MCCQE VCE Exam Download

This patient has secondary amenorrhea, infertility, and a history of multiple uterine curettages, which strongly points toward Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions or synechiae). The hysterosalpingogram shows an obliterated uterine cavity and no tubal dye spill—classic for intrauterine synechiae. Her midluteal progesterone level is normal, indicating ovulation.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Gynecology, “Infertility” section:

“Asherman syndrome results from intrauterine adhesions due to curettage, leading to amenorrhea and infertility. HSG shows an obliterated or irregular uterine cavity.”

MCCQE1 Objectives (Gynecology > 82-1: Infertility):

“Candidates should evaluate secondary amenorrhea and interpret imaging such as hysterosalpingogram in the diagnosis of intrauterine abnormalities.”

Other options are ruled out by the presence of normal ovulation (rules out hypothalamic and PCOS) and by imaging (not suggestive of fibroids or perimenopause).

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This patient has life-threatening complications of missed dialysis , including severe hyperkalemia (K⁺ 7.1 mmol/L), metabolic acidosis (HCO₃⁻ 11 mmol/L), volume overload with pulmonary edema (hypoxia, crackles, elevated JVP), and altered mental status. MCCQE objectives emphasize immediate recognition and treatment of emergent indications for dialysis (AEIOU: Acidosis, Electrolyte abnormalities, Intoxication, Overload, Uremia) . This patient meets multiple criteria—particularly refractory hyperkalemia and pulmonary edema—requiring urgent hemodialysis .

In emergencies where delay would risk death or serious harm, treatment proceeds under implied consent , even if the patient is confused and capacity is uncertain. Contacting family or psychiatry would dangerously delay life-saving care. While temporizing measures (e.g., IV calcium, insulin/glucose) may be given, definitive management is emergent dialysis. Morphine and furosemide alone are inadequate in severe renal failure with life-threatening hyperkalemia. Therefore, immediate initiation of urgent dialysis is the correct next step.

In girls with developmental disabilities, menstrual management should follow the same ethical and clinical principles as for other adolescents, emphasizing least invasive, reversible options and respect for future autonomy. Menstrual suppression may be appropriate to assist with hygiene and quality of life; however, hormonal methods are generally initiated after the onset of menarche to confirm pubertal development and exclude underlying endocrine disorders. Therefore, extended progestin-only therapy (e.g., depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) should not be started before menses begin. Hysterectomy is inappropriate as first-line management due to its irreversible nature, surgical risks, and significant ethical concerns regarding sterilization. Continuous combined oral contraceptives are not contraindicated and are commonly used for therapeutic amenorrhea. Evidence does not show consistent worsening of behavioural symptoms with appropriate hormonal suppression. Girls with developmental disabilities typically experience normal pubertal progression. MCCQE objectives emphasize patient-centered care, least restrictive interventions, ethical considerations in consent and capacity, and appropriate menstrual management strategies in adolescents with special needs.

The most likely diagnosis is acute anterior uveitis (iritis). The key MCCQE clinical pattern is painful red eye with ciliary flush (injection worst adjacent to the iris/limbus) and marked photophobia, especially consensual photophobia, which strongly points to inflammation of the iris and ciliary body. The sluggish light response and miosis (smaller pupil) are also typical of iritis due to sphincter spasm and inflammation. Intraocular pressure is normal, helping to rule out acute angle-closure glaucoma, which usually presents with elevated IOP, corneal haze, and a mid-dilated fixed pupil. Optic neuritis classically causes decreased color vision and pain with eye movement rather than ciliary flush. Viral conjunctivitis causes diffuse conjunctival injection and irritation/grittiness, not severe pain with consensual photophobia. Scleritis causes deep “boring” pain and violaceous scleral hue, not miosis/consensual photophobia as dominant features. Difficulty visualizing the fundus can occur with significant miosis.