Cardiovascular Flashcards
For any given volume of blood, the pressure depends on what 2 variables?
-compliance of the vessel wall (diastole) -active tension in the wall (systole)
Describe the term afterload
The load encountered by the ventricle as it commences contraction. (the amount of pressure the ventricle has to pump against.)
Describe the term preload.
The stretch on the myocyte fibres before they commence contraction. (amount of blood the heart has to pump. It indicates the efficiency of filling of the ventricles)
What is the formula for MAP?
MAP = CO X TPR
What is the formula for CO?
CO = HR X SV
What is the distribution (%) of blood in the systemic veins?
~65%
What is the distribution (%) of blood in the systemic arteries?
~13%
What is the distribution (%) of blood in the systemic capillaries?
~5%
What is the distribution (%) of blood in the lungs (pulmonary arteries, veins & capillaries)?
~10%
What is the distribution (%) of blood in the heart?
~7%
What has greater compliance, arteries or veins?
veins
What is more sensitive to changes in volume, arterial pressure or venous pressure?
arterial pressure
What is the mean circulatory filling pressure?
~7 mmHg
What does the vascular function curve describe?
It describes what happens to venous pressure when CO varies
What is central venous pressure? How is it assessed clinically?
-The pressure in the great veins (IVC, SVC) just outside the heart. -It is slightly higher than the right atrial pressure. -the filling pressure for the heart-It is assessed clinically by the JVP
What does the cardiac function curve describe?
It describes what happens to cardiac output when venous pressure varies
Nitric oxide is modulated by what factors?
-physical stimuli -hypoxia -circulating vasoactive factors -paracrine vasoactive factors
What substances do WBC release?
-NO -histamine -cytokines
What substances do platelets release?
-thrombin -ADP -thromboxane A2
What are the main types of non-competitive antagonists?
-allosteric inhibitors -pathway inhibitors -functional/physiological antagonists
What are the advantages of allosteric antagonists?
-substantial selectivity between receptor subtypes -incomplete antagonism is possible (toning down)
Describe Virchows Triad
Describes the 3 factors that contribute to thrombosis. The factors are: -the vessel wall -blood composition -bloow flow
What is the ‘starter motor’ for the coagulation system?
Tissue factor
What are the 3 summarised steps in the coagulation pathway?
- Initiation phase 2. Amplification phase 3. Propagation phase
List some global tests for bleeding
-ACT -APTT -PT/INR -Thrombin generation
List some specific assays for bleeding
-factor assays -vWF Ag -collagen binding assays -fibrinogen
What does the term pancytopenia mean?
Not enough cells (RBC, WBC, platelets)
What does the term anaemia mean?
Not enough RBCs
What does the term leukopenia mean?
Not enough general WBCs
What does the term neutropenia mean?
Not enough neutrophils
What does the term lymphopenia mean?
Not enough lymphocytes
What does the term thrombocytopenia mean?
Not enough platelets
What does the term polycythaemia mean?
Too many RBCs
What does the term leukocytosis mean?
Too many leukocytes
What does the term thrombocytosis mean?
Too many platelets
What does the term dyserythropoiesis mean?
RBCs aren’t working properly
What does the term white cell function defect mean?
WBCs don’t work properly
What does the term platelet function defect mean?
Platelets don’t work properly
What are the clinical signs of anaemia
-pale -lethargic -failure to thrive -hypoxic -ischaemia -tachycardia
What is the tissue oxygen delivery equation?
CO X Hb X %saturation X 1.34
What are the signs of increased RBC destruction?
-increased serum bilirubin –> jaundice -haptoglobins -LDH
What are the signs of increased RBC production?
-reticulocytes -polychromasia
RBCs are replaced every ______ days
120
WBCs are replaced every ________ days
3-4
Platelets are replaced every ________ days
10
List the cells that are found in the bone marrow stroma
-macrophages -fibroblasts -endothelial cells -fat cells -reticulum cells
List the components of the ECM within the bone marrow stroma?
-fibronectin -haemonectin -laminin -collagen -proteoglycan
During the first few weeks of fetal development where does haemopoiesis occur?
in the yolk sac
During 6weeks to 7 months of pregnancy, where does haemopoiesis occur?
in the liver and spleen
Name 3 haematinics
-Iron -Vitamin B12 -Folate
Hb carries respiratory carbon dioxide as what?
carbaminohaemoglobin
Hb makes up what % of RBC dry content?
