Post It Notes Flashcards
Acute coronary syndrome
A group of conditions due to decreased blood flow to the coronary arteries
Myocardial infarction
When blood flow stops to a part of the heart causing damage to the heart muscle
Ischaemic cardiac failure
The hearts blood supply is blocked by a build up of atheromas in the arteries
Cor pulmonale
Abnormal enlargement of the right heart due to a disease of the lungs or the pulmonary blood vessels
Degenerative valvular heart disease
Over time the attachments of the valve (mainly mitral) thin out or rupture and the leaflets become floppy and redundant leading to leakage
Rheumatic heart disease
Cardiac inflammation and scarring triggered by an autoimmune reaction to group A strep
Rheumatic valvular heart disease
There is thickening and fibrosis of the valve resulting in stenosis or less commonly regurgitation
Infective endocarditis
Inflammation of the inner tissue of the heart (endocardium) such as its valves. Caused by infectious agents, usually bacteria
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
A portion of the myocardium is thickened without an obvious cause, creating functional impairment of the cardiac muscle
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
The heart muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat and/or fibrous tissue. It is dilated and contracts poorly
Dilated cardiomyopathy
The heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump flood efficiently
Restrictive cardiomyopathy
The heart walls are rigid and the heart is restricted from stretching and filling with blood properly
Aortic valve stenosis
A valve that doesn’t open and close properly and may also leak blood. The blood may get trapped so ventricular pressure increases and causes damage
Atrial septal defect
A hole in the atrial septum. This allows oxygenated blood to mix with deoxygenated blood
Coarctation of the aorta
A narrowing of the aorta. Can cause high blood pressure or heart damage
Complete atrioventricular canal defect
A hole in the centre of the heart. This allows blood to mix so it is not properly routed to each system
Patent ductus arteriosus
An unclosed hole in the aorta. This allows the blood to skip the circulation to the lungs so the blood doesn’t get oxygenated
Pulmonary valve stenosis
A thickened or fused heart valve that doesn’t fully open
Tetralogy of fallot
A heart defect that has four problems a ventricular septal defect, a hypertrophic right ventricle, pulmonary stenosis and an overarching aorta
Truncus arteriosus
When a person has one large artery instead of two separate ones to carry blood to the lungs and the body
Pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardium. It can be serous, purulent, fibrinous, caseous or haemorrhagic
Primary hypertension
Hypertension that has no identifiable cause, 95% of cases
Renal hypertension
Renal artery stenosis occurs, when the kidneys receive low blood flow they increase flood pressure via the RAAS so this causes hypertension
Pheochromocytoma hypertension
Pheochromocytoma is a tumour in the centre of the adrenal glands. It causes the release of hormones causing persistent hypertension
Conn’s syndrome
Excess production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland, resulting in low renin levels, causing high blood pressure
Atrial fibrillation
An abnormal heart rhythm characterised by rapid and irregular beating. Hypertension and valvular heart disease are the main causes.
Cushing’s syndrome
The production of excessive cortisol by the adrenal glands. This can cause secondary hypertension.
Atrial flutter
When it first occurs it is associated with tachycardia. It is not a stable rhythm and frequently degenerates into AF
Heart block
The electrical pulses are disrupted, causing the heart to beat more slowly
Sinus tachycardia
A sinus rhythm with an elevated rate of impulses. A rate greater than 100 bpm in an average adult
Supraventricular tachycardia
A rapid heart rhythm originating at or above the AV node, arising from improper electrical activity of the heart
Ventricular tachycardia
A rapid heart beat that arises from improper electrical activity. A rapid heart rhythm that starts at the ventricles
Ventricular ectopics
An ectopic rhythm is an irregular heart rhythm due to a premature heartbeat. This is a premature ventricular contraction.
Lupus
An autoimmune disease that affects your whole body. It can cause pericarditis, cardiac arrhythmia , endocarditis and CAD
Long QT syndrome
A rare inherited condition in which delayed repolarisation of the heart following a heart beat occurs
Wolff-parkinson-White syndrome
An accessory electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles stimulates the ventricles to contract prematurely, resulting in supraventricular tachycardia
Aortic aneurysm
An enlargement/dilation of the aorta is greater than 1.5 times normal size.
