Medical science, drawn into focus.

Cardiac Arrest (including post-arrest care)

Overview Cardiac arrest is a state of circulatory failure due to a loss of cardiac systolic function. It is the result of 4 specific cardiac rhythm disturbances: Ventricular fibrillation Pulseless ventricular tachycardia Pulseless Electrical activity Asystole Epidemiology Survival is estimated at <20% for patients presenting out-of-hospital with VF, and <10% overall for patients presenting with…

Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease 

Overview Systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is one of the most common and severe internal organ manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc), occurring in up to 50–60% of patients on HRCT, with clinically significant disease in ~25–30%. It is a major cause of SSc-related mortality. The most frequent histopathological pattern is nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP),…

Personality Disorders

Quotes “I'm so good at beginnings, but in the end I always seem to destroy everything, including myself.” ―  Kiera Van Gelder “I need them to be aware and present with me in the midst of the storm, not just tell me what to do.” ―  Kiera Van Gelder Overview The term ‘personality disorder’ is frequently…

Chagas Disease

Authors Megan Miner  Armando Faigl  Overview Chagas disease is caused by the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and is potentially life-threatening. These parasites often live within triatomine bugs. Following a bite to the skin, these bugs, also known as “kissing bugs”, deposit fecal matter near the site of the bite. Their bite, unfortunately, causes…

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Overview Renal cell carcinomas (originate within the renal cortex) are responsible for 85% of all primary renal neoplasms. Transitional cell carcinomas of the renal pelvis are the next most common (~8%). Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare form of RCC seen in sickle cell disease. The most common pathological type of renal cell carcinoma is clear cell…

Kawasaki Disease

Overview Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis affecting small and medium-sized vessels predominantly affecting children under 5 years old. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Kawasaki is often self-limiting, but 20–25% risk of coronary artery aneurysms if untreated 1 . Vasculitis : Inflammation of blood vessel…

Enteropathic Arthritis

Overview Enteropathic arthritis is a subtype of spondyloarthropathy associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It affects up to 20% of IBD patients, with a variable presentation involving axial and/or peripheral joints. The arthritis may run parallel to intestinal disease activity or occur independently, often with enthesitis or dactylitis. It…

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