97%
What are the 2 oxygen carrying proteins found in the blood?
Haemoglobin and myoglobin
What is the colour of aged blood?
dark brown
Oxygen binds to Fe at what angle? And why is this important?
At a 120 degree angle. This makes the oxygen easier to remove and therefore allows the O2 to be delivered to tissues
What is the general role for haemoglobin?
transports O2 in the blood
What is the general role of myoglobin?
stores O2 in muscle tissue
In the lungs how saturated is haemoglogin?
90% saturated. Therefore Hb has high affinity for O2.
In the venous blood how saturated is haemoglogin?
60% saturated
Describe the tertiary structure of myoglobin.
-monomeric -single polypeptide chain that is made up of 8 alpha helices (A-H) -Haeme binds in the pocket between helix F and H
Describe the quaternary structure of haemoglobin.
-tetrameric -2 alpha chains -2 beta chains -each subunit has a haem therefore there are 4 in total -affinity for O2 varies with pH, CO2 and 2,3-BPG
BPG is synthesised in what cell and via what metabolic pathway?
in RBCs via the glycolytic pathway
What is the main action of BPG?
When BPG binds to Hb it decreases Hb’s affinity for O2 because it locks out O2 from binding. It enables the release of O2 at the tissues
Describe the ways the body deals with/gets rid of CO2.
-Hb carries 15% of CO2 formed in the tissues to the lungs-the rest is converted to HCO3- by carbonic anhydrase. HCO3- is soluble in the plasma and is therefore excreted in the lungs&nb
Explain the Bohr effect
At low pHs Hb is more likely to give up O2 because binding of protons (from tissue acid production) lowers Hbs affinity for O2.
Describe sickle cell anaemia and its impact with malaria
-Normal HbA in position 6–> glutamate (acidic) -HbS a.a change–> valine (acidic and hydrophobic) -Hydrophobic Val binds to a hydrophobic pocket in deoxy-Hb –> sickle cell shape, cannot bind O2
Describe the actions of Botulinum toxin
-acts as a protease and cleaves SNARE proteins -prevents vesicles docking onto pre synaptic membrane -prevents fusion and release of Ach from the vesicle into the synaptic cleft
Name some therapeutic uses for botulinum toxin
-cosmetic -skeletal muscle dystonias e.g. blepharospasm (abnormal contraction of the eyelid)
Name a class of drugs that inhibits the degredation of acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft.
Anticholinesterases
Name a short acting anticholinesterase
edrophonium
Name a medium acting anticholinesterase
neostigmine/pyridostigmine
Name an anticholinesterase that is used in the diasgnosis of myasthenia gravis
edrophonium
Name an anticholinesterase that is used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis
neostigmine/ pyridostigmine
Name an anticholinesterase that is used in the treatment of Alzheimers disease
donepezil because it enters the CNS well
Describe myasthenia gravis and how anticholinesterases can be used to help treat the disease.
-Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease where you have Abs to nicotinic cholinergic receptors on skeletal muscle. Abs bind to receptors–> complement activation or cross linking of 1 ab to more than 1 receptor –> loss of integrity of post junctional membrane and loss of receptors via receptor internalisation. -Anticholinesterases can block the degredation of Ach by AchE in the synaptic cleft thereby increasing the levels of Ach in the synapse that can bind to the remaining few nicotinic receptors. NOTE: anticholinesterases only treat the symptoms.
What is another name for the test used to diagnose myasthenia gravis
Tensilon test (using edrophonium)
Which receptors do nicotine and varenicline act on and what are their therapeutic uses?
They are agonists at nicotinic receptors, and are used in smoking cessation
Name 3 nicotnic receptor antagonists
-tubocurarine -vecuronium -hexamethonium
What is the therapeutic use of tubocurarine and vecuronium?
used for pre-surgical skeletal muscle relaxation
What is the therapeutic use of hexamethonium
ganglion nicotinic receptor blocker
Where does pilocarpine act and what is a the therapeutic use of the drug?
Pilocarpine is an agonist at muscarinic receptors. It is used in glaucoma
Agonists at muscarinic receptors cause what effects?