Aortic dissection
A tear in the tunics intima of the aorta causes blood to flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta, forcing the layers apart
Peripheral vascular disease
Narrowing of the arteries other than those that supply the heart or than brain. Commonly affects the leg, causing classification
Anaphylactic shock
An extreme form of an allergic reaction. The immune system reacts inappropriately in response to substance it perceives as a threat
Haemorrhagic shock
When you lose more than 1/5th of your blood. It makes it impossible for the heart to pump sufficient amount of blood around the body
Septic shock
When sepsis leads to a dangerously low blood pressure
Cardiogenic shock
An inadequate circulation of blood due to primary failure of the ventricles of the heart to function effectively
Neurogenic shock
A distributive type of shock resulting in low blood pressure that is attributed to the distribution of the autonomic pathways within the spinal cord
Chronic bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes. A type of COPD. Lots of mucus is produced. It never fully goes away
Emphysema
A long-term progressive disease due to over-inflation of the alveoli. The lung tissue involved in gas exchange is destroyed. A type of COPD.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Genetic disease. Not enough AAT to control lung enzymes. It would normally protect against proteases that destroy alveolar walls, but can’t
Asthma
Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterised by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible, airflow obstruction and bronchospasm
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis/hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Inflammation of the alveoli caused by hypersensitivity to inhaled organic dusts
Bronchiectasis
Permanent enlargement of parts of the airways. Breakdown of the airways due to an excessive inflammatory response
Cystic fibrosis
An inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This gene controls the movement of salt and water, the lungs become clogged with mucus making it hard to breath
Sarcoidosis
A disease involving abnormal collections of inflammatory cells (granuloma) that can form as nodules in multiple organs. Caused by a continuous immune response to an infection.
Pulmonary hypertension
An increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, veins or capillaries. Can lead to dyspnoea, fainting, leg swelling
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Scarring of lung tissue, involving the interstitium (tissue between the alveoli). The cause is unknown. Fibrosis has a poor prognosis.
Pleural effusion
Excess fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity. It can impair breathing by limiting expansion of the lungs
Pneumothorax
An abnormal collection of air or gas into the pleural space that causes an uncoupling of the lung and the chest wall
Small cell lung cancer
A highly malignant cancer. Has a short doubling time, higher growth fraction and early development of metastases
Non small cell cancer
85% of all lung cancers. Insensitive to chemotherapy. Any epithelial lung cancer that isn’t small cell cancer.
Goodpasture’s syndrome
A rare autoimmune disease in which the antibodies attack the basement membrane in the lungs and kidneys, leading to bleeding from the lungs and kidney failure
Mesothelioma
A rare form of cancer of mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs (pleura, peritoneum, pericardium)
Pulmonary embolism
A blockage of the lung arteries from somewhere else. Results in increased right ventricular pressure because of back flow from the lungs
Wegener’s granulomatosis
A form of vasculitis. An autoimmune attack by an abnormal type of circulating antibodies against small and medium sized blood vessels
Upper respiratory tract infections
An acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract
Pneumonia
An inflammatory condition primarily affecting the alveoli. Frequently starts as an upper respiratory tract infection that makes it into he lower respiratory tract
Tuberculosis
An infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis can by latent or active. Causes caseous granuloma
Bowel obstruction
Either the small or large intestine is partly or completely blocked, preventing food, fluids and gas from moving through the intestines
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Severe impairment in ability of the intestines to push through. It presents similarly to an intestinal obstruction without any blockage
Ischaemic colitis
Inflammation and injury of the large intestine resulting from inadequate blood supply
Mesenteric ischaemia
Injury to the small intestine due to not enough blood supply
Haemorrhoids
Vascular structures in the anal canal become swollen or inflamed, they can be internal or external
Anal fistula
An abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin of the bottom. It can appear as a hole in the skin of the anus
Anal fissure
A break or tear in the skin of the anal canal. They can be superficial or deep
Perianal abscess
An abscess adjacent to the anus, it arises from an infection at one of the anal sinuses which leads to inflammation and abscess formation
Pilonodal/sinus abscess
A cyst or abscess near or on the natal cleft of the buttock that often contains hair and skin debris
GORD
A chronic condition of mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the oesophagus caused by the changes in the junction between the two.
