Medical science, drawn into focus.

Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD)

Overview Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a serious extra-articular manifestation of RA, affecting up to 10% of RA patients clinically, though subclinical involvement may be present in up to 60% on HRCT. It typically presents in the 5th–6th decade, with a male predominance and is a leading cause of RA-related mortality. The most…

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Overview Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common, lifelong condition that appears to be increasing in prevalence with increasing obesity, and is more common in Indigenous and southeast Asian women. PCOS is the presence of multiple follicular cysts in the ovaries (>12 cysts). PCOS results in hormonal imbalance resulting in the associated signs and symptoms (ie.…

Acute Appendicitis

Overview Acute appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the vermiform (worm-like) appendix. It is mainly caused by obstruction of the lumen of the appendix by stool, infective agents or lymphoid hyperplasia. Acute appendicits is the most common abdominal surgical emergency in the world, with a lifetime risk of 6.9% in females and 8.6% in males.…

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…

Aortic Stenosis

Overview Aortic valve stenosis is characterised by obstruction of left ventricular outflow, resulting in inadequate cardiac output, decreased exercise capacity, heart failure, and death from cardiovascular causes. Mild to moderate aortic stenosis is usually a symptomatic, but occasionally can be found on routine examination Locations of stenosis – Valvular (common), supravalvular and subvalvular Aortic Stenosis…

Hydrocephalus

Overview Hydrocephalus is excessive accumulation of CSF in the cerebral ventricles. In children, look for increasing head circumference, increased intracranial pressure, a bulging fontanelle, scalp vein engorgement, and paralysis of upward gaze. The most common causes include: Congenital malformations Tumors Inflammation (i.e hemorrhage, meningitis). Treat the underlying cause, if possible; otherwise a surgical shunt is created…

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Overview Coronary artery obstruction or rupture can result in a variety of ischaemic condition which fall under the term of acute coronary syndrome. This does not include stable angina. Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death world wide. The mortality of myocardial infarction is believed to be 45% with 70% of these deaths…

Full resource library