Medical science, drawn into focus.

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),…

Selective IgA Deficiency 

Overview Selective IgA deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency, defined by very low or absent serum IgA levels with normal levels of other immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM). Many patients are asymptomatic, but some develop recurrent mucosal infections, allergic disease, or autoimmune disorders. Prevalence is estimated at 1:300 to 1:700 in Caucasian populations. Diagnosis is often…

Acute Compartment Syndrome

Overview The muscle groups of the human limbs are divided into section or compartments. Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs when increased pressure within a compartment compromises circulation and function of tissues within that area. common sites of ACS is the leg and forearm. Acute compartment syndrome: A critical pressure increase within a confined compartmental space causing…

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) 

Overview MCTD is a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by overlapping clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), polymyositis, with rheumatoid arthritis with high titres of anti-U1 RNP antibodies. It typically affects women aged 20–40 years. Prevalence is estimated at 3.8 per 100,000; more common in females (F:M ~9:1). The disease course…

Complement Deficiencies

Overview Complement deficiencies are rare primary immunodeficiencies resulting from inherited absence or dysfunction of complement proteins, regulators, or receptors. They predispose to recurrent bacterial infections, autoimmune disease (particularly systemic lupus erythematosus–like syndromes), and in some cases angioedema. Complement proteins play a central role in innate immunity by opsonisation, chemotaxis, and direct lysis of pathogens via…

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…

Umbilical Hernia

Overview Umbilical hernias are one of the most common surgical conditions in infants and children. In infantile umbilical hernia there is a pathological failure of obliteration of umbilical defect. Umbilical hernia can also occur in adults and is usually acquired due to increased intrabdominal pressure due to obesity, pregnancy, ascites. Management is surgery. Hernia:  A bulge or protrusion of…

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