Tropical sprue physical examination
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S[2]
Overview
The physical examination findings in acute phase can be significant for dehydration. In the chronic phase, features of sub acute combined degeneration and visual field defects are present.
Physical Examination
Physical examination findings in tropical sprue include:
General Examination
Signs of dehydration may be present on examination in patients in the acute phase, which include:[1][2][3]
- Dry tongue
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced or no urine output
- Reduced skin turgor
HEENT
- Pallor
- Angular stomatitis
- Glossitis
- Mouth ulcers
Extremities
- Peripheral edema
Abdomen
- Abdominal examination is normal with no tenderness and organomegaly
CNS
In cases with severe vitamin B12 deficiency features of sub-acute degeneration of spinal cord can be demonstrated.
- Paresthesias, lower extremities weakness, spasticity, ataxic gait
- Loss of vibration and position sense
References
- ↑ Ramakrishna BS, Mathan VI (1982). “Water and electrolyte absorption by the colon in tropical sprue”. Gut. 23 (10): 843–6. PMC 1419837. PMID 7117904.
- ↑ Brown, Ian S.; Bettington, Andrew; Bettington, Mark; Rosty, Christophe (2014). “Tropical Sprue”. The American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 38 (5): 666–672. doi:10.1097/PAS.0000000000000153. ISSN 0147-5185.
- ↑ Brown IS, Bettington A, Bettington M, Rosty C (2014). “Tropical sprue: revisiting an underrecognized disease”. Am J Surg Pathol. 38 (5): 666–72. doi:10.1097/PAS.0000000000000153. PMID 24441659.
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