Mallory-Weiss tear
Bleeding from a laceration in the mucosa at the junction between the oesophagus and the stomach
Gastric varices
Dilated submucosal veins in the stomach
Oesophageal varices
Dilated submucosal veins in the lower 1/3rd of the oesophagus
Achalasia
A failure of smooth muscle fibres to relax, which can cause the sphincter to remain closed and fail to open when needed to
Peptic ulcer
A break in the lining of the stomach
Coeliac disease
An autoimmune disorder of the small intestine causes villous atrophy
Gastritis
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Necrosis due to the damage to the mucosal defences, the body makes antibodies that destroy the stomach
Tropical sprue
A malabsorption disease common in the tropics. Abnormal flattening of the villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine
Scleroderma
A chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterised by hardening of the skin and in the most severe diseases organs as well
Crohn’s disease
The immune system attacks the GI tract, can affect the whole GI tract. A form of IBD
Ulcerative colitis
A form of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, treated as an autoimmune disease
Diverticulosis
Having diverticula in the colon, which are out-pocketing of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weakness of the muscle layers in the colon wall
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of one of the diverticula in diverticulosis
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix. It is caused by a blockage of the hollow part of the appendix
Acute pancreatitis
A sudden inflammation of the pancreas. There is abnormal activation of digestive enzymes in the pancreas
Chronic pancreatitis
A long standing inflammation of the pancreas that alters the organs normal structure and functions
Biliary colic
A type of pain related to the gallbladder when a gallstone transiently obstructs the cystic duct and the gall bladder contracts
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gall bladder occurs most commonly due to blockage of the cystic duct with gallstones, the bile and pressure causes inflammation of the gall bladder
Bile duct stones
A stone may be lodged in the bile duct due to the size of the stone or the anatomy of the biliary tree
Angina
Chest pain that occurs when the blood supply to the heart is restricted
Cirrhosis
A condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long term damage
Portal hypertension
High blood pressure in the hepatic portal system. There are pre-hepatic, intrahepatic and post-hepatic causes
(Ascending) Cholangitis
An infection of the bile duct. Usually tends to occur if stones are present
Primary biliary cirrhosis
An autoimmune disease of the liver, slow progressive destruction of the small bile ducts in the liver. Bile builds up in the liver and leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis
Alcoholic liver disease
A term that encompasses liver manifestations of alcohol overconsumption. Including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis
Fatty liver
A disorder in which hepatocytes contain macrovesicular droplets of triglycerides
Alcoholic hepatitis
In addition to steatosis, there are ballooned hepatocytes flag often contain Mallory bodies surrounded by neutrophils
Alcoholic cirrhosis
Destruction of liver architecture and fibrosis with regenerating nodules producing micronodular cirrhosis
Haemochromatosis
A hereditary disease characterised by excessive intestinal absorption of dietary iron resulting in iron accumulation in tissues and organs, disrupting function
Wilson’s disease
An autosomal recessive genetic disorder in which copper accumulates in tissues, causing neurological and psychological symptoms, along with chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
A1AT protects the lungs from neutrophil elastase. It is not properly secreted so accumulated in the liver and causes cirrhosis
Liver failure
The inability of the liver to perform the normal synthetic and metabolic function.
Ascites
An accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, mostly caused by sever liver disease or cancer
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum. It can be localised or generalised and may result from infection or non-infectious causes
Volvulus
A subtype of malrotation in which a loop of bowel is twisted about a focal point along the mesentery attached to the intestinal tract, may result in bowel obstruction
Oesophageal cancer
Cancer arising from the oesophagus. The main types are oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma or oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Stomach cancer
Cancer developing in the lining of the stomach. The most common cause is H. pylori
Small intestine cancer
Relatively rare. Can be subdivided by location and cell type
Colorectal cancer
Development of cancer in the colon or recrum
Inguinal hernia
A protrusion of abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. The main concern is strangulation
Femoral hernia
The protrusion of the intraabdominal organs just below the inguinal ligament through the femoral canal. They can be reducible, irreducible, obstructed or strangulated
Incisional hernia
A type of hernia caused by an incompletely healed surgical wound. Caused by a weakness of the surgical wounds
Hiatus hernia
The protrusion of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through the oesophageal hiatus because of a tear or weakness in the diaphragm
Liver abscess
A pus-filled mass in the liver. Common causes are abdominal infections spread through the portal vein
Gastroenteritis/infective diarrhoea
Inflammation of the GI tract that involves the stomach and small intestine
Renal colic
A type of abdominal pain caused by kidney stones. Begins in the abdomen and radiates to the hypochondrium or groin
Acute kidney injury
An abrupt loss of kidney function that develops in 7 days
Nephritic syndrome
A collection of signs associated with glomerular disorders. Characterised by having a thin glomerular basement membrane and small pores in the podocytes large enough for proteins and red blood cells to pass into the urine
Nephrotic syndrome
A nonspecific kidney disorder characterised by large proteinuria, hypoalbuminia and oedema
Minimal change disease
A disease of the kidney that causes nephrotic syndrome and usually affects children. There is podocyte effacement, vacuolation and growth of microvili on the visceral epithelial cells
Chronic kidney disease
Progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months or years, must be over 3 months. Low GFR and high creatinine
Polycystic kidney disease
A genetic disorder in which abnormal cysts develop and grow in the kidneys, interferes with calcium channels.
