SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Lab diagnosis of PUO
GUIDE: DR. MRS. NAKATE
TODAY’S DISCUSSION
AIMS:
• To recognize the potential causes of PUO
• To become familiar with an approach to
initial diagnostic workup for PUO
• To understand the further targeted diagnostic
evaluation sometimes needed with PUO
TODAY’S DISCUSSION
Definition
Classification
Causes
Approach to diagnosis
Lab diagnosis
Definition
Defined by Petersdorf and Beeson in 1961 as
(1) Temperatures > 38.3ºC (101°F) on several
occasions
(2) A duration of fever of > 3 weeks and
(3) A failure to reach a diagnosis despite of 1
week inpatient investigation.
Classification
Durack and Street’s classification:
(a) Classic PUO
(b) Nosocomial PUO
(C) Neutropenic PUO
(d) HIV- associated PUO
Classic PUO
3 outpatient visits or 3 days in the hospital
without detection of a cause or 1 week of
“intelligent and invasive” ambulatory
investigation.
Nosocomial PUO
A temperature of > 38.3ºC develops on
several occasions in a hospitalized patient
who is receiving acute care and in whom
infection was not manifest or incubating on
admission.
3 days of investigations, including at least 2
days incubation of cultures, is the minimum
requirement for this diagnosis.
Neutropenic PUO
A temperature of > 38.3ºC(101ºF) on several
occasions in a patient whose neutrophil count
is < 500/ µL or is expected to fall to that level
in 1 or 2 days.
HIV -Associated PUO
A temperature of > 38.3º C(101ºF) on several
occasions over a period of > 4 weeks for
outpatients or > 3 days for hospitalized
patients with HIV infection.
POINTS TO PONDER….
The causes of PUO are usually familiar
diseases with uncommon presentations rather
than rarer disorders
Failure to utilize findings correctly, delay in
requesting appropriate tests &
misinterpretation of results all contribute to
missed diagnosis
Causes of PUO
Five general categories
Infections 30-40%
Neoplasms 20-30%
Non infectious inflammatory conditions 10-
20%
Miscellaneous causes 15-20%
Undiagnosed 5-15%.
Causes of PUO
Infections:
• Cholangitis/Cholecystitis
• Dental abscess
• Liver abscess
• Osteomyelitis
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases
• Perinephric/intrarenal abscess
• Intravascular infections- Endocarditis
PUO..
Systemic bacterial infections
Mycobacterial infections
Fungal infections
Viral infections
Rickettsial infections
Parasitic infections
Neoplasms causing PUO
Hodgkin’s disease
Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Leukemia
Renal cell carcinoma
Hepatoma
Colon carcinoma
Non infectious inflammatory
causes
Collagen vascular diseases:
• Behcet’s disease
• Adult still’s disease
• Giant cell arteritis
• PAN , polymyalgia rheumatica
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• SLE
• Wegener’s granulomatosis
Inflammatory conditions..
Granulomatous diseases
Crohn’ s disease
Sarcoidosis
Granulomatous hepatitis
Miscellaneous conditions of PUO
Drug fever
Gout
Post myocardial infarction syndrome
Adrenal insufficiency
FMF
Thermoregulatory disorders- Brain tumor
Hyperthyroidism
Pheochromocytoma
Pathogenesis
• nagoba
Pyrexia of unknown origin
Causes by age
I CAUSES Age < 6 yrs old
A) Infections (65%)
B) Neoplasms(8%)
C) Autoimmune(8%)
D) Misc(13%)
E) No diagnosis(6%)
III CAUSES Age >14 yrs
A) Infections (36%)
B) Neoplasms(19%)
C) Autoimmune(13%)
D) Misc(25%)
E) No diagnosis(7%)
II CAUSES 6-14 yrs
A) Infections (38%)
B) Neoplasms(4%)
C) Autoimmune(23%)
D) Misc(17%)
E) No diagnosis(19%)
IV CAUSES >65yrs
A) Connective tissue disorders –
TA , PMR(30%)
B) Infections(25%)
C) Cancer(12%)
D) No diagnosis(8%)
Evaluation of the Patient
with PUO
Retake history
Repeat examination
Review results of investigation
Repeat investigation if necessary
Consider further investigations
The initial approach to the patient presenting with
fever should include a comprehensive history,
physical examination, and appropriate laboratory
testing.
As the underlying process develops, the history
and physical assessment should be repeated.
The first step should be to confirm a history of
fever and document the fever pattern.
