Emergency Department Minute Quiz: 52-Year-Old Female with Throat Tightness

Background:

A 52-year-old female presents to the emergency department for dyspnea and a feeling that she is being choked, especially when she bends her neck forward. She denies fever, sore throat, chest pain, voice change or other complaints.

Vital Signs & Physical Exam:

Vital signs are normal except for pulse of 52. Physical exam is otherwise normal except for that her thyroid gland feels a bit enlarged.

Initial Diagnostic Testing:

EKG: Normal

Labs: Normal except sodium 131

Imaging: CT of the neck was ordered.