Medical science, drawn into focus.

Achilles Tendinopathy & Rupture

Overview Achilles tendinopathy & rupture are common causes of posterior ankle pain and disability, particularly in active adults. Tendinopathy presents with chronic pain, stiffness, and impaired function, while rupture is an acute injury characterised by a sudden “pop” and loss of plantarflexion power. Achilles tendon injuries are increasingly prevalent due to sports participation, with rupture…

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Overview Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown cause, characterised by the formation of non‑caseating granulomas in affected organs. Pulmonary involvement occurs in ~90% of patients, making it the most common manifestation. Global prevalence varies widely (e.g., 3.7/100,000 in Japan vs. 28.2/100,000 in Finland), with higher rates in Black Americans and Northern Europeans. Peak…

Graves' Disease

Overview Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, caused by an autoimmune reaction in which TSH receptor autoantibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to an increase in the production of thyroid hormones. It’s named after Dr Robert James Graves, an Irish physician who in 1835 gave one of the first thorough clinical descriptions…

Chronic Lower Limb Ischaemia: Intermittent Claudication

Overview Chronic lower limb ischemia can be classified using the Fontaine classification: I – asymptomatic II – intermittent claudication III – rest pain IV – ulcers/gangrene Grades III and IV are classified as Critical Limb Ischemia. Intermittent claudication is a type of chronic lower limb ischemia that presents with muscle pain on exercise and is…

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…

Acute Limb Ischaemia

Overview Acute limb ischaemia refers to any sudden decrease in limb perfusion that causes a potential threat to viability. It is associated with pain, motor and sensory loss, and cold sensation. It affects one in about 6000 of the population 1 and is more common in the lower limb, with less than 17% of cases…

Genital Prolapse

Overview Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which pelvic organs abnormally descend or herniate from their normal attachment sites or their normal position in the pelvis to or beyond the vaginal walls. There are varying degrees of prolapse. In the most severe cases, the pelvic organ can prolapse through the genital hiatus. It can be asymptomatic…

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