Question

98 y/o M in ER, unconscious after choking on chicken. Pt had a progressive neuro condition presented in his early 30's w involuntary irregular movements of all extremities and face but after 15 yr course evolved into rigid, akinetic condition w diff swallowing and speaking. Also progressive dementia and full time care. After obstruction was relieved pt remained unconscious, had cardiac arrest and died. PM exam showed generalized brain atrophy. (Path picture of brain atrophy). Diagnosis:

Answer 1

The patient's condition can be diagnosed as Huntington's disease, a genetic disorder characterized by progressive neurological decline.

Step-by-step explanation:

Diagnosis: Huntington's disease

The patient described in the given information presents with a progressive neurodegenerative condition that initially started with involuntary irregular movements of all extremities and face, but over a 15-year course evolved into a rigid, akinetic condition with difficulty swallowing and speaking. Additionally, the patient exhibited progressive dementia and required full-time care. The postmortem examination showed generalized brain atrophy, which is a characteristic finding in Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of brain cells. It is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, resulting in the production of abnormal huntingtin protein. The disease leads to the gradual loss of motor control, cognitive decline, psychiatric symptoms, and eventually death. Generalized brain atrophy is a hallmark of the disease.