Medical science, drawn into focus.

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis 

Overview Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener’s granulomatosis) is a rare, chronic, systemic necrotising vasculitis affecting small-to-medium-sized vessels, characterised by granulomatous inflammation, necrotising vasculitis, and tissue destruction, primarily involving the upper and lower respiratory tracts and kidneys. It falls under the ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV). Peak incidence is in the 5th–6th decade, with slight male predominance and…

Chronic Pancreatitis

Overview Chronic pancreatitis is characterised by recurrent or persistent abdominal pain arising from the pancreas. The inflammatory process results in irreversible destruction and fibrosis of the pancreas. Often associated with exocrine or endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Acute Pancreatitis: An inflammatory process in which pancreatic enzymes are activated and cause autodigestion of the gland. Chronic Pancreatitis: Irreversible…

Myotonic Dystrophy

Overview Autosomal dominant disease characterised by trinucleotide repeat of CTG. Also known as Dystrophica Myotoncia the disease is causes an increase in muscle tone (Myotonia) with associated degeneration and shrinkage of muscle fibres (Dystrophy). Pathophysiology Genetic mutations -> abnormal mRNA abnormal mRNA like these do not leave the nucleus The abnormal mRNA can cause these…

Asthma

Overview Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation disorder due to complex interactions between inflammatory cells, mediators and airway cells. In young children in whom lung function testing is not feasible, including most preschool children, asthma is defined by the presence of variable respiratory symptoms. Asthma is one of the most common causes of presentation to the Emergency…

Crystal Arthropathy

Overview Crystal arthropathies are a diverse group of disorders characterized by deposition of various minerals in joints and soft tissues leading to inflammation. Four main types of crystal arthropathies: Gout : The most common of all the crystal arthropathies, caused by monosodium urate crystal precipitation, and its prevalence appears to be increasing. Pseudogout: caused by calcium…

Addison's Disease

Overview Addison's disease is a disease characterised by adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency results in a decrease of the adrenal gland hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and to an extent androgens. There are many causes of addison's disease. The most common cause in the developed world is autoimmune (approximately 70% cases). Signs and symptoms of adrenal sufficiency don't…

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Overview Complex chronic syndrome characterised by recurrent abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction, in the absence of a structural abnormality. It is not associated with an increase in mortality, however, it is associated with substantial morbidity and a significant decrease in an individual’s quality of life. IBS IBD IBS belongs to a group of disorders collectively known as Functional…

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