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Endocrine Case Report: Elbow Pain

Our latest endocrine case report from Brady Pregerson, MD, features a patient in their mid-60’s presenting to the hospital with approximately 2 days of gradually worsening right elbow pain. Can you determine the correct diagnosis?

History of Present Illness:

A patient in their mid-60’s with a history of obesity, diabetes and splenectomy presents to the hospital with approximately 2 days of gradually worsening right elbow pain. No injury or history of same. No measured temperature but questionable fevers at home per patient. Today the pain has become severe.

Vital Signs & Physical Exam:

Vital signs are normal. Physical exam is also normal except for elbow tenderness and pain with any motion of the elbow at all. There is a questionable swelling but body habitus limits exam.

Initial Diagnostic Testing:

  • CBC: WBC 9.8
  • Chem-7: normal except for ESR = 39 (CRP normal at 0.6) and glucose 132

Imaging:

X-ray image of a person's elbow

What is the most likely cause of the pain?


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