-Anti- SLUD -sweating -bradycardia -bronchoconstriction -vasodilation
Name 3 anti-muscarinics and their therapeutic uses
Atropine -reduce secretions and produce bronchodilation in anaesthesia -for bradycardia -pupil dilation for an eye exam -AChE- inhibitor poisoning (organophosphates) Hyoscine -motion sickness Ipratropium -COPD
Name 2 drugs that block NA uptake 1
-cocaine
Name a class of drugs that block the degredation of NA
MAO-inhibitors
Name a class of drugs that indirectly increase the levels of NA in the synaptic cleft. Name some examples of drugs in this group.
Indirectly acting sympathomimetics. They are taken up into the pre-synaptic neuron via uptake 1 where they displace NA from vesicles which can then be either degraded by MAO or be released passively into the synapse. NOTE: this process is exocytotis and calcium independent-amphetamine-ephedrine-tyramine
Name a selective alpha-adrenoceptor agonist
Phenylephrine
Name a selective beta-adrenoceptor agonist
Isoprenaline
Name a non-selective adrenoceptor agonist
Adrenaline
Name a beta-1 adrenoceptor agonist and name its therapeutic use
dobutamine (useful in heart failure)
Name a beta-1 adrenoceptor antagonist and name its therapeutic use
atenolol (useful in hypertension)
Name a beta-2 adrenoceptor agonist and name its therapeutic use
salbutamol (useful in asthma)
Name an alpha-1 adrenoceptor agonist and name its therapeutic use
phenylephrine (useful as a nasal decongestant)
Name an alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist and name its therapeutic use
prazosin (useful in hypertension)
Where are alpha 2 adrenoceptors commonly found and what are their functions?
on pre-junctional receptors. they act as auto-inhibitory receptors
Histamine is stored and released from what cells?
-mast cells -basophils -enterochromaffin like cells -periperal and central histaminergic neurons
List some stimuli that cause histamine release.
-Ag binding via IgE-complement (C3a/C5a)= anaphylatoxin -neuropeptides -cytokines and chemokines -bacterial components -physical trauma
Describe the general features of histamine receptors
-4 main receptors (H1, H2, H3, H4) -all are GPCR
What response does histamine typically cause?
The triple response -Reddening: vasodilation -Wheal: increase in vascular permeability -Flare: spreading response through sensory fibres
At what receptor does anti-histamines usually work at?
H1 receptors
Name 2 first generation H1 anti-histamines and their major side effects.
-chlorpheniramine -promethazine Major side effect= sedation
Name 2 later generation H1 anti-histamines that are associated with no sedation, and name their major side effects.
-terfenadine -astemizole Better than 1st generation antihistamines because there is no sedation since there is poor entry into the CNS, and they lack anti-muscarinic activity and GIT effects.Majo
Name 2 newer generation H1 anti-histamines and their benefits over the older generation antihistamines
-cetirizine -loratidine Note: they have a reduced risk of unwanted cardiac effects
Name 2 H2 anti-histamines(receptor antagonists) and their major use.
-cimetidine -ranitidine used in the treatment of peptic ulcers
Why are H2 receptor antagonists useful in treating peptic ulcers?
-they block H2 receptors on the parietal cell -histamine can’t act on the H2 receptors on the parietal cells therefore no increase in cAMP occurs so H+ ions are not pumped out into the lumen into the stomach
What are the main roles of bradykinin?
-local peptide mediator in pain and inflammation
Describe how bradykinin is made
-Prekallikrein is converted to Kallikrein by activated Hageman factor (Factor XII) -Kallikrein then converts high molecular weight kininogen to bradykinin
How is bradykinin degraded?
by Kinase I and kinase II note: Kinase II=ACE
What are the actions of bradykinin?
Vascular actions -dilates arterioles and venules-increases vascular permeability Neural -simulates sensory nerve endings–> pain Contracts uterus, airways and gut Epithelial secretions in airways and gut
Describe the receptors for bradykinin
-B1 and B2 -both are GPCR
Name a selective B2 receptor antagonist and is clinical use
icatibant -used in hereditary angioedema (C1esterase inhibitor deficiency) -C1esterase normally inhibits proteases such as kallikrein so a deficiency in this inhibitor means the kallikrein pathway is over active and results in lots of bradykinin being produced
Describe the conundrum with acetylcholine
-in vivo Ach is a vasodilator (endothelium is intact because they used a transverse ring) -in vitro Ach is a vasoconstrictor (endothelium is removed because they used a helical strip) When Ach comes into contact with intact e
What are the 3 isoforms of NOS?
