MEDizzy - A 63-year-old chronic alcoholic presents with weight loss,

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Liver Gallbladder and Pancreas

A 63-year-old chronic alcoholic presents with weight loss, anorexia, and abdominal pain radiating to the back. Physical examination indicates a palpably enlarged gallbladder, and laboratory studies demonstrate conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Computed tomography demonstrates a mass in the head of the pancreas. Which of the following is associated with the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

ExplanationThe Trousseau sign, or migratory thrombophlebitis, is associated with carcinoma of the pancreas. The finding of appearing and disappearing thrombosis can affect up to 10% of patients. Only about 20% of lesions are in the head of the pancreas, where they present relatively early with obstructive jaundice. Asterixis is a flapping tremor associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Gallstone ileus is a complication of cholelithiasis when the gallstone erodes through the gallbladder into the adjacent small bowel. The Murphy sign is associated with acute cholecystitis