Melanoma
Overview Definition Melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells of the epidermis. Epidemiology Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology and Classification Pathogenesis Morphologic types Major types: Types Frequency Growth Morphology Common sites Superficial spreading melanoma 60%–75% Horizontal or radial growth first (highly curable at 1 mm or less) Eventual transition to vertical growth Variable […]
Rheumatic Fever
Overview Definition Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune condition that develops as a complication of streptococcal infection. Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology The pathogenesis is not completely understood. Genetic predisposition is likely, as rheumatic fever tends to be familial: The major implied mechanism is molecular mimicry: Acute phase Chronic phase Clinical Presentation Clinical diagnostic criteria Major symptoms […]
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Overview Definition Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy characterized by chronic and indolent inflammation of the axial skeleton. Mnemonic To remember the seronegative arthropathies, use the mnemonic “PAIR.” Epidemiology Etiology Pathophysiology Proposed mechanism of inflammation Axioskeletal changes Clinical Presentation Articular manifestations Extra-articular manifestations Physical examination Diagnosis Physical examination tests Imaging Laboratory Tests Management and […]
Chlamydial Infections
Overview Definition Chlamydial infections are infectious diseases caused by bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Epidemiology Transmission Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation Pathophysiology C. trachomatis infections Genital disease (serovars d–k): Infant disease: Eye disease (serovars a–c): Lymphogranuloma venereum (serovars l1–l3): Respiratory diseases caused by C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci Diagnosis History: Physical exam: Laboratory studies: Management […]
Graves’ Disease
Overview Definition Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors cause the thyroid gland to hyperfunction. The syndrome may have the following features: Epidemiology Etiology Susceptibility to Graves’ disease is considered to be a combination of multiple factors. Risk factors: Pathophysiology Hyperthyroidism and goiter Orbitopathy and myxedema Clinical […]
Prostatitis
Overview Definition Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland that presents as different syndromes: Epidemiology and etiology Clinical Presentation Acute bacterial prostatitis Chronic bacterial prostatitis Chronic pelvic pain syndrome and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis Diagnosis Physical exam Diagnostic approach Management Treatment Antibiotic regimen Differential Diagnosis References
Soft Tissue Abscess
Overview Definition Soft tissue abscess is a collection of pus in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. Epidemiology Etiology Causative agents: Risk factors: Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation Pathophysiology Clinical presentation Diagnosis Soft tissue abscesses are usually diagnosed based on exam and history. Laboratory studies Imaging studies Management Uncomplicated cases Cases requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics Differential […]
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Overview Definition Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease resulting in the destruction and failure of the thyroid gland. Epidemiology Etiology Exact cause unknown, although genetic and environmental factors play a role: Pathophysiology Immunology When thyroid autoimmunity is induced, progressive depletion of thyroid epithelial cells ensues. Thyroid cell destruction mediated by: Lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis […]
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Epidemiology and Risk Factors Epidemiology Worldwide incidence: 3 per 10,000 people per year More prevalent in: Native Americans North America Northern Europe 2–3 times more common in women Peak age of presentation is 30–50-years-old. Risk factors The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown, but several risk factors play a role. Genetic predisposition: 2–3 times […]
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology Prevalence in the United States: Overall: 20–150 per 100,000 Women: 100–400 per 100,000 Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): approximately 2.5 per 100,000 More prevalent in people of African American or Asian descent More common in urban areas 10 times more common in women than men (no gender preference in drug-induced lupus) […]