Anthrax physical examination: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
The physical findings of [[anthrax]] infection depend on the | The physical findings of [[anthrax]] infection depend on the mode of anthrax exposure in the patient (cutaneous, ingestion, inhalation, injection). Common findings associated with [[cutaneous]] anthrax infection include [[fever]], [[tachycardia]], [[skin rash]] with formation of a typical [[scar]], [[edema]] and [[lymphadenopathy]]; with [[gastrointestinal]] anthrax infection include [[fever]], [[tachycardia]], [[mucosal]] [[ulcer]] and [[edema]] in case of [[oropharyngeal]] lesion and [[edema]] and [[pallor]] in more severe cases; with [[inhalation]] anthrax infection includes: [[fever]], [[tachycardia]], [[bradypnea]] in severe cases, [[pallor]], [[cyanosis]] and decreased [[heart]] and [[lung]] sounds in the presence of [[pleural effusion]]; and with anthrax infection due to injection include [[fever]], typical skin [[scar]] at the site of injection, [[edema]] and [[subcutaneous]] and/or muscular [[abscess]]. | ||
==Physical Examination== | ==Physical Examination== | ||
Revision as of 13:45, 17 July 2014
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Anthrax physical examination On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Anthrax physical examination |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
The physical findings of anthrax infection depend on the mode of anthrax exposure in the patient (cutaneous, ingestion, inhalation, injection). Common findings associated with cutaneous anthrax infection include fever, tachycardia, skin rash with formation of a typical scar, edema and lymphadenopathy; with gastrointestinal anthrax infection include fever, tachycardia, mucosal ulcer and edema in case of oropharyngeal lesion and edema and pallor in more severe cases; with inhalation anthrax infection includes: fever, tachycardia, bradypnea in severe cases, pallor, cyanosis and decreased heart and lung sounds in the presence of pleural effusion; and with anthrax infection due to injection include fever, typical skin scar at the site of injection, edema and subcutaneous and/or muscular abscess.
Physical Examination
Appearance of the Patient
The appearance of the patients and physical exam will depend on the type of anthrax present in that patient.[1][2]
Vitals
Temperature
Cutaneous Anthrax
- A fever is often present
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- A fever is often present
Inhalation Anthrax
- A fever is often present
Injection Anthrax
- A fever is often present
Pulse
Rate
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Tachycardia is often present
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Tachycardia is often present
Inhalation or Pulmonary Anthrax
- Tachycardia is often present
Injection Anthrax
- Tachycardia is often present
Blood Pressure
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Hypotension may be present in severe systemic cases
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Hypotension may be present in severe systemic cases
Inhalation Anthrax
- Hypotension may be present in severe systemic cases
Respiratory Rate
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Bradypnea may be present in more severe cases
Inhalation Anthrax
- Bradypnea is often present
Skin
Cutaneous Anthrax
- A rash is often present. Initially appearing as a small papule, which will then develop a ring of vesicles around the papule, possibly with exudate. Between days 5 - 7, initial papule will ulcerate to form a typical scar.
- Edema may be present
- Regional lymphadenitis may be present
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Edema may be present, particularly in the neck region
- Pallor may be present in cases of systemic anthrax with shock
Inhalation Anthrax
Throat
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- The throat may be erythematous if lesion located on oropharyngeal mucosa
- Exudate may be present if lesion located on oropharyngeal mucosa
- Tonsillar inflammation may be present if lesion located on oropharyngeal mucosa
Inhalation Anthrax
- Edema may be present
Neck
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Lymph nodes may be present, particularly if initial lesion is located in that region
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Painful lymph nodes may be present
- Edema may be present in oropharyngeal anthrax
Inhalation Anthrax
- Edema may be present
- Lymph nodes may be present
Auscultation
Inhalation Anthrax
- Heart and lung sounds may be decreased in the presence of pleural effusion
Abdomen
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Abdominal tenderness may be present, particularly if exuberant vomiting
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Abdominal distention may be present
- Abdominal tenderness may be present
Extremities
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Edema may be present, particularly around the initial lesion
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Edema may be present
Inhalation Anthrax
Neurologic
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Mental status may be altered in case of severe systemic anthrax
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
- Mental status may be altered in case of severe systemic anthrax
- Coma may be present
Inhalation Anthrax
- Mental status may be altered in case of severe systemic anthrax
- Coma may be present