Medical science, drawn into focus.

Felty Syndrome

Overview Felty syndrome is a rare but serious extra-articular manifestation of long-standing, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by the classic triad of RA, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. It was first described in 1924 by the US-American physician Augustus Roi Felty. It most commonly occurs after at least 10 years of poorly controlled RA and is associated…

Gastroenteritis (Infectious Diarrhoea)

Overview Gastroenteritis continues to cause significant morbidity in developed and developing countries. The most common cause are viral and bacterial including: Norovirus Enteric adenoviruses E-coli Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. Campylobater jejuni Diarrhoea:  Loose, water like stools that occur with increased frequency and an increased volume of >200g per day Gastroenteritis:  >3 or more loose…

Acute Limb Ischaemia

Overview Acute limb ischaemia refers to any sudden decrease in limb perfusion that causes a potential threat to viability. It is associated with pain, motor and sensory loss, and cold sensation. It affects one in about 6000 of the population 1 and is more common in the lower limb, with less than 17% of cases…

Junctional Arrythmias

Overview Junctional rhythms occur when the AV node takes over as the primary pacemaker.  Junctional rhythm usually is associated with a benign course. Mechanism SA node has failed AV node just wants to be faster and takes over Enhanced automaticity in AV nodal cells AVNRT – Seperate condition  where a re-entry loop stimulates the AV node…

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Overview Atopic dermatitis is a chronic highly pruritic (itchy) inflammatory skin disease. Atopic dermatitis and eczema are often used synonymously. Atopic dermatitis primarily affect young children and is often associated with other atopic disorders, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis has doubled or tripled in industrialised countries during the past three decades.…

Breast Cancer

"A 35 Year old women presents with a 1cm hard lump in the upper quadrant of her right breast. She first noticed this when she was in the shower three months ago. She is worried that the lump might be malignant" Overview Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It accounts for…

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Overview Coronary artery obstruction or rupture can result in a variety of ischaemic condition which fall under the term of acute coronary syndrome. This does not include stable angina. Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death world wide. The mortality of myocardial infarction is believed to be 45% with 70% of these deaths…

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