Medical science, drawn into focus.

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…

Paracetamol Overdose

Overview Paracetamol overdose is a common cause of hospital presentation. Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug used in both children and adults. Its mechanism of action is yet to be fully determined, and is likely to involve a number of pain pathways. When taken in excess it can cause signs such as vomiting, right…

Aortic Regurgitation (incompetence)

Overview Aortic regurgitation (AR) is backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole because the aortic valve does not close completely. AR may result from disease of the valve leaflets, dilatation of the aortic root or both. Chronic AR causes progressive left-ventricular volume overload and dilatation, whereas acute severe AR…

Polyarteritis Nodosa 

Overview Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) is a necrotising vasculitis that affects medium-sized muscular arteries, leading to transmural inflammation, fibrinoid necrosis, and subsequent aneurysm formation or ischemia. It does not involve arterioles, capillaries, or venules, and is not associated with ANCA. PAN can affect any organ except the lungs. It typically presents in middle-aged adults, more commonly…

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…

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…

Cryoglobulinaemic Vasculitis

Overview Cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis is an immune complex–mediated small to medium vessel vasculitis caused by circulating cryoglobulins—immunoglobulins that precipitate below 37 °C and redissolve on warming. These immune complexes deposit in vessel walls, activate complement (typically with marked C4 consumption), and drive leukocytoclastic vasculitis. “Mixed” CV (types II and III) is most often linked to hepatitis…

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