Repeat history taking & physical
examination
Most important step to establish diagnosis includes
independent history of current symptoms, their onset,
duration, pattern of fever, recent travel, past &
personal history
Onset – sudden in pneumonia, pyelitis, influenza
gradual in typhoid, typhus, TB
subacute in SABE , brucellosis
Rigors – malaria, filaria, UTI, septicemia, cholangitis
Headache – meningitis, typhoid at onset, ICSOL,
encephalitis
History taking & physical
examination … . .
Bodyache – dengue, viral fever, secondary
syphilis
Sweating – malaria, miliary TB, rheumatic
fever, hepatic abscess
Derilium – typhoid, septicaemia, meningitis,
pneumonia
Weight loss – TB, thyrotoxicosis, lung
abscess
PAST
HISTORY
H/O rheumatic fever or valvular disease,TB of
any form, syphilis,filariasis,previous illnesses
PERSONAL
HISTORY
Residence in endemic areas – kalazar,
mediteranean fever, trypanosomiasis
Occupation – weil’s disease
Contact with domestic or wild animals/birds
brucellosis – cattle
Psittacosis – birds
Leptospirosis – cats and dogs
Q fever – cattle & sheep
Contact with persons with TB or other family
members having infection
History …..
FAMILY
HISTORY
Hereditary causes of FMF
MEDICAL
HISTORY
Conditions like lymphoma, rheumatic
fever, IBD, reactivation of which may
cause PUO
DRUG
HISTORY
Over the counter medications
NUTRITION
HISTORY
including consumption of dairy
products
SEXUAL
HISTORY
STDS, HIV
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Definitive documentation of fever and
exclusion of factitious fever are essential early
steps in the physical examination.
Measure the fever more than once and in the
presence of a nurse to exclude manipulation of
thermometers.
Repeat a regular physical examination daily
while the patient is hospitalized.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Temperature
Type of fever
Intermittant with high peaks : malaria ,
acute pyelonephritis, septicaemia,
filariasis
Continuous within range of 2°F :
typhoid, miliary TB, SABE, pneumonia
Periodic/undulating: hodgkin’s, relapsed
typhoid, brucellosis
Double rise: kala azar, malaria,SABE
Pulse rate Relative bradycardia: typhoid, dengue,
meningitis, Weil’s disease
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION…
Anaemia Malaria ,kala azar, SABE,chronic sepsis
Nails Transverse white bands: undulant fever
Lymph nodes Generalised :
Hodgkin’s disease,TB,secondary
syphilis , lymphocytic leukemia
Localised : plague ,glandular fever, rat
bite fever, lymphogranuloma inguinale
• Jaundice – Inf. Hepatitis, weils ds,
malaria, IM, liver abscess
• Skin rash - typhoid , meningoococcal
meningitis, rat bite fever
• Petechial hemorrhage – weil ds, SABE
• Clubbing – lung abscess, bronchiectasis,
SABE
• Skin nodules – RF, RA, Erytheme
nodosum
• Arthritis – RA, RF, gout
Lab diagnosis of
PUO
Tests should first be done for
more likely infections and then if
these are negative, tests for less
likely should be done
Haematological
Investigations
CBC count and microscopic
examination
Hb- to r/o Anemia is an important finding and
suggests a serious underlying disease.
TLC DLC - Ensure that leukemias are not
missed in aleukemic or preleukemic cases.
Suspect herpesvirus infection if the patient has
lymphocytosis with atypical cells.
Atypical lymphocytes suggestive of IM
A leukocytosis with an increase in bands
suggests an occult bacterial infection.
Eosinophilia suggests helminthiasis
Diagnose malaria with the aid of direct
examination of the peripheral blood
Thick and thin films should be examined for
malaria, leishmaniasis,trypanosomiasis, &
filariasis in travellers returned from countries
in which these infections are present.
CBC count and microscopic
examination
ESR and other acute phase
reactants
Normal ESR rules out active TB, rheumatic fever &
suppurative disease
Striking elevation of ESR & anaemia of chronic
disease frequently seen in association with GCA , and
PMR
C- reactive protein may be a useful cross-reference for
ESR & is a more specific and sensitive indicator of an
acute phase inflammatory response
Measurement of another acute-phase protein, the
cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been suggested as a
more sensitive marker of infection, particularly for
those caused by Gram-negative bacteria
Urinalysis:
Exclude UTIs and malignant tumors of the urinary
tract; however, not all of them consistently are
associated with pathologic findings in the urine
M/E for pus cells , RBCs
Casts – pyelonephritis , UTI
Cystitis
Renal TB
C/S for UTI
Stool examination
Obscure pyrexia may reveal typhoid
Cysts of E. Histolytica or bacillary dysentery
Occult blood
BLOOD CULTURE
Blood culture should always be attempted.
collected before antibiotics
several specimens collected on separate occasions
should be examined before a negative result is
accepted
for both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens are
essential in the evaluation
Multiple blood samples (no fewer than 3 & rarely
more than 6 including samples for anaerobic cultures )
should be cultured for atleast 2 weeks to ensure than
any HACEK group of organisms that may be present
have ample time to grow
BLOOD CULTURE….
