09-28-2006, 09:13 PM
32 yr old woman who is an editor for a publishing company comes to the physician because of intermittent diarrhea for the past 10 years, which occurs three to four times per year, lasts 2 to 4 days, and is associated with deadlines at work. During these episodes, the stool is loose and contains o melena or bright blood. Between episodes of diarrhea, she occasionally has one bowel movement every 4 to 7 days; the stool is hard and œpellet-like. She drinks one glass of wine daily. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show:
Hemoglobin 14.3 g/dL
Hematocrit 43%
Leukocyte count 8100/mm 3
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Westergren) 7mm/h
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
a. crohn™s disease
b. colon cancer
c. diverticulitis
d. irritable bowel syndrome
e. small bowel lymphoma
f. ulcerative colitis
Hemoglobin 14.3 g/dL
Hematocrit 43%
Leukocyte count 8100/mm 3
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Westergren) 7mm/h
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
a. crohn™s disease
b. colon cancer
c. diverticulitis
d. irritable bowel syndrome
e. small bowel lymphoma
f. ulcerative colitis