A systemic disease un…suspected by physical examination
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Cátia Costa1, Davide Severino1, Maria Luz Pitta1
1Hospital Santarém, Santarém, Portugal.
Abstract:
A 73-year-old man was admitted to the cardiology department with unstable angina. He had a history of macroglossia with 3 years of development, attributed to hypothyroidism. On physical examination, he presented an exuberant macroglossia. The following diagnostic procedures were performed-ECG, in sinus rhythm with low voltage criteria, and transthoracic echocardiography, which revealed a left ventricle with preserved function and marked wall thickening, with low strain values in basal segments. The coronary angiography confirmed a lesion of 90% in the right coronary artery, treated with two stents. Suspecting a systemic infiltrative disease, additional tests were performed and these revealed the presence of systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis with cardiac involvement, associated with multiple myeloma. The patient was sent to a consult of haematology to begin chemotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the...
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