-nNOS (nerves, epithelial cells) -iNOS (inducible in macrophages, smooth muscle) -eNOS (endothelial cells)
Name a substance that blocks NOS and its actions
L-NAME -produces vasoconstriction and hypertension
What are the 3 main roles of NO?
-flow dependent vasodilation -inhibits platelet adhesion and aggregation -neurotransmitter
List some features of a non-longitudinal study, and name an example.
-no follow up of subjects -information is collected from 1 encounter e.g. ecological, cross sectional, case control studies
List some features of longitudinal studies and name an example.
-involves follow up -information is collected over multiple encounters over a period of time e.g. cohort studies, clinical trials
What does the term prevalence mean? How is prevalence expressed?
-the number of existing cases of an outcome in a defined population at one point or time period -as a proportion or percentage
What does the term incidence mean? And how is it expressed?
-the number of new cases of an outcome arising from a defined population during a time interval -it is expressed as a rate (so the denominator includes a time component) -only drawn from longitudinal studies
Define the term risk
the probability of a disease occurring in a disease free population during a specific time period risk =number of new cases/ population at risk
Define the term rate
the probability of a disease occurring in a disease free population during the sum of individual follow up periods rate= number of new cases in a defined period/ total person time of follow up
Define the term hazard
a specific type of rate that is continuously updated as a longitudinal study progresses (but it is always a measure of the rate in that particular point of time) IT IS INSTANTANEOUS-derived from longitudinal studies
Associations in epidemiology are made to make inferences about what two things?
-case and effect -correlation
Define the term absolute risk and absolute rate
-its an isolated measurement of risk or rate -it gives no indication of association with exposure
Define the term relative risk and attributable risk
-provides an indication of association and cause and effect relationship -each relies on comparing 2 absolute risk or rate measurements(i.e. comparing Re with Ru)
What is a relative risk?
aka risk ratio-indicates the relative magnitude of change in risk of outcome associated with exposure RR= Re/Ru
What is an attributable risk?
aka risk difference -indicates the absolute magnitude of a change in risk of outcome, associated with exposure AR= Re- Ru
What is an attributable risk percent?
-the proprotion of the disease among exposed people that is due to the exposure AR%= [(Re-Ru)/Re] X 100
What is a population attributable risk?
-it indiccates the additional risk or excess risk of the outcome in the population, that is due to the exposure PAR= Rt - Ru
What is the population attributable risk percent?
-proportion of the disease among the whole population that is due to the exposure -aka preventable fraction PAR%= [(Rt-Ru)/Rt] X 100
What are the main types of drugs used to stable angina?
-Nitrates -Ca2+ channel blockers -beta adrenoceptor antagonists -ivabradine
List some drug treatments for unstable angina.
-same drugs as for stable angina but include asprin as well to prevent thrombosis
The oxygen supply to the heart depends on what?
-coronary artery flow
How can you increase blood flow to the heart muscle?
-dilate coronary arteries -decrease heart rate =increased O2 supply -decrease CO -decrease preload -decrease afterload =decreased O2 demand
What is angina pectoris?
chest pain due to -imbalance between O2 supply and demand -therefore there is insufficient O2 to meet cardiac demand -ultimately causing reduced perfusion NB: ischaemic heart disease can cause angina
What are the 3 main types of angina? And briefly explain each.
Stable angina -chest pain with exertion and stress -associated with coronary artery disease Variant angina -coronary vasospasm at rest Unstable angina -chest pain at rest and with exertion -potential for thrombi formation
Describe the mechanism of action of nitrates used in stable angina?
-nitrate= prodrug -undergoes biotransformation -releases NO from endothelium and diffuses into vascular smooth muscle -stimulates guanylate cyclase-GTP–> cGMP -cGMP dephosphorylates myosin light chain
Name 2 nitrates that are used in angina
-GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) -isosorbide dinitrate which is converted into isosorbide-5-mononitrate
What are some adverse effects of nitrates in angina?
