Medical science, drawn into focus.

Birth Defects

Overview Birth defects are the leading cause of perinatal and post- neonatal deaths, and result in substantial morbidity and disability in developed countries. There is a wide variety of mechanisms including genetic, environmental and multifactorial. Major birth defects affect 2–3% of live-borns, and minor birth defects affect 15%. Preventative strategies remain limited, but include maternal folic acid supplementation,…

Dementia

Overview Dementia is a disorder that is characterized by impairment of cognition, typically involving memory and at least one other cognitive deficit, such as aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, or disturbance in executive functioning. These must represent a decline from previous level of function and be severe enough to interfere with daily function and independence. Decrease in intellectual…

Aortic Regurgitation (incompetence)

Overview Aortic regurgitation (AR) is backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole because the aortic valve does not close completely. AR may result from disease of the valve leaflets, dilatation of the aortic root or both. Chronic AR causes progressive left-ventricular volume overload and dilatation, whereas acute severe AR…

Aneurysm

Overview An aneurysm is an abnormal localised dilatation of a blood vessel with at least 50% increase in diameter compared to its normal diameter. It is seen more often in arteries compared to veins. Aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until they are very large or they rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can cause massive bleeding and death.…

Percarditis

Overview Pericarditis is the most common form of pericardial disease and a relatively common cause of chest pain. The etiology of pericarditis may be infectious (eg, viral and bacterial) or noninfectious (eg, systemic inflammatory diseases, cancer, and post-cardiac injury syndromes). Tuberculosis is a major cause of pericarditis in developing countries but accounts for less than 5%…

Paracetamol Overdose

Overview Paracetamol overdose is a common cause of hospital presentation. Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug used in both children and adults. Its mechanism of action is yet to be fully determined, and is likely to involve a number of pain pathways. When taken in excess it can cause signs such as vomiting, right…

Toxic Multinodular Goitre

Overview Toxic Multinodular Goitre (TMNG) is the second most common cause of hyperthyroidism caused by a long-standing goitre and/or iodine deficiency which results in an increased risk of mutation and consequent TSH-independent autonomic function of thyroid nodules to produce excess thyroid hormones. Common clinical manifestations include hyperthyroidism and a painless thyroid goitre with palpable nodules.…

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