Clinico-pathological conferences. 3, The case of Mr Lister I-III.

A series of I, II and III programmes compiled together starting with an introduction to the case history of a patient, George Lister, who visits the doctor with his mother in 1940 aged 10 when they are interrupted by an air-raid. The examination proceeds in the shelter where he is prescribed bedrest for a swollen ankle. There is plenty of background information about the patient's lifestyle and back history. Thirty-six years later he returns to the doctor with pains in his chest. Part II resumes the story; the results of the chest x-ray and other tests are discussed by a doctor and consultant. He is prescribed beta blockers and a change in his lifestyle is recommended. Although he stops smoking he continues his stressful job as a ladies' panty-hose (tights) salesman. Six years later he has a tooth-ache; he is advised of the side-effects of anaesthetic and pain relief but later feels unwell and his wife calls the GP. In Part III, George feels better and goes out to celebrate. Unfortunately he over indulges in food and wine; subsequently he collapses and ends up in A&E. There is some debate about the exact nature of the problem with his heart. Whilst waiting for the consultant, he goes into cardiac arrest and dies.