Edididymal cyst
A fluid-filled sac which grows at the top end of the testicle
Hydrocoele
An accumulation of serous fluid in a body cavity. A hydrocoele testis is the accumulation of fluids around a testicle
Varicocoele
An abnormal enlargement of the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum
Testicular torsion
When the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the testicles blood supply, causing ischaemia. Rapid onset of testicular pain
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
A benign increase in the size of the prostate. Involves hyperplasia of prostatic stromal and epithelial cells, resulting in a large, fairly discrete nodules in the transition zone of the prostate
Pyelonephritis
Inflammation of the kidney tissue, calyces and renal pelvis. Commonly caused by UTIs. Affects the upper urinary tract
Cystitis/UTIs
An infection that affects the lower part of the urinary tract. The most common cause is E.coli
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate gland. It can be acute, chronic, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra. Usually caused by a bacterial infection, often an STI
Epididymo orchitis
An inflammation of the epididymis and/or testis. It is usually due to infection, most commonly a UTI or STI
Type 1 diabetes
The autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The lack of insulin leads to increased blood and urine glucose
Type 2 diabetes
A long term metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar, insulin resistance and relative lack of insulin
Ketoacidosis
A metabolic state associated with a high concentration of ketone bodies. The liver breaks down fat and proteins in response to a perceived need for respiratory substrate
Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
A complication of diabetes in which high blood sugar causes sever dehydration, increases osmolarity and a high risk of come and death
Graves’ disease
An autoimmune disease they affects the thyroid. Often results in enlarged thyroid. Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin causes excess thyroid hormone production
Hashimoto’s thyroidosis
An autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is attacked by a variety of cell and antibody mediated immune processes, causing primary hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Not enough iodine or thyroid stimulating hormone can cause it
Thyroid cancer
Originating in the follicular or parafollicular thyroid cells
Cushing’s syndrome
A collection of signs and symptoms due to prolonged exposure to cortisol. These include high bp, reddish stretch marks, a round red face, weak muscles and bones, acne
Cushing’s disease
Increased secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone from the anterior pituitary gland
Acromegaly
An extremely rare syndrome that results when the anterior pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone after epiphyseal plate closure at puberty
Conn’s syndrome
Excess production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland resulting in low renin levels
Addison’s disease
A rare, chronic endocrine system disorder in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough steroid hormones, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid
Secondary adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency caused when the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland does not make enough ACTH (pituitary) or CRH (hypothalamus)
Central diabetes insipidus
Due to a lack of vasopressin production in the brain, causes increased urine production and volume of blood depletion
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
A form of diabetes insipidus primarily due to pathology of the kidney. Improper response of the kidney to ADH, leading to a decrease in the ability of the kidney to concentrate the urine by removing the free water
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
Characterised by excessive release of ADH from the posterior pituitary gland. The hypervolumia often results in dilution all hyponatraemia. Excess of water rather than deficit of sodium
Primary hyperparathyroidism
Usually caused by a tumour within the parathyroid gland. Causes an elevated calcium level.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands in response to hypocalcaemia and associated hyperplasia of the glands
Tertiary hyperparathyroidism
A state of excessive PTH secretion after a long period of secondary hyperparathyroidism and resulting in a high blood calcium level
Hypoparathyroidism
Decreased function of the parathyroid gland with underproduction of PTH. Low levels of calcium in the blood, often causing cramping and twitching muscles
Hypercalcaemia of malignancy
Hypercalcaemia is relatively common in patients with cancer. If the cancer spreads to the bone calcium is released
Hypocalcaemia
Low serum calcium levels in the blood. Hypoparathyroidism is a common cause
Hyperkalaemia
Kidney failure is one cause because renal elimination cannot take place. It is high potassium levels. During extreme exercise potassium is released from the active muscle and the potassium level rises
Hypokalaemia
Low blood potassium levels. Inadequate potassium intake in anorexics. Can be lost in urine. Diarrhoea, excessive sweating and muscle crush injury all cause excessive loss of potassium
Carcinoid
A slow growing type of neuroendocrine tumours originating in the cells of the neuroendocrine system
Amaurosis fugax
