ABIM Pulmonary case studies
ABIM Pulmonary · Put your knowledge to work in context.
This page is an independent study overview for physicians preparing for the ABIM Pulmonary Disease Certification Exam. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The credential is intended for physicians who are pursuing board certification in pulmonary disease after meeting ABIM's eligibility requirements. The exam assesses the knowledge, clinical judgment, and skills needed for independent pulmonary practice. Topics on this exam: Obstructive Lung Disease, Diffuse Parenchymal/Interstitial Lung Disease, Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Respiratory Failure and Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Infections, Thoracic Neoplasms, Pleural Disease, Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease, and Neuromuscular and Chest Wall Disorders. The ABIM Pulmonary case studies are 5 cases and about 2,715 words.
1Severe Asthma Exacerbation With a Deceptively Normal Blood Gas
A 29-year-old woman with asthma since childhood presents after 3 days of rhinorrhea and cough. She has used albuterol every 2 hours and is now speaking in single words.
541 words, about 3 min2Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Versus Infection
A 68-year-old man with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed 2 years ago (HRCT definite UIP; FVC 68% predicted, DLCO 42%) is on pirfenidone and home oxygen 2 L/min with activity. He presents with 6 days of progressive dyspnea, dry cough, and low-grade fever.
597 words, about 3 min3Scleroderma-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
A 52-year-old woman with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and Raynaud phenomenon presents with 8 months of progressive exertional dyspnea. She has no chest pain or syncope.
537 words, about 3 min4NIV Failure in a COPD Patient With Pneumonia
A 64-year-old man with COPD (FEV1 35% predicted, two exacerbations per year) is admitted with community-acquired pneumonia. He was started on bilevel positive airway pressure for hypercapnic respiratory failure.
510 words, about 3 min5Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Masked by Home Oximetry
A 48-year-old man with BMI 42 kg/m² presents with 2 years of loud snoring, witnessed apneas, and severe daytime sleepiness (Epworth 18). He has hypertension and prediabetes.
530 words, about 3 min