Holiday-themed diagnoses
Hospitalized for the holidays
Vandy IM wrapped
Baby, it's cold outside!
2025: what a year!
100

Nutcracker syndrome is a vascular compression disorder where the left renal vein gets pinched between the aorta and what artery?

the superior mesenteric artery

100

A 54 year old male presents with nausea and confusion after a holiday alcohol bender. BMP shows Na 115. Urine osmolality 500 mOsm/kg. Urine sodium 45 mEq/L. What is the most likely cause of this patient's hyponatremia?

SIADH

100

What was the most common leading differential diagnosis during VU Morning Report in 2025? 

Probably HLH

100

The ice pack test is a quick, non-invasive bedside test utilized to diagnose this neurologic condition.

Myasthenia gravis

100

VUMC IM celebrated a big anniversary this year. What year did the first group of residents at Vanderbilt start training (in what is now MCN)?

Fall 1925


200

This hematologic disease is also known as the "Christmas disease."

Hemophilia B

a rare, inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting Factor IX

200

A 45 year old F with a PMH of migraines, hypothyroidism, and PCOS presents to the ED after participating in a her town's chestnut eating contest. She consumes 15lb of chestnuts during the event. She is tachycardic to 150 in the ED, diaphoretic, and has visible tremors. What's the most likely diagnosis?

hyperthyroidism from exogenous iodine ingestion

200

Who were the first residents to pilot the Swing Shift? 

Arcole Brandon & Nick Hamilton. 

Thanks, y'all!

200

This virus peaks in the fall/winter months and is a leading cause of myocarditis and pericarditis

Coxsackie virus

200

In 2025, Dr. Dupuis was announced as the next PD for the Internal Medicine Residency! Where did Dr. Dupuis get her MD/PhD?

University at Buffalo, State University of NY 

GO BILLS!

300

This arrhythmia is classically associated with binge drinking around the holidays and aptly named "Holiday Heart Syndrome"

Atrial fibrillation

300

A 65 year old F presents to the ED after being found down in her yard shoveling snow. EKG is non ischemic. POCUS is most likely to reveal what cardiac abnormality?

Aortic stenosis

300

How many times did residents not have VA access when called for jeopardy? 

The limit does not exist

300

19 yo F home from college for winter break develops cold-like symptoms with a cough. She then notices acrocyanosis and dark urine. She presents to her PCP and is found to be mildly anemic. What is the most likely diagnosis and why are her fingers cyanotic?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae 

Cold agglutinins!

300

DAX Copilot is changing the game for documentation! When did it first become available in VUMC clinics?

January 15, 2025

400

The ICD-10 codes W55.32- series, specifically W55.32XA (initial encounter), W55.32XD (subsequent encounter), or W55.32XS (sequela) reflect complications of what unfortunate holiday road accident? 

Grandma got run over by a reindeer 

ICD W55.32: "struck by other hoof stock" (hoof stock like a goat, sheep, cow)

*horses have a separate ICD code.. 

400

55 yo M presents to the ED with chest pain after standing outside at the Titans game all last night. The pain has resolved by the time he gets to the ED but he's alarmed because he's never had this pain before. Trop is mildly elevated. EKG is non ischemic. UDS positive for cocaine. Cath lab shows no obstructions. What's the most likely diagnosis?

prinzmetal angina (coronary vasospasm)

400

What day was jeopardy coverage most utilized since July 1st? 

9/26/25 - Intern Retreat!

400

Why can ABGs appear misleadingly “normal” in hypothermic patients?

Blood gas analyzers warm samples to 37°C, masking true in-vivo acid–base status.

400

Which long acting injectable for the treatment of HIV was approved in June 2025? 

Lenacapavir (June 18, 2025)

500

What's going on here and what is this radiographic sign called? 

"Snowcap sign" 

Avascular necrosis 

AVN has four phases, avascular, revascularization, repair and deformity phases. In the repair phase, osteoblasts lead to new bone formation and appears as sclerosis on the superior surface of the humeral or femoral head.

500

A 30 yo M is brought in by EMS after his neighbors found him down inside his apartment in January. What is the most likely diagnosis? 

Carbon monoxide poisoning 

classic "cherry red skin" appearance

500

How many residents matched into fellowship this year??

40! 

500

A 28 yo F resident notices that she's having to use her albuterol inhaler more and more especially when running outside in the cold during the winter months. She also takes a LABA/ICS daily. She messages her PCP to ask for a refill of her albuterol, but her PCP says she wants to do the "SMART" thing here . . . What is SMART therapy for asthma?

Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy

Relevant trials MANDALA & BATURA

500

The OPTION Trial published in March of 2025 demonstrated what? 

Among adults with non-valvular AF with elevated CHA2DS2-VASc scores, AF ablation followed by LAA occlusion is non-inferior for embolic events and superior for bleeding events when compared to AF ablation followed by anticoagulation.

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