-brief relaxation of gut and airways -postural hypotension -headache, flushing -reflex tachycardia
Describe how one developes tolerance to nitrates
tolerance develops due to -depletion of tissue thiols (required for NO production from GTN) -increased release/sensitivity to constrictors -increased endothelial scavenging of NO e.g. via free radical production -reduced activity of ALDH2 (decreased NO production)
Name 3 calcium channel blockers and describe their selectivity.
Verapamil - non selective Diltiazem - vascular selective Nifedipine - extremely vascular selective
Describe the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers used in angina
block Ca2+ entry into heart through L-type channels -decreased HR, increased O2 supply -decreased HR,SV,CO, reduced O2 demand e.g. verapamil, diltiazem block Ca2+ entry into vessels through L-type channels and receptor operated channels -arterial dilation, reduced afterload, reduced O2 demand e.g. nifedipine, felodipine
Describe the adverse effects of using calcium channel blockers in angina
-all cause flushing, headache and oedema but the cardioselective drugs cause -bradycardia, AV block and the vascular selective drugs cause -hypotension -reflex tachycardia
Describe the mechanism of action of beta blockers in angina
-blocks B1 adrenoceptors
List some beta blockers used in angina
-atenolol (cardiac beta 1 selective) therefore its more widely used than propranolol -propranolol (beta1 and beta2)
Describe the mechanism of action of ivabradine used in angina
-selectively inhibits the sodium-potassium Ifunny current in the SA node -slowing of depolarisation (Na inward current is inhibited) -reduces steepness of slope -takes longer to get to threshold -therefore decreases HR
What are some adverse effects of ivabradine?
-retinal effects (brightness in visual field) -conduction abnormalities
Name some drug treatments for variant angina
-short acting nitrates to relieve coronary spasm -calcium channel blockers for prophylaxis treatment
list the general considerations used when choosing an antibiotic
-clinical diagnosis -microbiological diagnosis -susceptibility -host factors -properties of the antibiotic
Name 2 ways bacteria is tested for antimicrobial susceptiblity
-dilution methods with tubes with doubling dilutions of AB -diffusion methods with antibiotic discs being placed on a growth of bac on agar
What does the term susceptibility S mean?
the bacteria is susceptible to the antibiotic of interest
What does the term susceptibility I mean?
the bacteria is intermediately resistant to the antibiotic of interest
What does the term susceptibility R mean?
the bacteria is resistant to the antibiotic of interest
What is an E test strip used for?
-to measure the MIC directly without a graph of zone diameter vs MIC -they are directly placed on the agar plate with bac already cultured on there -the strip contains an exponential antibiotic gradient and a reading scale
List the specific considerations regarding the choice of antimicrobial agents
-antimicrobial spectrum (anaerobic, aerobic?) -clinical efficacy -route of administration -route of excretion -pharmacokinetics/dynamics -availability -cost
List some reasons why antibiotic comibinations would be used
-as a temporary measure in an ill patient -to delay the emergence of resistance -to treat mixed infections -to reduced toxicity e.g. when you treat TB you used 4 diff ABs because the TB may be already resistant to 2 of the ABs, and for the TB to become resistant to the 2 ABs its not resistant to is unlikely -to achieve a synergistic effect
What are the 3 classifications of effects of antibiotic combinations and describe them.
-indifference/additive A+B produces a greater effect than them each alone (adds the two effects together) -antagonism A+B is worse than A or B alone -synergy A+B is more effecti
What are the mechanisms that enable synergy of 2 Antibiotics?
-block sequential steps of a metabolic pathway -inhibit enzymatic degradation e.g. co-amoxyclav -enhance antimicrobial uptake by the bacterial cell e.g. aminoglycosides and beta-lactams (beta lactams enable aminoglycosides which normally cant get into a cell, in)
What are the mechanisms that enable antagonism of 2 Antibiotics?
-inhibition of bactericidal activity by a bacteriostatic agent e.g. tetracycline and penicillin G in meningitis -induction of enzymatic degradation e.g. ampicillin and piperacillin -competition for binding to the same target e.g. lincosamide and macrolide -inhibition of target e.g. polyene and imidazole
What are Jawetz’s laws?
-bacteriostatic and bacteriostatic–> additive/indifferent action -bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal–> antagonistic action -bacteriocidal and bacteriocidal–> synergistic
What are some risk factors for CVD?