Lysis-centrifugation blood culture should be
employed in cases where prior antimicrobial
therapy, or fungal or atypical mycobacterium
infection is suspected
Typhoid , paratyphoid, SABE, septicaemia,
brucellosis
Cultures of other specimens
Microscopic & cultural investigation of urine, sputum
& faeces may provide clues in the presence of signs or
symptoms.
Obtain cultures for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi in
all normally sterile tissues and liquids that are sampled
during further workup. These tissues and fluids include
CSF, pleural or peritoneal fluid, BAL and fluid from the
liver, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
Culture of wounds, intravenous lines etc
Examination of throat swabs, ear swabs or conjunctival
swabs may be indicated
CSF when suspecting meningitis, encephalitis
LE cell phenomenon
Serological tests for syphilis
Serum immunoglobulins – EBV & CMV IgG
& IgM
Serum Chemistry
LFT : At least one liver function test is usually
abnormal, with an underlying disease originating
in the liver or a disease that causes nonspecific
alterations of the liver (eg, granulomatous
hepatitis).
Most other chemistry tests rarely contribute to the
diagnosis, though they are frequently ordered.
Eg. urea, creatinine, electrolytes, blood sugar
serum iron, transferrin and albumin levels
Serologies
Imp in diagnosis of viral , collagen , fungal 7
protozoal inf.
First specimen should be collected as early as
possible & second 2-4 weeks later
Widal test- Typhoid
VDRL- syphilis
Weil felix test – rickettsial
Paul bunnel test- IM
ASO titre- strepto
Ra factor- RA
• ANA – SLE & other cllagen vascular ds
• ELLISA . CFT, Other – various viral ,
protozoal inf
Skin test for sarcoidosis , histoplasmosis
Tuberculin test & chest X- ray should be
done to detect tuberculosis
ACE levels
HIV screening
Imaging studies
Routinely obtain chest radiographs- TB . Lung tumor
PNS x ray - sinusitis
Routine abdominal USG even in the absence of signs of intraabdominal
process.
CT scans
If ultrasound studies fail to help reveal the diagnosis, symptoms
suggesting an intraabdominal process, patients with suspected
retroperitoneal tumors or infections, or in those with abnormal LFTs.
Intravenous pyelography may be more sensitive than the CT scan in
detecting processes involving the descending urinary tract
MRI can be very useful in for whole body scanning.
Other tests
Endoscopic examination
upper and lower GIT for Crohn disease, Whipple disease, biliary tract
disease, and GI tumors.
Radionucleotide studies
Perform V/Q radionucleotide studies to document pulmonary emboli.
Pulmonary angiography when suspecting pulmonary emboli
A technetium bone scan may be a more sensitive method for
documenting skeletal involvement when suspecting osteomyelitis
Consider radionucleotide studies using gallium citrate or granulocytes
labeled with indium In 111 for diagnosis of occult abscesses,
neoplasms, or soft tissue lymphomas.
PET scanning for occult neoplasms, lymphomas, and vasculitides &
deep seated infections
Echocardiography: Highly sensitive in diagnosing endocarditis,
particularly TEE
Procedures
The final diagnosis is obtained during direct biopsy
examination of involved tissue.
Biopsy is required if an undiagnosed abnormality is
suspected in tissue that is accessible for biopsy, such as liver,
bone marrow, skin, pleura, lymph nodes, intestine, or muscle.
Biopsy specimens should be evaluated by histopathologic
examination and cultured for bacteria, fungi, viruses, and
mycobacteria.
Muscle biopsy or skin biopsy of rashes may diagnose
vasculitis.
B/L temporal artery biopsy may diagnose temporal arteritis
in the elderly patient with an unexplained ESR elevation.
SUGGESTED WORKUP
FOR PYREXIA OF
UNKNOWN ORIGIN
Repeated meticulous history taking ,paying attention to sick
contacts , pets, animals, sexual activities ,drug use, hobbies,&
medications, discontinue nonessential medications
Repeated physical examination, paying special attention to
LNs,temporal artery, teeth &oral cavity, sinus tenderness,
thyroid,abdominal tenderness, genitourinary & rectal exam.