A painless transient monocular visual loss. Usually lasts a few seconds but may last up to a few hours. Most common cause is an emboli and ischaemia
Ischaemic cerebrovascular accident/stroke
The most common type of stroke. A blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain
Haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident
Arise from bleeding within the brain parenchyma or intraventricular spaces. The haemotoma compresses the tissue and causes injury.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Bleeding into the subarachnoid space. It is a form of stroke. Usually from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm
Subdural haemorrhage
Blood gathers between the dura mater and the brain. This may cause increased intracranial pressure, which can compress and damage brain tissue
Epilepsy
A group of neurological diseases characterised by epileptic seizures. They tend to recur and have no immediate underlying cause
Parkinson’s disease
A degenerative disorder of the CNS mainly affecting the motor system. Results from the death of dopamine generating cells in the substantia nigra
Huntington’s disease
A neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects muscle contraction and leads to mental decline and behavioural symptoms. The abnormal involuntary writhing are called chorea
Tension headache
The most common type of primary headache. May be caused by muscle tension around the head and neck. Typically affect both sides of the head. The pain can radiate from the lower back of the head, the neck, the eyes etc.
Migraine
A primary headache disorder characterised by recurrent headaches that are moderate and sever. Typically affects one half of the head, pulsating in nature and lasts from 2-72 hours
Cluster headache
A neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, sever headaches on one side of the head, typically around the eye. It is a trigeminal autonomic cephalgy
Giant cell arteritis/ Horton disease
Inflammation of the large and medium arteries of the head, predominantly in the branches of the external carotid artery
Trigeminal neuralgia
A neuropathic chronic pain disorder affected by the trigeminal nerve. Caused by demyelination of the sensory fibres within the trigeminal nerve itself. Episodes of sudden, explosive sever pain along the trigeminal nerve
Spinal cord compression
When the spinal cord is compressed by bone fragments from a vertebral injury, a tumour, abscess or other lesions.
Cauda equina syndrome
A serious neurological condition in which damage to the cauda equina causes loss of function of the lumbar plexus
Multiple sclerosis
A demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. Can be isolated attacks or progressive forms
Myasthenia gravis
A neuromuscular disease that leads to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue. Caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the post-synaptic muscular junctions, inhibiting the excitably effects of ACh
Motor neuron disease
Any of five neurological disorders that selectively affect motor neurons. They are neurodegenerative and cause increasing disability and eventually death
Guillain-Barré syndrome
A rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system
Peripheral neuropathies
Damage to disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function depending on the nerve affected
Spinal nerve root lesions
Damage to nerve roots can cause paresis and paralysis of the muscle innervated by the affected spinal nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome
The median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel and causes pain, numbness and tingling in the part of the hand that receives sensation from the median nerve
Primary brain tumours
Start within the brain. Produce symptoms that very depending on the part of the brain involved
Secondary brain tumours
More common than primary brain tumours. They are metastatic brain tumours. About half come from lung cancer
Meningitis
Acute inflammation of the meninges. Usually caused by infection. A septic meningitis refers to a case without infection
Encephalitis
Acute inflammation of the brain symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, drowsiness and fatigue
Herpes zoster/shingles
A viral disease characterised by a painful skin rash with blisters involving limited area. Typically the rash occurs on either the left or right of the body of face in a single strip
Iron-deficiency anaemia/microcytic anaemia
Anaemia due to not enough iron. It is caused by insufficient dietary intake and absorption of iron or loss from bleeding
Pernicious anaemia
Can develop by loss of gastric parietal cells, which secrete intrinsic factor. Anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Folate deficiency
Low level of folic acid (vitamin B9) in the body. Folic acid is used in DNA synthesis. Can cause macrocytic anaemia
Normocytic anaemia
Anaemia with a normal mean corpuscular volume but the haemocrit and haemoglobin is decreased. Caused by decreased production, production of HbS, increased Hb destruction
Haemolytic anaemia
A form of anaemia due to haemolysis. The abnormal breakdown of RBCs, either intravascular or extravascular
Bone marrow failure
Individuals who produce an insufficient amount of RBCs, WBCs or platelets. Can be acquired or inherited
Sickle cell anaemia
A hereditary blood disorder caused by an abnormality in haemoglobin. The cells are abnormal, rigid, sickle-shape. They cause occlusion and ischaemia in narrow capillaries.
