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Henoch-Schönlein purpura (Spring Fever)

Overview Henoch Schonlein Purpura is a IgA vasculitis characterised by the Tetrad: palpable purpuric petechial rash, abdominal pain, kidney involvement and arthralgia. Aetiology is unknown but thought to have a genetic predisposition. Clinical Manifestation Henoch Schonlein Purpura Tetrad Palpable purpuric petechial rash, abdominal pain, kidney involvement and arthralgia. Recent mucosal infection (respiratory or gastrointestinal) Rash…

Osgood Schlatter

Overview In this common disorder of adolescence the tibial tubercle becomes painful and ‘swollen’. Although often called osteochondritis and apophysitis, it is nothing more than a traction injury of the apophysis into which part of the patellar tendon is attached. Osgood-Schaltter disease typically occurs during the early adolescent growth spurt between 10-15 years of age,…

Nephritic Syndrome

Overview Nephritic syndrome is one of two clinical patterns seen in glomerular disease. Nephritic Syndrome is characterised by haematuria, proteinuria, hypertension and oligouria. Nephritic syndrome can be further classified based on light microscopic features: Focal Diffuse Glomerular Disease: Disease effecting the glomerulus. Glomerular disease reduces the ability of the kidneys to maintain a balance of certain substances in…

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…

Infective Endocarditis

Overview Infective endocarditis is a condition which occurs in the setting of bacteraemia whereby endothelial surfaces of the heart, such as valvular structures, become infected. It can present acutely or subacutely, and is often associated with fevers, new heart murmurs, constitutional symptoms and embolic phenomena. The classical organism associated is Staphylcoccus aureus, however there are…

Achilles Tendinopathy & Rupture

Overview Achilles tendinopathy & rupture are common causes of posterior ankle pain and disability, particularly in active adults. Tendinopathy presents with chronic pain, stiffness, and impaired function, while rupture is an acute injury characterised by a sudden “pop” and loss of plantarflexion power. Achilles tendon injuries are increasingly prevalent due to sports participation, with rupture…

Bladder Carcinoma

Mainly focusing on Transitional cell tumours Overview Three main types of bladder carcinoma Transitional cell carcinoma (Most common) Squamous cell carcinoma Adenocarcinoma (Rare) Transitional cell tumours can affect any part of the urinary epithelium. It is the second most common urological malignancy (Renal Adenocarcinoma is the most common, bladder adenocarcinoma is rare ) and is one…

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