& cutaneous lesions
Initial studies ,CBC count, with differential
,ESR, basic chemistry profile (including liver enzymes
Urine analysis ,blood & urine cultures & chest radiograph
If abnormality detected, perform
targeted tests to confirm
If no abnormality or clues detected ,order tests
forANA,anti – DNA antibodies,comp. levels,cryoglobulins
RF,ANCA,Thyrotropins, free T4,HIV,EBV,CMV,hep. A,
B,C virus,serum protein electrophoresis,
USG abdo,& pelvis, CT chest , abdo, pelvis
If abnormality detected, perform
targeted tests to confirm
If no abnormality detected specialized bld
culture techniques,biopsy of liver, bone marrow
& temporal artery & other serological tests
When no cause is found……
When no underlying cause of PUO is identified after
prolonged observation ( >6 months) , the prognosis
is generally good, however vexing the fever may be
to the patient
Hence an intensive and rational diagnostic
evaluation usually results in the identification of the
most serious diseases that initially manifest as
PUOs.
pyrexia of unknown origin
REFERENCES
Practical medical microbiology cruickshanks
Principles of medicine – harrison
Internet

More Related Content

PPTX
Fever of unknown origin
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin (puo)
PPTX
Renal Function Test
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin
PPT
Pyrexia Of Unknown Origin (PUO)
PPTX
Fever Of Unknown Origin
PPT
Skin lesions
PDF
Obstructive jaundice
Fever of unknown origin
Pyrexia of unknown origin (puo)
Renal Function Test
Pyrexia of unknown origin
Pyrexia Of Unknown Origin (PUO)
Fever Of Unknown Origin
Skin lesions
Obstructive jaundice

What's hot (20)

PPTX
Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)
PPTX
Laboratory diagnosis of leprosy
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO)
PPTX
Infectious mononucleosis
PPTX
How to Diagnose Meningitis in the Lab ?
PPTX
Gas gangrene
PPTX
ATYPICAL MYCOBACTERIA
PPT
Gastrointestinal infections - bacteriology
PPTX
PPT
Septicemia
PPT
Leukemia
PPTX
Lab diagnosis of leishmaniasis
PPTX
Cryptococcosis
PPTX
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
PPTX
Diagnosis of leptospirosis
PPTX
Lab diagnosis of Meningitis
PPTX
Viral meningitis
PPTX
Acute diarrhoea
Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)
Laboratory diagnosis of leprosy
Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO)
Infectious mononucleosis
How to Diagnose Meningitis in the Lab ?
Gas gangrene
ATYPICAL MYCOBACTERIA
Gastrointestinal infections - bacteriology
Septicemia
Leukemia
Lab diagnosis of leishmaniasis
Cryptococcosis
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Diagnosis of leptospirosis
Lab diagnosis of Meningitis
Viral meningitis
Acute diarrhoea
Ad

Similar to pyrexia of unknown origin (20)

PPTX
Evaluation of puo
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin
PPTX
Dndnnnssjsjjsjsjjsssjsjsjjsjsjsjsjjsjsjdn.pptx
PPTX
pneumonia, Alhaji's Lectures for Clinical Students. .pptx
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin
PPTX
Pneumonia-.pptx
PPTX
PYREXIA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN(PUO)
PPTX
feverofunknownorigin-200601052555.pptx ppt
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin For Post Graduate in Paediatric
PPT
Resp disorder
PPT
Resp disorder
PPTX
Presentation on Hepato-Billiary TB | Jindal Chest Clinic
PPT
Fever of Unknown Origin.ppt
PPT
Fever of unkown origin
PPTX
Pyrexia of unknown origin edited
PPTX
A case for cystic fibrosis
PPTX
Tuberculosis
PPTX
TB and sarcoidosis.pptx
PPTX
Diagnosis and managment of Fever of Unknown Origin
Evaluation of puo
Pyrexia of unknown origin
Pyrexia of unknown origin
Dndnnnssjsjjsjsjjsssjsjsjjsjsjsjsjjsjsjdn.pptx
pneumonia, Alhaji's Lectures for Clinical Students. .pptx
Pyrexia of unknown origin
Pneumonia-.pptx
PYREXIA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN(PUO)
feverofunknownorigin-200601052555.pptx ppt
Pyrexia of unknown origin For Post Graduate in Paediatric
Resp disorder
Resp disorder
Presentation on Hepato-Billiary TB | Jindal Chest Clinic
Fever of Unknown Origin.ppt
Fever of unkown origin
Pyrexia of unknown origin edited
A case for cystic fibrosis
Tuberculosis
TB and sarcoidosis.pptx
Diagnosis and managment of Fever of Unknown Origin
Ad

More from Appy Akshay Agarwal (20)

PPTX
Urine analysis in pathology clinical
PPTX