Thalassaemia
An inherited autosomal recessive blood disorder characterised by the abnormal formation of haemoglobin. It results in improper oxygen transport and destruction of RBC.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
An X-linked recessive genetic condition that predisposes to haemolysis and resultant jaundice in response to a number of triggers
Polycythaemia
A disease state in which the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by RBC increases. A haematocrit of over 65%. It can be an increase in RBC or a decrease in plasma
Drop vein thrombosis
The formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, predominantly in the leg.
Thromboembolism
The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Widespread activation of the clotting cascade that results in the formation of blood clots in the small blood vessels throughout the body. This can lead to multiple organ damage
Immune thrombocytopaenic purpura
Isolated low platelet count with normal bone marrow and the absence of other causes of thrombocytopaenia. It causes a characteristic purpuric rash and an increased tendency to bleed
Thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura
A rare disorder of the blood coagulation system causing extensive microscopic clots to form in small blood vessels of the body. Caused by a lack of vWF cleaver. The increase in circulating vWF multimers increases platelet adhesion
Leukaemia
A group of cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal WBCs. ALL, AML, CLL, CML
Lymphoma
A group of blood cell tumours that develop from lymphatic cells. Either Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s. 90% are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Multiple myeloma
A cancer of plasma cells. Collections of abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the blood marrow where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells.
Malaria
A mosquito bourne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by parasitic protozoans belonging to the plasmodium type
Osteoarthritis
A type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A long-lasting autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. It typically results is warm, swollen and painful joints. Causes inflammation and thickening of joint capsules
Osteoporosis
A disease where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone. It can either be decreased bone production or increased bone destruction
Systemic lupus erythrmatosus
A systemic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It affects many internal organs. The course of the disease is unpredictable.
Antiphospholipid syndrome
An autoimmune hypercoaguable state caused by antiphospholipid antibodies. It provokes blood clots in both arteries and veins as well as pregnancy-related complications
Sjögren’s syndrome
A chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s WBCs destroy the exocrine glands and specifically the salivary and lacrimal glands. The inflammatory process eventually severely damages and destroys them
Systemic sclerosis
An autoimmune or connective tissue disease. A thickening of the skin caused by accumulation of collagen, and by injuries to the small arteries. It can be limited or diffuse
CREST syndrome
The limited cutaneous form of system is sclerosis is a multi-system connective tissue disorder. The five main features are calcinosis, Raynauds, oEsophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia
Polymyositis
Chronic inflammation of the muscles related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Excessively reduced blood flow in response to cold or emotional stress, causing discolouration of the fingers, toes and occasionally other areas
Ankylosing spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the axial skeleton. Mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis
Psoriatic arthritis
A type of inflammatory arthritis that 30% of psoriasis sufferers will get.
Reactive arthritis
An autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body
Polymyalgia rheumatica
A syndrome with pain or stiffness, usually in the neck, shoulders, upper arms and hips. It may be caused by an inflammatory condition of blood vessels such as temporal arteritis
Polyarteritis nodosa
A systemic vasculitis of small or medium sized muscular arteries, typically involved renal and visceral vessels, but sparing the pulmonary circulation.