-smoking -HT -diabetes -hypercholesteraemia -family history -age -male gender -alcohol -stress
Describe the whitehall I study
-18000 males in the british civil service - 20-67 y/o -graded according to work hierarchy -found that those lower in the hierarchy have increased probability of death from CHD than those higher in the hierarchy -this is associated with: obesity, smoking, reduced leisure time, lower levels of physical activity, more underlying illness, higher BP, shorter height, increased work load BUT these differences only accounted for 40% of the difference between the lower and higher grades of hierarchy. The other 60% was due to stress!
Briefly describe the biology of chronic stress
-impaired memory -increased risk of depression -deteriorated imm response -elevated BP -increased risk of CVD -high hormone levels -higher risk of infertility and spontaneous miscarriage
Briefly describe the Whitehall 2 study
-10,308 women and men in british civil service -similar gradient in morbidity for men and women -people who had lower levels of trust, weaker community life and had more concern with status experienced increased levels of mental illlnesses
The visceral pleura covers what?
it covers the lungs
The parietal pleura covers what?
lies on top of the visceral pleura and it lines the cavity that contains the lungs
What is the pleural cavity?
-the potential space between visceral and parietal pleura -contains a few mls of serous fluid–> provides a frictionless surface for the lungs to expand against -you only fill the space on full inspiration (not during quiet breathing)
What are the main divisions of parietal pleura?
-cervical pleura -mediastinal pleura -costal pleura -diaphragmatic pleura
What is the pulmonary ligament? And what is its function
-a double fold of pleura -it allows the structures to expand and not be constricted by a tight sleeve of pleura
Describe the nerve supply to the visceral pleura and the sensation of pain from the visceral pleura
-visceral(autonomic) nerve supply -therefore pain is dull and poorly localised
Describe the nerve supply to the parietal pleura and the sensation of pain from the parietal pleura
-somatic nerve supply -pain is excruciating, sharp, severe and well localised
At what level does the trachea begin at?
begins in the neck at C6
At what level does the trachea divide into the right and left main bronchi?
At T4/5
Describe the differences between the left and right main bronchi
the right main bronchi is: -shorter -wider -more vertical therefore it is easier for foreign bodies to be stuck there
Describe the structure of the trachea
-composed of U shaped cartilage discs -posteriorly it is closed by the trachealis muscle
Describe the generations/divisions of the bronchi tree
L/R main bronchi–> L/R lobar bronchi–> L/R segmental bronchi
Describe what a bronchopulmonary segment is?
-pyramid shaped sections of the lung with its apex directed towards the hilum and the base on the surface -they are functionally distinct regions of lung tissue -each segment is supplied by its own segmental bronchi, artery and vein
In what section of the respiratory system does fluid normally collect in?
the apical segment of the right lower lobe
Describe the lobes of the lungs
Right lung -3 lobes: upper, middle and lower -2 fissues: olblique fissure, horizontal fissure Left lung -2 lobes: upper and middle -1 fissure: oblique fissure
What is the bronchus intermedius?
The continuation of the right main bronchus into the lung (because the right main bronchi divides into 2 before it enters the hilum of the lung to supply the upper lobe)
What structures cause imprints on the right lung?
-SVC -arch of the azygous -right atrium
What structures cause imprints on the left lung?
-aorta -left ventricle NB: these imprints are larger/deeper than the imprints on the right lung because the imprints are from arteries which are pulsatile structures
Describe the systems of lymphatics associated with the lungs
2 systems -superficial network: located on the lung surface -deep: follow the airways and blood vesselsboth meet at the hilum and drain into the hila LN–> lymphatic channels that head to the thoracic duct on the left and the right lymphatic duct on the right–> venous system
Describe the nerve supply to the lungs
-sympathetic nerves come from the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk -parasympathetic nerves come from the vagus nerve (before it forms the oesophageal plexus)
Basically describe how an X-ray produces an image
-x-rays hit the film and converts silver halide crystals to silver (chemical rxn–>colour change to black)more x-rays reach film–> blacker imagefewer x-rays reach film–> whiter image-detector–> elect
Describe the appearance of air, fat, soft tissue, calcium, contrast agents and metal on an X-ray.
air= low electron density, (little retarding of x-rays) therefore its black fat, soft tissue, calcium and contrast agents= shades of gray metal= high electron density therefore its white
Describe the term silhouette sign
To see anatomical structures on an x-ray there must be tissues with different electron densities next to each other
Describe the proper technique of performing an erect PA CXR
-full inspiration -PA= posterior to anterior (x-rays are coming from behind the patient) -heart is closer to the film/detector because we don’t want magnification or blurriness -scapulae moved away form the chest wall (hugging x-ray cassette) -erect
How do you check how big the heart is on an x-ray image?