Pre leukemia MDS
PPTX
IgG4 related disorders of the eye
PPT
Necrosis & gangrene pathology calcification
PPT
Hypersensitivity reaction pathology microbiology immunity
PPTX
Histotechnique for practicals pathology
PPTX
Fungus in histopathology
PPT
Fungal infections in histopathology
PPT
Diseases of blood vessels
PPTX
Coagulation profile and its uses
PPT
Cerebrovascular disease pathology stroke
PPTX
Blood products separation and quality control
PPTX
Blood component preparation blood banking
PPTX
Blood coagulation and physiology
PPTX
Benign inclusions in lymph nodes histopathology
PPTX
Barrett oesophagus journal club pathology
PPTX
Atherosclerosis pathology mbbs
PPTX
Antibody mediated rejection pathology histopathology
PPT
Immunohistochemistry in pathology laboratory
PPT
introduction of cytopathology
Urine analysis in pathology clinical
Pre leukemia MDS
IgG4 related disorders of the eye
Necrosis & gangrene pathology calcification
Hypersensitivity reaction pathology microbiology immunity
Histotechnique for practicals pathology
Fungus in histopathology
Fungal infections in histopathology
Diseases of blood vessels
Coagulation profile and its uses
Cerebrovascular disease pathology stroke
Blood products separation and quality control
Blood component preparation blood banking
Blood coagulation and physiology
Benign inclusions in lymph nodes histopathology
Barrett oesophagus journal club pathology
Atherosclerosis pathology mbbs
Antibody mediated rejection pathology histopathology
Immunohistochemistry in pathology laboratory
introduction of cytopathology

Recently uploaded (20)

PDF
B C German Homoeopathy Medicineby Dr Brij Mohan Prasad
PDF
The_EHRA_Book_of_Interventional Electrophysiology.pdf
PPTX
MANAGEMENT SNAKE BITE IN THE TROPICALS.pptx
PPTX
preoerative assessment in anesthesia and critical care medicine
PDF
Transcultural that can help you someday.
PDF
focused on the development and application of glycoHILIC, pepHILIC, and comm...
PPTX
NRP and care of Newborn.pptx- APPT presentation about neonatal resuscitation ...
PDF
Extended-Expanded-role-of-Nurses.pdf is a key for student Nurses
PDF
Calcified coronary lesions management tips and tricks
PPTX
Medical Law and Ethics powerpoint presen
PPTX
Neonate anatomy and physiology presentation
PDF
OSCE SERIES ( Questions & Answers ) - Set 3.pdf
PPTX
Enteric duplication cyst, etiology and management
PPTX
Cardiovascular - antihypertensive medical backgrounds
PPTX
y4d nutrition and diet in pregnancy and postpartum
PPTX
IMAGING EQUIPMENiiiiìiiiiiTpptxeiuueueur
PDF
Pharmaceutical Regulation -2024.pdf20205939
PPTX
CHEM421 - Biochemistry (Chapter 1 - Introduction)
PPTX
09. Diabetes in Pregnancy/ gestational.pptx
PDF
OSCE Series Set 1 ( Questions & Answers ).pdf
B C German Homoeopathy Medicineby Dr Brij Mohan Prasad
The_EHRA_Book_of_Interventional Electrophysiology.pdf
MANAGEMENT SNAKE BITE IN THE TROPICALS.pptx
preoerative assessment in anesthesia and critical care medicine
Transcultural that can help you someday.
focused on the development and application of glycoHILIC, pepHILIC, and comm...
NRP and care of Newborn.pptx- APPT presentation about neonatal resuscitation ...
Extended-Expanded-role-of-Nurses.pdf is a key for student Nurses
Calcified coronary lesions management tips and tricks
Medical Law and Ethics powerpoint presen
Neonate anatomy and physiology presentation
OSCE SERIES ( Questions & Answers ) - Set 3.pdf
Enteric duplication cyst, etiology and management
Cardiovascular - antihypertensive medical backgrounds
y4d nutrition and diet in pregnancy and postpartum
IMAGING EQUIPMENiiiiìiiiiiTpptxeiuueueur
Pharmaceutical Regulation -2024.pdf20205939
CHEM421 - Biochemistry (Chapter 1 - Introduction)
09. Diabetes in Pregnancy/ gestational.pptx
OSCE Series Set 1 ( Questions & Answers ).pdf

pyrexia of unknown origin

  • 1. Lab diagnosis of PUO GUIDE: DR. MRS. NAKATE
  • 2. TODAY’S DISCUSSION AIMS: • To recognize the potential causes of PUO • To become familiar with an approach to initial diagnostic workup for PUO • To understand the further targeted diagnostic evaluation sometimes needed with PUO
  • 4. Definition Defined by Petersdorf and Beeson in 1961 as (1) Temperatures > 38.3ºC (101°F) on several occasions (2) A duration of fever of > 3 weeks and (3) A failure to reach a diagnosis despite of 1 week inpatient investigation.
