Dermatomyositis
Definition and Epidemiology Definition Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic, immune-mediated, inflammatory myopathy that causes progressive, symmetric, proximal muscle weakness and characteristic cutaneous manifestations. Antisynthetase syndrome is a subtype of DM characterized by the presence of antisynthetase antibodies and accompanied by certain extramuscular manifestations. Epidemiology Incidence: 0.5–8.4 cases per million Women are twice more likely to […]
Lentigo Maligna
Overview Definition Lentigo maligna (also known as Hutchinson melanotic freckle) is melanoma in situ. This type of precancerous lesion may progress to lentigo maligna melanoma. Epidemiology Etiology Clinical Presentation Diagnosis History Physical exam Dermoscopy Reflectance confocal microscopy Histology Management and Prognosis Management Surgical excision: Nonsurgical: Patient education: Prognosis Differential Diagnosis References
Molluscum Contagiosum
Overview Epidemiology Etiology and transmission Pathophysiology Histopathology Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis Clinical presentation of lesions Diagnosis Management Treatment Prognosis Complications Differential Diagnosis References
Angioedema
Overview Definition Angioedema is a localized, self-limited (but potentially life-threatening), nonpitting, asymmetrical edema occurring in the deep layers of the skin and mucosal tissue. May occur with or without urticaria: With urticaria: indicates an IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity reaction Without urticaria: mediated by substances other than IgE, usually bradykinin Acute or chronic: Acute angioedema: < […]
Thyroid Nodules
Overview Definition A disordered growth of thyroid cells (hyperplastic or neoplastic) that form a lump or a mass May occur as: Discrete nodule: single or multiple masses in a normal-sized thyroid gland Multinodular goiter: Multiple nodules replace the parenchyma and cause thyroid enlargement. Epidemiology In the United States, palpable nodules occur in 4%–7% of all […]
Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Overview Epidemiology Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is the 2nd most common form of muscular dystrophy. Etiology Becker muscular dystrophy is caused by non-frameshift deletion or duplication mutations of the DMD gene on the short arm of the X chromosome. Pathophysiology Normal physiology: Pathophysiology in BMD: Clinical Presentation Timeline Becker muscular dystrophy has a highly variable […]
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Overview Definition Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the cardiac muscle: Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Symptoms may develop and progress slowly over time, or develop abruptly. Symptoms are similar to those seen with HF. Symptoms Physical exam findings Diagnosis Diagnosis is primarily through history and physical examination, laboratory examination, ECG, and imaging (confirmatory […]
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Overview Definition Alcoholic liver disease encompasses alcoholic steatosis (fatty liver, reversible), steatohepatitis (can be reversible), and cirrhosis (irreversible). All are secondary to alcohol use disorder. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Ethanol metabolism Histopathological changes Clinical Presentation Alcoholic steatosis (fatty liver) Alcoholic hepatitis Alcoholic cirrhosis Diagnosis and Severity Scores History Physical exam Laboratory studies Imaging Liver biopsy Disease […]
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Overview Definition Chronic venous disease is a spectrum of disorders characterized by venous dilation and/or abnormal vein function in the lower extremities resulting from venous hypertension. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Venous hypertension Skin and soft tissue changes Clinical Presentation Spectrum of chronic venous disease Presenting symptoms Diagnosis and Classification Physical exam Lower extremity appearance: Venous refilling […]
Hemorrhoids
Overview Definition Hemorrhoids are normal swollen vascular structures in the anorectal canal. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Pathogenesis External hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids Clinical Presentation External hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids Diagnosis Physical examination Laboratory studies and procedures Management Treatment approach Nonsurgical procedures The following procedures are for grades I and II internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative […]