Benign Vulvar Conditions
Bartholin Cysts and Abscesses Definition Bartholin cysts are cysts within the Bartholin gland that result from the obstruction of their excretory duct and retention of their secretory fluid. If this fluid, or the gland itself, becomes infected, a Bartholin abscess is formed. Anatomy review of the Bartholin glands Epidemiology Etiology and pathogenesis Clinical presentation Signs […]
Insulin
Pharmacodynamics Chemistry Insulin is a small protein normally created and released by pancreatic beta cells. Available formulations can be: Human insulin: identical to endogenously produced insulin Analog insulin: altered to create pharmacokinetic advantages Mechanism of action Insulin acts on cells to ↑ glucose uptake in all tissues, including the: Liver Skeletal muscle Adipose tissue This […]
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Overview Definition Epidemiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Clinical symptoms vary based on the subtype of GBS. Individuals may have a history of respiratory or GI symptoms 1–4 weeks prior to the appearance of GBS. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) Miller Fisher variant Bickerstaff encephalitis […]
Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Overview Definition Pathologically increased ICP is a pressure ≥ 20 mm Hg. Etiology Pathophysiology Increased ICP may be due to various clinical conditions. Brain edema or obstruction of CSF outflow may result in herniation and death. Normal physiology Pathophysiology Types of cerebral edema Mechanisms of cerebral edema Extracellular: Intracellular: Abnormal posturing Clinical Presentation Clinical suspicion […]
Subdural Hemorrhage
Overview Definition Subdural hematoma (SDH) is bleeding, usually caused by head trauma, into the space between the dural and arachnoid meningeal layers surrounding the brain, creating a space called the subdural space. Epidemiology Etiology Head trauma: Anticoagulation or coagulopathy: Cerebral atrophy: Intracerebral hemorrhage: Ruptured aneurysm of the cerebral vasculature: Malformations of the cerebral vasculature: Brain […]
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Definition and Epidemiology Definition Epidemiology Etiology Risk factors Causes Pathophysiology Given that saccular aneurysm is the most common etiology of SAH, this section will focus on the pathogenesis of saccular aneurysm rupture. Events that occur after the rupture itself are common to other etiologies of SAH. Saccular aneurysm Pathologic features of ruptured saccular aneurysms Risk […]
Rectal Prolapse
Overview Epidemiology Risk factors Rectal prolapse is associated with several predisposing conditions and risk factors: Classification Rectal prolapse is the protrusion of rectal tissue through the anal orifice and is classified as follows: Clinical Presentation Diagnosis and Management Diagnosis Management Conservative management: Surgical management: Differential Diagnosis References
Inflammation
Introduction and Classic Signs Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury, involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. Inflammatory responses Types: Triggers of acute inflammation: Characteristics of acute […]
Ovarian Cancer
Overview Definition Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the ovarian tissues. Epidemiology Risk factors Protective factors Several common factors significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, including: Classification Overview of ovarian tumor classification Table: Summary of ovarian cancer classification Proportion of primary malignant ovarian tumors Commonly affected age group Major types Epithelial tumors […]
Endometrial Hyperplasia and Endometrial Cancer
Overview Definition Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a state of excessive proliferation of endometrial cells, resulting in an increased gland-to-stroma ratio. Endometrial carcinoma (EC) refers to excessive proliferation of endometrial cells that are capable of invading surrounding tissues and metastasizing to distant sites. Epidemiology Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the developed world […]