Shingles Case Study Competition

Abstract

Mr GVL is a74 year old patient with a pathology museum full of illnesses. Definitely one of the old school with old world manners and charm. A real doctor's delight as a patient. His medical problem list is a nightmare - asthma under control on inhaled steroids, a problematical Wolff Parkinson White syndrome with arrhythmia controlled on Amiodarone (Cordarone). This therapy has given him hypothyroidism and is on replacement therapy for this. In addition, a long complicated urological history with hypospadias, urinary calculi and recurrent infections. Eighteen months ago he had a epiglottic tumour removed. One year ago he developed skin tumours and biopsies of these revealed metastatic carcinoid tumour. Review of the original histology of his Epiglottic tumour revealed this to be the primary source. He has chosen not to undergo chemotherapy, remaining reasonably well and walks a few kilometres every day. He cares for an aged aunt and his sister. Throughout all his trials and tribulations he has remained cheerful, uncomplaining and is always considerate of others, never putting himself first.