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia for 12 hours...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize meningitis signs
- Perform/interpret LP
Thyroid Storm
A 45-year-old with known Graves' disease presents with fever 104°F, tachycardia 150, altered mental status...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize thyroid storm
- Apply Burch-Wartofsky criteria
Major Depression with Suicidal Ideation
A 35-year-old presents with 3 weeks of depressed mood, anhedonia, insomnia, weight loss, and passive death wishes...
Learning Objectives:
- Assess suicide risk
- Screen for depression
Acute Pancreatitis
A 50-year-old with history of gallstones presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to back, nausea, vomiting...
Learning Objectives:
- Apply Ranson criteria
- Manage fluid resuscitation
Anaphylaxis
A 28-year-old at restaurant suddenly develops facial swelling, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, urticaria...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize anaphylaxis criteria
- Administer epinephrine correctly
Pediatric Dehydration
A 10-month-old with 3 days of watery diarrhea, decreased wet diapers, sunken fontanelle, dry mucous membranes...
Learning Objectives:
- Assess dehydration severity
- Calculate fluid deficit
Acute Ischemic Stroke - tPA Decision
A 68-year-old with sudden left-sided weakness and aphasia 90 minutes ago. NIHSS score 14, BP 185/100...
Learning Objectives:
- Calculate NIHSS
- Assess tPA eligibility
COPD Exacerbation
A 65-year-old smoker with increased dyspnea, productive cough with green sputum. SpO2 86% on RA...
Learning Objectives:
- Assess COPD severity
- Initiate treatment protocol
Hypertensive Emergency
A 55-year-old presents with severe headache, BP 220/130, blurred vision, and confusion. No medication history...
Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish emergency from urgency
- Choose appropriate IV agent
Acute Liver Failure
A 35-year-old with jaundice, confusion, INR 4.5, ammonia 150. Reports taking acetaminophen for headaches...
Learning Objectives:
- Identify causes
- Assess transplant candidacy
Iron Deficiency Anemia Workup
A 45-year-old female with fatigue, pallor. Labs show Hgb 8.5, MCV 72, ferritin 8, RDW 18%...
Learning Objectives:
- Interpret iron studies
- Identify underlying cause
Bipolar Mania
A 28-year-old brought by police for erratic behavior, pressured speech, grandiose delusions, no sleep for 4 days...
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose manic episode
- Assess safety
Tension Pneumothorax
Trauma patient with absent breath sounds on right, tracheal deviation left, hypotensive, distended neck veins...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize tension pneumothorax
- Perform needle decompression
Kawasaki Disease
A 4-year-old with 6 days of high fever, bilateral conjunctivitis, strawberry tongue, rash, and hand swelling...
Learning Objectives:
- Apply diagnostic criteria
- Prevent coronary complications
Giant Cell Arteritis
A 72-year-old with new temporal headache, jaw claudication, vision changes. ESR 95, CRP 8.5...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize temporal arteritis
- Prevent blindness
HIV/AIDS with Opportunistic Infection
A 38-year-old with AIDS (CD4 45) presents with fever, cough, dyspnea. CXR shows diffuse bilateral infiltrates...
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose PCP pneumonia
- Initiate treatment
Alcohol Withdrawal
A 55-year-old heavy drinker, last drink 48 hours ago. Now tremulous, diaphoretic, BP 160/95, HR 110...
Learning Objectives:
- Assess withdrawal severity with CIWA
- Prevent seizures and DTs
Atrial Fibrillation with RVR
A 70-year-old presents with palpitations, dyspnea. Irregularly irregular rhythm, HR 155, BP 105/70...
Learning Objectives:
- Rate vs rhythm control
- Anticoagulation decision
Sickle Cell Crisis
A 24-year-old with sickle cell disease presents with severe bone pain, chest pain, fever, O2 sat 89%...
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate crisis types
- Manage pain and hypoxia
Ectopic Pregnancy
A 28-year-old presents with 6 weeks amenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, and vaginal spotting. β-hCG 2000...
Learning Objectives:
- Diagnose ectopic pregnancy
- Interpret ultrasound
Adrenal Crisis
A patient on chronic prednisone stopped abruptly. Now presents with hypotension, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize adrenal insufficiency
- Initiate stress-dose steroids
TTP/HUS
A 35-year-old with fever, confusion, anemia. Labs show schistocytes, thrombocytopenia, elevated LDH, AKI...
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize TMA
- Differentiate TTP from HUS
Created by Safana Abdullah
For educational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.