  • 5. Classification Durack and Street’s classification: (a) Classic PUO (b) Nosocomial PUO (C) Neutropenic PUO (d) HIV- associated PUO
  • 6. Classic PUO 3 outpatient visits or 3 days in the hospital without detection of a cause or 1 week of “intelligent and invasive” ambulatory investigation.
  • 7. Nosocomial PUO A temperature of > 38.3ºC develops on several occasions in a hospitalized patient who is receiving acute care and in whom infection was not manifest or incubating on admission. 3 days of investigations, including at least 2 days incubation of cultures, is the minimum requirement for this diagnosis.
  • 8. Neutropenic PUO A temperature of > 38.3ºC(101ºF) on several occasions in a patient whose neutrophil count is < 500/ µL or is expected to fall to that level in 1 or 2 days.
  • 9. HIV -Associated PUO A temperature of > 38.3º C(101ºF) on several occasions over a period of > 4 weeks for outpatients or > 3 days for hospitalized patients with HIV infection.
  • 10. POINTS TO PONDER…. The causes of PUO are usually familiar diseases with uncommon presentations rather than rarer disorders Failure to utilize findings correctly, delay in requesting appropriate tests & misinterpretation of results all contribute to missed diagnosis
  • 11. Causes of PUO Five general categories Infections 30-40% Neoplasms 20-30% Non infectious inflammatory conditions 10- 20% Miscellaneous causes 15-20% Undiagnosed 5-15%.
  • 12. Causes of PUO Infections: • Cholangitis/Cholecystitis • Dental abscess • Liver abscess • Osteomyelitis • Pelvic inflammatory diseases • Perinephric/intrarenal abscess • Intravascular infections- Endocarditis
  • 13. PUO.. Systemic bacterial infections Mycobacterial infections Fungal infections Viral infections Rickettsial infections Parasitic infections
  • 14. Neoplasms causing PUO Hodgkin’s disease Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma Leukemia Renal cell carcinoma Hepatoma Colon carcinoma
  • 15. Non infectious inflammatory causes Collagen vascular diseases: • Behcet’s disease • Adult still’s disease • Giant cell arteritis • PAN , polymyalgia rheumatica • Rheumatoid arthritis • SLE • Wegener’s granulomatosis
  • 16. Inflammatory conditions.. Granulomatous diseases Crohn’ s disease Sarcoidosis Granulomatous hepatitis
  • 17. Miscellaneous conditions of PUO Drug fever Gout Post myocardial infarction syndrome Adrenal insufficiency FMF Thermoregulatory disorders- Brain tumor Hyperthyroidism Pheochromocytoma
  • 19. Pyrexia of unknown origin Causes by age
  • 20. I CAUSES Age < 6 yrs old A) Infections (65%) B) Neoplasms(8%) C) Autoimmune(8%) D) Misc(13%) E) No diagnosis(6%) III CAUSES Age >14 yrs A) Infections (36%) B) Neoplasms(19%) C) Autoimmune(13%) D) Misc(25%) E) No diagnosis(7%) II CAUSES 6-14 yrs A) Infections (38%) B) Neoplasms(4%) C) Autoimmune(23%) D) Misc(17%) E) No diagnosis(19%) IV CAUSES >65yrs A) Connective tissue disorders – TA , PMR(30%) B) Infections(25%) C) Cancer(12%) D) No diagnosis(8%)
  • 21. Evaluation of the Patient with PUO Retake history Repeat examination Review results of investigation Repeat investigation if necessary Consider further investigations
  • 22. The initial approach to the patient presenting with fever should include a comprehensive history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory testing. As the underlying process develops, the history and physical assessment should be repeated. The first step should be to confirm a history of fever and document the fever pattern.
