Medical science, drawn into focus.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Overview Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a vein deep under the skin 25-50% of surgical patients and many non-surgical patients. 65% of DVT are below the knee are symptomatic and rarely embolism to the lung. There are many causes of DVT. Thrombus:  blood clot  Thrombosis:  blood clot that forms in…

Gallstone Disease

This section looks at gallstone disease in general. For info on cholecystitis specifically click here . Overview Gallstones, also called cholelithiasis, are solid deposits formed from components of bile, most commonly cholesterol or bilirubin. They usually develop within the gallbladder but may migrate into the biliary ducts. Gallstones range from very small particles to large stones…

Urinary Tract Infection (Children)

Overview Urinary Tract infections (UTIs) in children are common and usually carry low risk. UTIs are often non-specific and can not be diagnosed on symptoms alone. A clean specimen (urine) is required for the diagnosis of UTI. Any child who is unwell, and most children under 6 months, should be admitted for IV antibiotics. The…

Hyperlipidaemia

Overview Hyperlipidaemia is an umbrella term which encompasses genetic and acquired disorders that raise lipid levels within the blood. Hyperlipidaemia does not independently cause clinical symptoms, rather can lead to other disorders that can manifest in possible life-threatening presentations. Most notably, hyperlipidaemia causes atherosclerosis which may lead to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. 1…

Anklylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Overview Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the axial skeleton, especially the sacroiliac joints and spine. It is a subtype of the seronegative spondyloarthropathies and is characterised by inflammatory back pain, morning stiffness, and eventual spinal fusion in severe cases. AS often presents in young adults, typically males, and…

DiGeorge Syndrome

Overview DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome) is a congenital immunodeficiency and multisystem disorder caused by a microdeletion on chromosome 22. It leads to defective development of the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches, resulting in thymic hypoplasia/aplasia, hypocalcaemia due to parathyroid hypoplasia, and congenital heart defects. Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 4000 live births. Clinical…

Lung Cancer

Overview Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. Lung cancer can be divided into small cell and non-small cell carcinoma. Small cell lung carcinoma presents late stage and has poorer prognosis.  A solitary pulmonary nodule measuring 8 mm or less can be followed radiographically. For larger lesions, a biopsy, whether…

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