Anthrax physical examination
|
Anthrax Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Anthrax physical examination On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Anthrax physical examination |
|
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
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.
Vitals
Temperature
Cutaneous 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
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
Neck
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Lymph nodes may be present, particularly if initial lesion is located in that region
Abdomen
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Abdominal tenderness may be present, particularly if exuberant vomiting
Extremities
Cutaneous Anthrax
- Edema may be present, particularly around the initial lesion
Neurologic
- Mental status may be altered in case of severe systemic anthrax