Medical science, drawn into focus.

Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE)

Overview Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE, “watermelon stomach”) is a rare but important cause of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often presenting with chronic iron-deficiency anaemia or recurrent overt bleeding in older adults, particularly women [1–4]. It is frequently associated with systemic conditions such as liver cirrhosis (~30% of cases) and autoimmune/connective-tissue disease (especially systemic sclerosis).…

Spermatocele

Overview  A spermatocele, or spermatic cyst, is a benign fluid-filled cyst arising from the epididymis, usually near the upper pole of the testis. It commonly contains clear or milky fluid with spermatozoa. Most spermatoceles are painless, discovered incidentally and do not require treatment. Epididymis: coiled structure behind the testis that stores and transports sperm. Spermatocele:…

Paediatric Bacterial Cutaneous Infection

Overview Meningitis 5 year old presents with non-blanching rash, fever, headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. Aetiology Up to three months of age Group B streptococcus E-coli Listeria Three to 12 years of age Streptococcus pneumonia N. meningitidis Clinical presentation Fever Lethargy Irritability Anorexia Nausea/vomiting Photophobia Neck and back pain/rigidity Kernig sign Brudzinski sign Investigations FBC…

Anal Fissure

Overview Anal fissure is a split in the skin of the distal anal canal. It presents with severe pain on defecation, like passing “glass shards”, and rectal bleeding. It is more frequently diagnosed in younger and middle-aged individuals. Anal fissures are mostly caused by passage of hard stool but can also be a result of…

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Overview The polycystic kidney diseases are among the most common life-threatening inherited diseases worldwide and frequently cause kidney failure. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is seen predominantly in adults, whereas autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is mainly a disease of childhood. For ADPKD, screening asymptomatic at-risk adults with a family history by ultrasound…

Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Overview Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent clinically significant primary antibody deficiency, characterised by hypogammaglobulinaemia and impaired antibody responses. It typically presents with recurrent bacterial infections, autoimmunity, granulomatous disease, and an increased risk of malignancy. CVID affects both sexes equally, with a prevalence of ~1 in 25,000–50,000 individuals. Diagnosis is often delayed, with…

Alzheimer's Disease

Overview Alzheimer disease is characterised by an insidious onset of symptoms with initial forgetfulness progressing over time to profound memory impairment with accompanying dysphasia, dyspraxia and personality change. Dementia: Clinical syndrome that is characterised by a progressive deterioration in cognition with resulting decline in function. Alzheimer disease:  Characterised by an insidious onset of symptoms with initial…

Full resource library