Archive
Preeclampsia: Pathophysiology
General Features Preeclampsia is classically defined as the new onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. New onset hypertension with significant end-organ dysfunction (with or without proteinuria) after 20 weeks of gestation also satisfies...
Acute Sinusitis
General Features Acute sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses usually due to a viral infection, but secondary bacterial infection can occur. Often precipitated by an upper respiratory infection. Inflammation causes swelling of the mucosa leading to...
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis
The Adrenal Glands The adrenal glands are triangular shaped organs that sit on top of the kidneys. Each adrenal gland is composed of an outer portion called the cortex, and an inner portion called the medulla. The adrenal cortex secretes...
Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
General Features An acoustic neuroma is a benign Schwann cell-derived tumor of the eighth cranial nerve. Also known as a vestibular schwannoma. Usually unilateral In neurofibromatosis type 2, acoustic neuromas are typically bilateral. Signs and Symptoms...
Monteggia vs. Galeazzi Fractures
Definitions A Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna with dislocation of the radial head. There are four types, based on the direction that the radial head is displaced (Bado classification). A Galeazzi fracture is a fracture of the distal...
Heart Failure: Systolic vs. Diastolic Dysfunction
General Considerations Heart failure is defined as the inability of the heart to provide sufficient output to meet the metabolic demands of the body. Heart failure may be classified by symptom severity (NYHA classification) and by stage of evolution...
Functional Classification of Heart Failure
Functional Classification Systems The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification is based on the amount of activity needed to elicit symptoms from the patient. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association...
Heart Failure: Pathophysiology
General Features and Pathophysiology Heart failure (HF) is defined as the inability of the heart to provide sufficient output to meet the metabolic demands of the body. Most often a chronic condition, but may also be acute. Heart failure leads to tissue...