The max transverse diam of the heart needs to be less than 50% of the max transverse diam of the thoracic cavity (from the insides of the ribs)
How do you tell if the patient took a full inspiratory effort on an x-ray?
-you check the number of ribs visible (there needs to be 7 anterior ribs above the hemidiaphragm)
What is the angle of Louis?
-aka manubriosternal junction -the anatomical line at the manubriosternal junction and T4/5 -its used for dividing the mediastinum in an x-ray image into superior and inferior sections
Describe the structures in the superior mediastinum.
-aortic arch -SVC -branches of the great vessels -upper oesophagus -trachea -vagus nerves -LNs
Describe the structures in the antieror mediastinum
-thymus -fat -LNs
Describe the structures in the middle mediastinum (aka pericardium)
-heart -great vessels -phrenic nerves -LNs
Describe the structures in the posterior mediastinum
-oesophagus -descending aorta -azygous vein -thoracic duct -LNs
What happens to fluid and air respectively when they get into the pleural spaces?
Fluid sinks to the bases (NB: you get a meniscus) Air rises to the apices
How do you approach analysing an x-ray image?
-check patient age, sex, ethnicity -check the x-ray has been done in the correct position -check for medical devices and foreign bodies -start in the middle and move outwards
Describe the similarities and differences between an x-ray and CT scan
-cathode ray rube (same as x-ray) -electron density of tissues (same as x-ray) -has a radiation detector (not film) -has a computer monitor/film
Briefly describe Hounsfield units
They are an absolute measure of x-ray attenutation Most biological tissues sit between -100 and +100 Air= -1000 cortical bone= +1000
List some structures that can be seen on an CT and not on an x-ray
-heart chambers -right and left pulmonary artery -pulmonary trunk bifurcation -IVC
How is a CT image viewed and orientated
you are viewing the image from the persons feet up
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a CT chest image over CXR?
pros -good spatial resolution -better contrast discrimination (helped by contrast media) cons -ionising radiation exposure is greater -expensive
How did Garrod contribute to genetics?
-he formulated the one gene, one enzyme hypothesis from studying alkaptonuria -described the recessive inhiertance of enzymatic defects
How did Thomas Morgan contribute to genetics?
he discovered the white-eyed mutation in Drosophila
When 2 carriers of a recessive character mate what is the probability their progeny will show the recessive character?
1 in 4
What is Mendel’s First Law?
-parents have 2 copies of a gene for a character
Name some common monosomies and trisomies
Turners (XO) Downs syndrome (trisomy 21) Trisomy 18 Trisomy 13 Klinefelters syndrome (XXY)
Name an example of an incomplete dominance/50% penetrance phenotype
a straight haired and curly haired parents having a wazy haired child
List some x-linked recessive conditions
-red-green colour blindness -Haemophilia A -Duchenne muscular dystrophy -Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
What is Mendel’s second law?
-different characters are inherited independently (except for characters on the same chromosome=linked characters)e.g. peas can be yellow or green AND round or wrinkled
What is the name given to disorders that have developmental errors apparent at birth
congenital disorders
Name a congenital disorder
Phacomelia (shortening of limbs etc) caused by Thalidomide use for morning sickness during pregnancy
What is phenylketonuria?