  • 23. Repeat history taking & physical examination Most important step to establish diagnosis includes independent history of current symptoms, their onset, duration, pattern of fever, recent travel, past & personal history Onset – sudden in pneumonia, pyelitis, influenza gradual in typhoid, typhus, TB subacute in SABE , brucellosis Rigors – malaria, filaria, UTI, septicemia, cholangitis Headache – meningitis, typhoid at onset, ICSOL, encephalitis
  • 24. History taking & physical examination … . . Bodyache – dengue, viral fever, secondary syphilis Sweating – malaria, miliary TB, rheumatic fever, hepatic abscess Derilium – typhoid, septicaemia, meningitis, pneumonia Weight loss – TB, thyrotoxicosis, lung abscess
  • 25. PAST HISTORY H/O rheumatic fever or valvular disease,TB of any form, syphilis,filariasis,previous illnesses PERSONAL HISTORY Residence in endemic areas – kalazar, mediteranean fever, trypanosomiasis Occupation – weil’s disease Contact with domestic or wild animals/birds brucellosis – cattle Psittacosis – birds Leptospirosis – cats and dogs Q fever – cattle & sheep Contact with persons with TB or other family members having infection
  • 26. History ….. FAMILY HISTORY Hereditary causes of FMF MEDICAL HISTORY Conditions like lymphoma, rheumatic fever, IBD, reactivation of which may cause PUO DRUG HISTORY Over the counter medications NUTRITION HISTORY including consumption of dairy products SEXUAL HISTORY STDS, HIV
  • 27. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Definitive documentation of fever and exclusion of factitious fever are essential early steps in the physical examination. Measure the fever more than once and in the presence of a nurse to exclude manipulation of thermometers. Repeat a regular physical examination daily while the patient is hospitalized.
  • 28. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Temperature Type of fever Intermittant with high peaks : malaria , acute pyelonephritis, septicaemia, filariasis Continuous within range of 2°F : typhoid, miliary TB, SABE, pneumonia Periodic/undulating: hodgkin’s, relapsed typhoid, brucellosis Double rise: kala azar, malaria,SABE Pulse rate Relative bradycardia: typhoid, dengue, meningitis, Weil’s disease
  • 29. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION… Anaemia Malaria ,kala azar, SABE,chronic sepsis Nails Transverse white bands: undulant fever Lymph nodes Generalised : Hodgkin’s disease,TB,secondary syphilis , lymphocytic leukemia Localised : plague ,glandular fever, rat bite fever, lymphogranuloma inguinale
  • 30. • Jaundice – Inf. Hepatitis, weils ds, malaria, IM, liver abscess • Skin rash - typhoid , meningoococcal meningitis, rat bite fever • Petechial hemorrhage – weil ds, SABE • Clubbing – lung abscess, bronchiectasis, SABE • Skin nodules – RF, RA, Erytheme nodosum • Arthritis – RA, RF, gout
  • 32. Tests should first be done for more likely infections and then if these are negative, tests for less likely should be done
  • 34. CBC count and microscopic examination Hb- to r/o Anemia is an important finding and suggests a serious underlying disease. TLC DLC - Ensure that leukemias are not missed in aleukemic or preleukemic cases. Suspect herpesvirus infection if the patient has lymphocytosis with atypical cells. Atypical lymphocytes suggestive of IM
  • 35. A leukocytosis with an increase in bands suggests an occult bacterial infection. Eosinophilia suggests helminthiasis Diagnose malaria with the aid of direct examination of the peripheral blood Thick and thin films should be examined for malaria, leishmaniasis,trypanosomiasis, & filariasis in travellers returned from countries in which these infections are present. CBC count and microscopic examination
  • 36. ESR and other acute phase reactants Normal ESR rules out active TB, rheumatic fever & suppurative disease Striking elevation of ESR & anaemia of chronic disease frequently seen in association with GCA , and PMR C- reactive protein may be a useful cross-reference for ESR & is a more specific and sensitive indicator of an acute phase inflammatory response Measurement of another acute-phase protein, the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been suggested as a more sensitive marker of infection, particularly for those caused by Gram-negative bacteria
  • 37. Urinalysis: Exclude UTIs and malignant tumors of the urinary tract; however, not all of them consistently are associated with pathologic findings in the urine M/E for pus cells , RBCs Casts – pyelonephritis , UTI Cystitis Renal TB C/S for UTI
  • 38. Stool examination Obscure pyrexia may reveal typhoid Cysts of E. Histolytica or bacillary dysentery Occult blood
  • 39. BLOOD CULTURE Blood culture should always be attempted. collected before antibiotics several specimens collected on separate occasions should be examined before a negative result is accepted for both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens are essential in the evaluation Multiple blood samples (no fewer than 3 & rarely more than 6 including samples for anaerobic cultures ) should be cultured for atleast 2 weeks to ensure than any HACEK group of organisms that may be present have ample time to grow
  • 40. BLOOD CULTURE…. Lysis-centrifugation blood culture should be employed in cases where prior antimicrobial therapy, or fungal or atypical mycobacterium infection is suspected Typhoid , paratyphoid, SABE, septicaemia, brucellosis
