Vaginal Cancer
Overview Definition Primary vaginal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from tissue of the vagina. Anatomy review The vagina is: Histologic classification Vaginal malignancies may be either primary (originating from the vagina itself) or metastatic to the vagina from other primary sites. Primary vaginal cancers: The most common subtypes of primary vaginal cancer (originating in […]
Vulvar Cancer
Overview Definition Vulvar cancer is a malignancy of the vulva, which includes structures of the external female genitalia: Epidemiology Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer that constitutes only 0.3% of new cancer diagnoses. Risk factors Classification Classification by histologic subtype Histologic subtypes of vulvar cancer include: Staging Vulvar cancer is staged on the basis of […]
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Overview Anatomy The median nerve emerges from the brachial plexus with contributions from the C6, C7, C8, and T1 nerve roots. Roots C6 and C7 supply the median sensory fibers, which in turn give sensation to the thenar eminence and the 1st 3½ digits of the hand. Roots C8 and T1 supply the motor fibers […]
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Overview Definition Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a clinical disorder that presents with symptoms due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP; ≥ 20 mm Hg) or CSF pressure (> 250 mm H2O), with no structural changes or other attributable cause. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology The exact pathogenesis of IIH is unknown, although […]
Cerebellar Disorders
Overview Definition Cerebellar disorders are a specific set of neurologic signs and symptoms caused by local or systemic conditions that affect the cerebellum; the classic sign is ataxia, in addition to several other motor abnormalities that affect coordination. Epidemiology Etiologies Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation Details regarding pathophysiology and presentation depend on the specific underlying etiology. […]
Posterior Cord Syndrome
Overview Definition PosteriorPosterior cord syndrome refers to a group of symptoms caused by an incomplete spinal cord injury that affects the dorsal columns, the corticospinal tracts (CSTs), and descending autonomic tracts to the bladder. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management Understanding the structures affected by a posterior cord lesion is essential to their […]
Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Overview Epidemiology Etiology Pathogenesis Clinical Presentation The clinical presentation of NF2 may vary widely between individuals with de novo mutations and families carrying genetic mutations. Younger ages at onset are often associated with an atypical presentation with more severe symptoms. Age at onset Neurologic lesions Eye lesions Skin lesions Diagnosis Clinical criteria for neurofibromatosis type […]
Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis
Overview Definition Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a syndrome of severe glomerular disease with progressive loss of kidney function within weeks to months. Classification Most cases are from immunological injury of the glomeruli. The mechanisms and findings are classified as: Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Diagnosis Laboratory evaluation Renal biopsy Table: Microscopic findings in common […]
Ion Channel Myopathy
Overview Definition Ion channel myopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are caused by genetic defects in sodium, chloride, and calcium ion channels in the myocyte membranes resulting in myotonia. Classification, epidemiology, and pathophysiology Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis Symptoms and presentations can appear similar in different ion channel myopathies, making lab testing essential for […]
Motor Neuron Lesions
Overview Definition Upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions originate in the cerebral cortex or brain stem and cause damage to neurons above the motor nuclei of the cranial nerves (CNs) in the brain stem or the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord (SC).Lower motor neuron (LMN) lesions affect the nerve fibers traveling from the anterior […]