Top 5 Cases in the PACES exam - PasTest

Top 5 Cases in the PACES examPasTest collects feedback from every PACES sitting. We use this information tokeep abreast of what sort of cases are coming up across the country. We havecandidates from all over the UK reporting back to us on what they saw.Here are the top 5 cases for each of the core clinical stations:Cardiology1. Aortic valve replacement2. Mitral valve replacement3. Aortic stenosis4. Mitral regurgitation5. Congenital heart disease (mostly VSD)Notes: Unlike some of the other stations, there was no one diagnosis thatappeared far more frequently than any other. Aortic and mitral valvereplacements were reported with very similar frequency. If we had extended thislist further there would have been few surprises. Mitral stenosis is perhaps onecase that is appearing less frequently than in the past (reflecting the gradualdecline in patients in the UK with this condition).Respiratory1. Interstitial lung disease (most frequent by a long way!)2. Bronchiectasis3. Pneumonectomy/lobectomy4. Pleural effusion5. Chronic obstructive airways diseaseNotes: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was reported twice as frequently as the nextcase on the list (bronchiectasis) so you would be wise to know your approach toILD inside and out! It is worth being aware that many of the ILD patients hadanother diagnosis to pick up upon as well (systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid etc.).Chronic obstructive airways disease has always been an important case toprepare for. Candidates are reporting that many of the questions relating to thiscase revolved around management of exacerbations (who to admit, when to usenon-invasive ventilation).