Pneumoconiosis
Epidemiology and Etiology Definition and types Pneumoconiosis is the classic term used to describe the non-neoplastic lung reaction to chronic inhalation of mineral dusts encountered at the workplace. Some lung experts believe that the term “pneumoconiosis” should also include diseases induced by chemical fumes and vapors but this is not a widespread practice and will […]
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology Etiology Associated with other autoimmune conditions (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Sjogren’s syndrome) Clinical Presentation Diagnosis and Management Diagnosis Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a differential diagnosis for any patient presenting with at least one of the following: Autoimmune hepatitis is a diagnosis of exclusion, so […]
Atrial Fibrillation
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology General risk factors for cardiovascular disease Risk factors for AF Cardiac risk factors Non-cardiac risk factors Myocardial infarction Coronary artery disease Heart failure Cardiomyopathy (specifically hypertrophic) Other arrhythmias Valvular heart disease Congenital heart disease Myocarditis Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) Electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia) Diabetes Drugs (e.g., theophylline, adenosine, digoxin) Surgery (e.g., coronary […]
Wound Healing
Stages of Wound Repair There are 3 main stages of wound healing: Timeline and steps of wound healing Day 1 Fibrin clot (hematoma) Neutrophils infiltrate Day 2 Squamous cells seal off the wound Macrophages migrate into the wound Day 3 Granulation tissue begins to form Initial deposition of type III collagen Macrophages replace neutrophils Days […]
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology Prevalence: 3 per 100,000 in the United States Peak incidence: 65–74 years of age Predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent Male-to-female ratio: 1.5:1 Women more likely to have limited disease Etiology Idiopathic Tends to occur more after infections, especially of the respiratory tract Genetic predisposition (positive family history) Autoimmune reaction […]
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)
Epidemiology and Etiology Epidemiology Ventricular fibrillation (VF) secondary to myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death (leading cause of death in developed countries). Etiology Pathophysiology Ventricular tachyarrhythmias are caused by abnormal ectopic contractions in the ventricle. Detailed process Mnemonic Sustained VF after an MI results from: Myocardial ischemia → Necrosis […]
Heart Failure
Epidemiology Etiology Underlying conditions include: Risk factors include: Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Symptoms of HF Signs of HF New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification American Heart Association classification Diagnosis Initial approach Table: Common diagnostic findings in HF Test Findings BNP/pro-BNP BNP > 400 pg/mL Pro-BNP > 450 pg/mL (< 50 years of age) > 900 […]
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Epidemiology and Classification Epidemiology Classification Risk Factors and Pathophysiology Risk factors Pathophysiology Clinical Presentation Diagnosis Management Conservative management Improving modifiable risk factors: Positive airway pressure devices Surgery Clinical Relevance Possible complications of obstructive sleep apnea:
Cystic Fibrosis
Epidemiology Etiology and Pathophysiology Etiology Pathophysiology Impact on organ systems Clinical Presentation Respiratory system Gastrointestinal system Small intestine Thick secretions impair absorption, increasing the risk of obstruction. Fails to pass meconium within 48 hrs of life in newborn Constipation, abdominal pain Bowel obstruction, unable to pass gas, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting Large intestine Incompletely digested […]
Pharyngitis
Etiology Pharyngitis is defined as inflammation of the pharynx and surrounding structures. Most cases are due to an infectious organism acquired from close contact with an infected individual. Clinical Presentation Diagnosis Centor score: estimates the probability that pharyngitis is streptococcal and suggests management course for adults Laboratory diagnosis: Identification of beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection is of […]