Necrotizing Fasciitis
Overview Epidemiology Etiology Necrotizing fasciitis is divided into microbiologic categories based on the causative organism(s): Risk factors Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Skin and soft tissue findings Early signs: Late signs: Common sites of infection: Evidence of systemic toxicity Diagnosis A definitive diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is made by surgical exploration and debridement. These processes should not […]
Erysipelas
Overview Definition Erysipelas is an infection of the skin involving the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation Pathophysiology Clinical presentation Diagnosis and Management Diagnosis History: Physical exam: Laboratory studies: Imaging: Cultures: Management Uncomplicated cases: Cases requiring hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics: Surgical debridement: may be required for severe cases with […]
Rosacea
Overview Epidemiology Worldwide incidence: > 5% Age of presentation: 30–50 years old Women > men More common in fair-skinned people Etiology The exact etiology is not understood, but the following may be associated with rosacea: Genetic predisposition Infections: Demodex mites Helicobacter pylori Ultraviolet radiation Vascular hyperactivity causing prolonged flushing: Exercise Hot weather Spicy food Alcohol […]
Glucagonoma
Definition and Epidemiology Definition A glucagonoma is a glucagon-secreting tumor arising from the α cells in the pancreatic islets and is sometimes seen in the context of MEN 1. Epidemiology Pathophysiology Normal physiology of glucagon Secreted by the α cells in the pancreatic islets, glucagon’s role is to make energy readily available by producing glucose […]
Whipple’s Disease
Overview Definition Whipple’s disease is a malabsorption syndrome with systemic manifestations that is caused by infection with Tropheryma whipplei. Epidemiology Etiology Causative agent is T. whipplei: Host immunodeficiency has been implicated in symptomatic infections. Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Classic Whipple’s disease Other manifestations Diagnosis History Physical exam Laboratory studies Biopsy Management and Prognosis Management The mainstay […]
Uterine Leiomyoma and Leiomyosarcoma
Epidemiology Leiomyomas are benign, smooth muscle tumors arising from the uterine myometrium, whereas leiomyosarcomas are aggressive, malignant tumors of the myometrium. Leiomyoma Leiomyosarcoma Pathophysiology Leiomyoma Predisposing factors: Classification: Leiomyosarcoma Patterns: Differentiated from leiomyomas by the degree of: Predisposing factors: Clinical Presentation Presentations of leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma can be clinically indistinguishable. Both leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma may […]
Prostate Cancer
Overview Epidemiology Risk factors Inherent factors (major): Medical factors: Social and environmental factors: Pathophysiology Prostate gland and zonal anatomy Prostate gland: Zonal anatomy: Tumorigenesis Under the influence of the factors listed below, prostate epithelium → prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (precursor lesion) → localized adenocarcinoma → metastasis and androgen-resistant cancer Clinical Presentation Diagnosis Prostate-specific antigen Prostate-specific antigen […]
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Overview Epidemiology Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and most severe muscular dystrophy. Etiology Duchenne muscular dystrophy results from a mutation in the dystrophin (DMD) gene on the short arm of the X chromosome. Pathophysiology Normal physiology: Pathophysiology of DMD: Clinical Presentation Presentation Duchenne muscular dystrophy presents with progressive muscle weakness. Timeline: Clinical […]
Aplastic Anemia
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology Varying incidence worldwide Incidence in Europe: 2.35 per 1 million Incidence in Asia: 7 per 1 million No sex preference Acquired aplastic anemia (AA): biphasic age distribution → major peak in the teens to twenties; 2nd peak in the elderly Etiology Inherited conditions: Intrinsic defect(s) in hematopoietic stem cells Fanconi anemia: […]
Pulmonary Embolism
Overview Definition Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the intraluminal obstruction of a main pulmonary artery or any of its branches by a thrombus, air, amniotic fluid, or fat. When thrombotic PE is considered together with DVT, the condition is known as venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease. Epidemiology Etiology and risk factors The 3 primary factors that contribute […]