08/05/2025
A 39-year-old woman comes to the office because of a 1-year history of progressively worsening shortness of breath. She had been generally healthy and says that initially the shortness of breath occurred only after strenuous exercise; however, she now becomes fatigued and short of breath after walking two to three blocks. During the past 2 weeks, she has noted a rapid heart rate and light-headedness. She has not had chest pain, lower extremity edema, orthopnea, or any nocturnal symptoms. Medical history is remarkable for Graves disease, which was diagnosed 4 years ago and treated with radioactive iodine. Current medications include levothyroxine, a daily multivitamin, and an oral contraceptive. She does not smoke ci******es or drink alcoholic beverages. She is 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 57 kg (125 lb); BMI is 20 kg/m2. Temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F), pulse is 120/min and irregular, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 110/85 mm Hg. Lungs are clear to auscultation. Cardiac examination discloses a rapid rate, a palpable parasternal lift, a normal S1, and a widely split, prominent S2. There is a grade 2/6 systolic murmur heard best over the second intercostal space. Examination of the lower extremities discloses trace edema of both feet. The remainder of the physical examination discloses no abnormalities.
Results of laboratory studies are shown: Serum Blood
Na+ 140 mEq/L
K+ 3.4 mEq/L
Cl− 100 mEq/L
HCO3 − 25 mEq/L
Glucose 130 mg/dL
TSH 0.58 μU/mL
Hemoglobin 13.0 g/dL
Platelet count 155,000/mm3
ECG shows atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 140/min and right axis deviation. Chest x-ray shows clear lung fields, no effusion, and prominent pulmonary arteries.
Which of the following is the most appropriate additional diagnostic study?
(A) CT scan of the chest
(B) Echocardiography
(C) Perfusion lung scan
(D) Pulmonary function testing
(E) Ultrasonography of the thyroid
The answer is in the first comment.