  • 41. Cultures of other specimens Microscopic & cultural investigation of urine, sputum & faeces may provide clues in the presence of signs or symptoms. Obtain cultures for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi in all normally sterile tissues and liquids that are sampled during further workup. These tissues and fluids include CSF, pleural or peritoneal fluid, BAL and fluid from the liver, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Culture of wounds, intravenous lines etc Examination of throat swabs, ear swabs or conjunctival swabs may be indicated
  • 42. CSF when suspecting meningitis, encephalitis LE cell phenomenon Serological tests for syphilis Serum immunoglobulins – EBV & CMV IgG & IgM
  • 43. Serum Chemistry LFT : At least one liver function test is usually abnormal, with an underlying disease originating in the liver or a disease that causes nonspecific alterations of the liver (eg, granulomatous hepatitis). Most other chemistry tests rarely contribute to the diagnosis, though they are frequently ordered. Eg. urea, creatinine, electrolytes, blood sugar serum iron, transferrin and albumin levels
  • 44. Serologies Imp in diagnosis of viral , collagen , fungal 7 protozoal inf. First specimen should be collected as early as possible & second 2-4 weeks later Widal test- Typhoid VDRL- syphilis Weil felix test – rickettsial Paul bunnel test- IM ASO titre- strepto Ra factor- RA
  • 45. • ANA – SLE & other cllagen vascular ds • ELLISA . CFT, Other – various viral , protozoal inf
  • 46. Skin test for sarcoidosis , histoplasmosis Tuberculin test & chest X- ray should be done to detect tuberculosis ACE levels HIV screening
  • 47. Imaging studies Routinely obtain chest radiographs- TB . Lung tumor PNS x ray - sinusitis Routine abdominal USG even in the absence of signs of intraabdominal process. CT scans If ultrasound studies fail to help reveal the diagnosis, symptoms suggesting an intraabdominal process, patients with suspected retroperitoneal tumors or infections, or in those with abnormal LFTs. Intravenous pyelography may be more sensitive than the CT scan in detecting processes involving the descending urinary tract MRI can be very useful in for whole body scanning.
  • 48. Other tests Endoscopic examination upper and lower GIT for Crohn disease, Whipple disease, biliary tract disease, and GI tumors. Radionucleotide studies Perform V/Q radionucleotide studies to document pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary angiography when suspecting pulmonary emboli A technetium bone scan may be a more sensitive method for documenting skeletal involvement when suspecting osteomyelitis Consider radionucleotide studies using gallium citrate or granulocytes labeled with indium In 111 for diagnosis of occult abscesses, neoplasms, or soft tissue lymphomas. PET scanning for occult neoplasms, lymphomas, and vasculitides & deep seated infections Echocardiography: Highly sensitive in diagnosing endocarditis, particularly TEE
  • 49. Procedures The final diagnosis is obtained during direct biopsy examination of involved tissue. Biopsy is required if an undiagnosed abnormality is suspected in tissue that is accessible for biopsy, such as liver, bone marrow, skin, pleura, lymph nodes, intestine, or muscle. Biopsy specimens should be evaluated by histopathologic examination and cultured for bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mycobacteria. Muscle biopsy or skin biopsy of rashes may diagnose vasculitis. B/L temporal artery biopsy may diagnose temporal arteritis in the elderly patient with an unexplained ESR elevation.
  • 50. SUGGESTED WORKUP FOR PYREXIA OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
  • 51. Repeated meticulous history taking ,paying attention to sick contacts , pets, animals, sexual activities ,drug use, hobbies,& medications, discontinue nonessential medications Repeated physical examination, paying special attention to LNs,temporal artery, teeth &oral cavity, sinus tenderness, thyroid,abdominal tenderness, genitourinary & rectal exam. & cutaneous lesions
  • 52. Initial studies ,CBC count, with differential ,ESR, basic chemistry profile (including liver enzymes Urine analysis ,blood & urine cultures & chest radiograph If abnormality detected, perform targeted tests to confirm
  • 53. If no abnormality or clues detected ,order tests forANA,anti – DNA antibodies,comp. levels,cryoglobulins RF,ANCA,Thyrotropins, free T4,HIV,EBV,CMV,hep. A, B,C virus,serum protein electrophoresis, USG abdo,& pelvis, CT chest , abdo, pelvis If abnormality detected, perform targeted tests to confirm
  • 54. If no abnormality detected specialized bld culture techniques,biopsy of liver, bone marrow & temporal artery & other serological tests
  • 55. When no cause is found…… When no underlying cause of PUO is identified after prolonged observation ( >6 months) , the prognosis is generally good, however vexing the fever may be to the patient Hence an intensive and rational diagnostic evaluation usually results in the identification of the most serious diseases that initially manifest as PUOs.
  • 57. REFERENCES Practical medical microbiology cruickshanks Principles of medicine – harrison Internet