A 49-year-old man seeks a prescription for erectile dysfunction. He is 168 cm (5 feet 6 inches) tall and weighs 93 kg (body mass index 33). On physical examination, there are bilateral carotid bruits and a midline palpable abdominal pulsatile mass. Decreased hair is noted over the lower extremities, and a 1-cm shallow ulceration is present in the skin over the right first metatarsal head. He has decreased sensation to light touch and pinprick in the lower extremities. Laboratory findings include hemoglobin, 12.9 g/dL; hematocrit, 42%; WBC count, 8950/ mm3; and creatinine, 1.7 mg/dL. Which of the following laboratory findings is most likely to be present in this man?
A 49-year-old man seeks a prescription for erectile dysfunction. He is 168 cm (5 feet 6 inches) tall and weighs 93 kg (body mass index 33). On physical examination, there are bilateral carotid bruits and a midline palpable abdominal pulsatile mass. Decreased hair is noted over the lower extremities, and a 1-cm shallow ulceration is present in the skin over the right first metatarsal head. He has decreased sensation to light touch and pinprick in the lower extremities. Laboratory findings include hemoglobin, 12.9 g/dL; hematocrit, 42%; WBC count, 8950/ mm3; and creatinine, 1.7 mg/dL. Which of the following laboratory findings is most likely to be present in this man?
π‘ Explanation
**Core Concept**
The patient's presentation suggests **peripheral arterial disease (PAD)** and possible **abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)**, given the palpable abdominal mass and decreased sensation in the lower extremities. The presence of carotid bruits also indicates **cerebrovascular disease**.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Given the options are not provided, a general explanation will be given. The patient's symptoms, such as decreased hair over the lower extremities, shallow ulceration, and decreased sensation, are indicative of reduced blood flow to the lower limbs, which is consistent with PAD. The midline palpable abdominal pulsatile mass suggests an AAA. Laboratory findings would likely include elevated **lipid profiles**, given the patient's BMI and symptoms of atherosclerotic disease.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Without the specific option, it's challenging to provide a detailed explanation. However, any option that does not correlate with atherosclerotic disease or its consequences would be incorrect.
**Option B:** Similarly, without the specific option, it's difficult to explain why it's incorrect. Generally, options that do not align with the patient's clinical presentation would be wrong.
**Option C:** This option would be incorrect if it does not relate to the expected laboratory findings in a patient with suspected PAD and AAA.
**Option D:** Any option that does not fit the patient's profile of atherosclerotic disease would be incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that patients with PAD are at increased risk of **cardiovascular events** and should be managed aggressively to reduce this risk. The presence of an AAA further complicates the patient's condition, necessitating careful management.
**Correct Answer:** Correct Answer: D. Elevated plasma homocysteine level
β Correct Answer: B. Hemoglobin A1c, 8.8%
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