This question is a rather interesting one. While pharyngitis with viral or bacterial etiologies have very similar clinical presentations, there are a few subtle hints that make Throat Culture the more likely answer regardless of the CENTOR score in this Vignette.
September. The seasonality of Group A Strep (GAS) pharyngitis is usually between winter & early spring. Viral pharyngitis, although all year round, is more common in the colder months.
The main objective of a primary care physician is distinguishing which patients have a higher likelihood of GAS infection vs. viral and because there is a significant overlap between the 2 etiologies, clinical judgment alone is not accurate in diagnosing GAS infections often leading to overtreatment with antimicrobial therapy.
Throat culture is the gold standard in diagnosing GAS. This is done in this scenario, despite the negative rapid test (Sensitivity 70% - 90%), because of the suspicion of viral etiology as well as the avoidance of overtreatment. Throat culture is the most appropriate next step in this case.
This patient has a testicular mass. Let's examine a few differentials as we go through the answer choices.
Germinal Cell Tumor (Testicular Tumor)
Dilated pampiniform venous plexus (Varicocele)
Cystic Dilation of the effect ductules (Spermatocele)
Fluid accumulation within the tunica vaginalis testis (Hydrocele)
Vascular Trauma (Hematocele/Ruptured Testis)
Oh absolutely not. Primary myelofibrosis ALSO presents with splenomegaly, pancytopenia and immature myeloid cells in the periphery. WBC counts for CML are typically >50,000. WTF is this question?
can someone please explain this answer :D
Mildly interesting question but worth taking the time to explore the differentials in this vignette.
Fibromyalgia. Prevalent in young - middle-aged & โ > โ. Chronic widespread pain with tender points. Symptoms of pain & stiffness prevalent but Pain > Stiffness. Associated with IBS, urge incontinence & palpitations. Labs tend to be normal. NSAID won't provide relief. This fits!
Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Just like Fibromyalgia, there are symptoms of both pain and stiffness. However, in polymyalgia rheumatica, Stiffness > Pain. The patients tend to be older (>50yr.) and systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue) tend to be more prevalent. Not seen in this vignette.
Polymyositis. In this diagnosis, proximal muscle weakness is often the chief complaint +/-- mild pain. Serology would show (+) antinuclear antibodies (ANA). The patient does not complain of weakness in this vignette.
Ankylosing Spondylitis. This is seen in โ > โ (3:1) so it becomes less likely. While pain/stiffness is seen in the back, neck, shoulders of these patients, tenderness is primarily seen at the sacroiliac joints. Furthermore, activity tends to improve symptoms (of stiffness) & NSAIDS would provide some relief. We don't see that in this case.
Seronegative RA. In this vignette, Labs show (--)ANA & RF but patients with this disease would present with joint pain & stiffness particularly in the hands, elbows, knees, feet and ankles. NSAIDS would also provide some relief.