This quiz is just for fun. Test your diagnostic skills with the photos, then separate truth from fiction in the statements about quinsy and aspirin sensitivity. Any of the statements below might be true… and any might just be us pulling your leg. Answers are below.
1. Match the pictures below to the following conditions:
a) Sclerodactyly
b) Cyanosis
c) Finger calcinosis
d) Erythema multiforme
e) Onychomycosis
f) Carpal tunnel
g) Raynaud’s sign
h) Hand-foot syndrome (Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema)
i) Tripe palm
j) Digital ulcer
k) Frostbite
l) Paronychia

2. Peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy)
True False
a) ...usually occurs in children
b) ... unilateral earache, odynophagia, voice distortion and halitosis are frequent symptoms
c) ... is distinguished from ordinary tonsillitis by presence of trismus
d) ... is frequently penicillin-resistant
e) ... is usually drained under general anesthetic
3. Aspirin sensitivity
True False
a) ... is often associated with asthma and nasal polyposis
b) ... affects about 10% of diagnosed asthma patients
c) ... also signals increased risk of sensitivity to acetaminophen
d) ... is an allergy often treated with desensitization therapy
e) ... is frequently associated with bed-wetting
1. Match the pictures to the conditions: 1.h) Hand-foot syndrome (Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema); 2.k) Frostbite; 3.i) Tripe palm; 4.g) Raynaud’s sign; 5.a) Sclerodactyly; 6.c) Finger calcinosis; 7.l) Paronychia; 8.d) Erythema multiforme; 9.j) Digital ulcer; 10.b) Cyanosis; 11.e) Onychomycosis; 12.f) Carpal tunnel.
2. Peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy): a) False, unlike tonsillitis, PTA is quite evenly spread through all age groups; b) True; c) True; d) True, clindamycin is often the treatment of choice; e) False, most cases are drained following lidocaine gargle, and general anesthesia is reserved for anxious children and other special cases.
3. Aspirin sensitivity: a) True (Samter’s triad); b) True, studies have found rates ranging from 5% to 20%; c) False, it signals increased risk of sensitivity to most NSAIDs but not generally to acetaminophen, which is often used to treat these patients; d) False. Aspirin sensitivity may be treated with desensitization therapy but it is not a true allergy; e) True. Other common symptoms include hives and rashes, diarrhea, cough, headache, angioedema and hyperactivity.
We'll send you $100 if we print your diagnostic challenge. Send case description (app. 450 words) with final diagnosis and outcome to: parkex@parkpub.com.