-not common -recessive -lack of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase -phenylalanine is not converted to tyrosine and therefore goes down another pathway -phenylalaine is converted to phenylpyruvate (a phenylketone)<
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
-most common life threatening genetic disorder in australia -3 base deletion (deletes phenylalanine 508) of the CF gene on chromosome 7 -defective or absent CFTR (chloride channel protein) -causes a build up of mucous in the lungs
Describe the amino acid sequence of collagen
-repeats of -Gly-Pro-Ala
What is osteogenesis imperfecta
-A family of diseases with defects in collagen -when glycine at position 748 mutates to cysteine it causes a kink in the triple alpha helix tertiary structure -illustrates that glycine is the only side chain that can fit into the small space
Name 2 condition that has defects in the structure, production or processing of collagen, or the proteins that interact with it
-Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (autosomal dominant) -Marfans Syndrome (fibrillin 1 gene- FBN1 is mutated)
Describe the cause of Albinism
-defect in tyrosinase -tyrosine is not converted to DOPA therefore no melanins are made -tyrosinase begins the cascade of pigment pathways
Describe the cause of Sickle Cell Anaemia
-one base change T–> A -one aa change Glutamic acid (hydrophilic) –> Valine (hydrophobic) -Val binds to the hydrophobic pocket formed when Hb is deoxygenated–> formation of an insoluble crystalline structure -however if can confer a survival advantage in Africa because it is protective against Malaria
Describe the cause of Porphyria
-failure of haem synthesis feedback inhibition (failure of negative feedback) -blistered, light damaged hands -patients plasma fluresces red in UV light
The majority of haemoglobinopathies are inherited in what pattern?
autosomal recessive
Describe the chains of adult haemoglobin (HbA)
2 alpha chains2 beta chains
On what chromosome are the alpha like globin chains found?
chromosome 16
On what chromosome are the beta like globin chains found?
chromosome 11
What are the 3 embryonic haemoglobin proteins?
Zeta 2 Epsilon 2 Zeta 2 Gamma 2 Alpha 2 Epsilon 2
What are the chains in fetal haemoglobin?
alpha 2 gamma 2
What are the different haemoglobin proteins found in adults and what are their proportions in adult blood?
HbA (alpha 2 beta 2): 97.5% HbA2 (alpha 2 delta 2): 2% HbF (alpha 2 gamma 2): 0.5%
What are some types of haemoglobinopathies?
-alpha and beta thalassaemias -structural variants -HPFH
What is the distrubution of alpha thalassaemia?
-global -south east asia
What is the distrubution of beta thalassaemia?
-global -southern european -middle eastern -north africa -south east asia -india
What is the distrubution of sickle cell disease?
-west and central africa -middle east -india
Briefly describe alpha thalassaemia
-decreased synthesis/deficiency of alpha globin chains -caused by large deletions -it affects both fetal and adult Hbs -homotetramers of gamma 4 and beta 4 separately form (less soluble) -the probability of your child inheriting the trait depends on the carriers genotype
Briefly describe beta thalassaemia
-decreased synthesis/deficiency of beta globin chains -caused by point mutations (promoter mutations, RNA splicing mutations, mutations in RNA stability and processing, nonsense mutations and frameshift mutations) -causes reduced or no beta globin chain
Describe the pathophysiology of untreated beta-thalassaemia
-ineffective erythropoiesis -increased iron absorption from gut -systemic iron overload -splenomegaly -anaemia -tissue anoxia -erythropoietin increase (extra medullary erythropoiesis–>bone marrow expansion, skeletal deformities, hepatomegaly) -frontal bossing -thinning of long bones -hair on end appearance of the skull
Describe what you would see on a blood film from someone with beta thalassaemia.
-poikilocytotic cells (abnormal shaped) -anisocytotic cells (irregularly sized) -tear drop shaped cells -hypochromic cells (pale) -microcytic cells (small) -target cells
What is beta thalassaemia minor
-the heterozygous (carrier) state for beta thalassaemia -they exhibit changes in blood parameters but are asymptomatic
Describe some treatments for beta thalassaemia
-blood transfusions -iron chelation therapy (orally) -splenectomy -hormone replacement therapy -bone marrow transplant (the only cure!)
Describe the pathophysiology of sickle cell anaemia
-caused by a point mutation A–> T -aa change Glu–> Val -anaemia -weakness -failure to thrive -splenomegaly -repeated infections -biconcave erythrocytes of HbS tetramers–> reversible sickle –> irreversible sickle–> increased adherance to endothelium–> thrombosis of small blood vessels
Describe the blood parameters in sickle cell disease
Homozygous SCD: -MCV/MCH may be normal or reduced -Hb significantly reduced -HbS seen, HbA absent Heterozygous SCD: -MCV/MCH may be normal or reduced -Hb slightly or reduced -HbS seen