Medical science, drawn into focus.

Hypercholesterolaemia

Overview Higher levels of cholesterol associated with worse CV outcomes. Three main types that are measured: VLDL, LDL and HDL. High LDL is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular problems. Hypercholesterolaemia can also run in families. Lifestyle modification aim to reduce cardiovascular risk. Pharmacological agents are lipid lowering drugs, statins being first-line. Lipid Physiology…

Biceps Tendon Rupture

Overview A biceps tendon rupture is a partial or complete tear of the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to the shoulder or elbow.  Proximal ruptures, usually involving the long head of the biceps at the shoulder, are more common and often result from age-related degeneration or associated rotator-cuff disease. They typically cause upper-arm pain, bruising…

Chronic Lower Limb Ischaemia: Intermittent Claudication

Overview Chronic lower limb ischemia can be classified using the Fontaine classification: I – asymptomatic II – intermittent claudication III – rest pain IV – ulcers/gangrene Grades III and IV are classified as Critical Limb Ischemia. Intermittent claudication is a type of chronic lower limb ischemia that presents with muscle pain on exercise and is…

Somatoform Disorders

Overview Doctors and patients often experience frustration and helplessness in consultations around medically unexplained symptoms. Up to 50 percent of primary care patients present with physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a general medical condition. Although most do not meet the strict psychiatric diagnostic criteria for one of the somatoform disorders, they can be referred to…

Mitral Stenosis

Overview Mitral stenosis causes an obstruction to blood flow from the left atrium to left ventricle usually as a result of rheumatic heart disease. The stenosis results in increased pressure in the left atrium, pulmonary vasculature and right side of heart. Mitral valve disease is a frequent cause of heart failure and death. Mitral valve area:…

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Overview ARDS is an acute, diffuse, inflammatory lung injury that leads to increased pulmonary vascular permeability, increased lung weight, and a loss of aerated tissue. Clinical hallmarks of ARDS are hypoxemia and bilateral radiographic opacities, while the pathological hallmark is diffuse alveolar damage. Pathophysiology Aetiology Indirect lung injury: sepsis, shock, trauma, pancreatitis, drug OD, intracranial haemorrhage,…

Prostatitis

Overview Prostatitis refers to a spectrum of conditions involving inflammation of the prostate gland, ranging from acute bacterial infection to chronic pelvic pain syndromes. It is a common urological condition affecting men of all ages, particularly those aged 30–50 years. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies prostatitis into four categories: acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic…

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