Medical science, drawn into focus.

Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis)

Overview Giant cell arteritis affects medium and large arteries and can result in blindness. Giant Cell arteritis is common in the elderly. Consider Takayasu's arteritis if under 55yo. It is associated with polymyalgia rheumatica in 50% of cases. Giant cell arteritis, the most common type of vasculitis in adults, affects medium and large arteries and…

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

Overview Transient ischemic attack is defined as transient neurologic symptoms without evidence of acute infarction. It is a common and important risk factor for future stroke. TIAs are produced by temporary ischemia to a vascular territory, usually caused by thrombosis or embolism and less commonly by vasculitis, hematologic disorders such as sickle cell disease or…

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Overview Sleep apnea syndrome is an extremely common medical disorder associated with important morbidity. Sleep Apnea and can be classified as: Obstructive Sleep Apnea – is the most common, characterized by repetitive, intermittent collapse of the upper (pharyngeal) airway during sleep, which causes apnoeic episodes terminated by partial arousal Central Sleep Apnea - characterised by repetitive absent or diminished…

Acute Pancreatitis

Overview Acute pancreatitis is a relatively common condition presenting with severe, acute, constant epigastric pain. Incidence of ~5 per 100,000/year. Acute pancreatitis has a significant mortality. Early complications include acute renal failure, DIC, hypocalcemia and ARDS. Acute Pancreatitis: An inflammatory process in which pancreatic enzymes are activated and cause autodigestion of the gland. Chronic Pancreatitis:…

Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Overview Premenstrual syndrome is defined as recurrent moderate psychological and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of menses and resolve with menstruation. Most women of reproductive age experience one or more mild emotional or physical symptoms for one to two days before the onset of menses. These symptoms, such as breast soreness and bloating,…

Pre-operative Care

Overview Definition Perioperative Management refers to the period of time extending from the day prior to surgical intervention to several days after said intervention. It consists of the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative period. Patient education Investigation used at surgery Coagulation status (ie. INR <2) Imaging scans for day of surgery Pre-operative care Aims: to provide…

Gout

Overview Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis that is increasing in prevalence. Gout (monosodium urate crystal deposition disease) is characterized biochemically by extracellular fluid urate saturation. Tends to occur earlier in life in men than women, and is rare in childhood. Prevalence is increasing. It is associated with many serious comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease,…

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