Gout
Recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis. A red, tender, hit and swollen joint. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid crystallised and an attack of gout occurs
Pseudo gout
A form of arthritis. It results from the abnormal formation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the cartilage, which get released into the joint fluid. This can cause a sudden attack of arthritis, similar to gout
Paget’s disease of bone
A chronic disorder that can result in enlarged and misshapen bones. It is caused by the excessive breakdown and formation of bone, followed by disorganised bone remodelling
Fibromyalgia
Chronic widespread pain and heightened and painful response to pressure. It’s described as a central sensitisation syndrome caused by biological abnormalities in the nervous system which act to produce pain and cognitive impairments
Septic arthritis
The purulent invasion of a joint by an infectious agent, which produces arthritis. Medical emergency. Most common is staph aureus and strep
Osteomyelitis
Infection and inflammation of the bone and bone marrow. It can usually subclassified on the basis of the causative organism and the route, duration and an atomic location of the infection
Acne
A long term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oils from the skin. Acne is characterised by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and greasy skin
Dermatitis/eczema
Inflammation of the skin. Eczema is broadily applied to a range of chronic persistent skin conditions. Symptoms include redness, skin swelling, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking and blistering
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune disease characterised by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy and scaley
Venous ulcer
Wounds that occur due to improper functioning of venous valves, usually of the legs, mainly along the medial, distal leg. The pressure in veins increase, the pressure difference is smaller so it doesn’t pump as well
Arterial ulcer
Mostly located on the lateral surface of the ankle or the distal digit.
Diabetic ulcer
Diabetes disturbs the wound healing process, it causes a prolonged inflammatory phase and a reduction in would tensile strength. It is also neuropathic, you can’t feel it rubbing so you don’t do anything about it
Traumatic ulcers
Due to damage caused by biting the cheek or tongue or by sharp teeth, brushing or poorly fitting dentures
Vasculitis ulcer
Caused by rheumatoid arthritis or systemic vasculitis. Typically deep, well demarcated and punched out on the dorsum of the fact or calf, similar to venous ulcers
Squamous cell carcinoma
Begins as a small nodule and as it enlarges the centre becomes necrotic and sloughs and becomes and ulcer
Basal cell carcinoma
The most common malignant skin tumour, with a low metastatic rate. It can be superficial, infiltrative and nodular
Melanoma
A malignant cancer that develops from melanocytes
Cellulitis
A bacterial infection involving the layers of the skin, specifically the dermis and subcutaneous fat
Necrotising fasciitis
A rare infection of the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, easily spreading across the fascial plane within the subcutaneous tissue. Necrosis with relative soaring of underling muscle
HIV/AIDS
A spectrum of conditions caused by infection with HIV. Interferes with the immune system, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections
Amyloidosis
A rare disease that results from the build up of misfolded proteins (amyloids). When proteins that are normally dissolvable in water fold to become amyloids, they become insoluble and disrupt organ function
Fibroadenoma
In the breast, benign tumours characterised by a mixture of stromal and epithelial tissue. Different to breast cancer. Easy to move with clearly defined edges
Fibrocystic breast disease
A non-cancerous breast lump, which can sometimes cause discomfort, often periodically related to hormonal influences from the menstrual cycle
Intraductal papilloma
Benign lesions of the breast. The central type develops near the nipple, they are usually solitary and near menopause. The peripheral type are often multiple pail lomas arising at the periphery in younger women
Breast cancer
Cancer that develops from breast tissue. BRCA gene means a genetic disposition. There are ductal and lobar carcinomas
Lymphoedema
The chronic swelling of one or more body parts, most commonly an arm or leg. If the lymph system fails to drain away from the lymph fluid from the tissues effectively
Sarcoma
A cancer that arises from transformed cells of mesenchymal origin, including cancellous bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, vascular or haematopoietic tissue
Types of IHD
Angina, ACS, MI
Types of cardiac failure
Ischaemic, valvular, myopathic, hypertensive, cor pulmonale
Secondary causes of hypertension
Renal disease, Phaeochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis, Conn’s syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome
Types of cardiac arrhythmia
Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, heart block, sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular ectopics, ventricular tachycardia, prolonged QT syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Types of shock
Haemorrhagic, anaphylactic, septic, cardiogenic, neurogenic
Diseases involved in COPD
Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Types of interstitial lung diseases
Sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,
Oesophageal motility disorder examples
Achlasia, scleroderma
Types of intestinal obstruction
Small bowel obstruction, large bowel obstruction, pseudo-obstruction
Types of perianal disorders
Haemorrhoids, fistulae, fissure-in-ano, perianal abscess
Biliary tract diseases
Biliary colic, bile duct stones, ascending cholangitis
Metabolic causes of liver disease
Haemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Causes of ascites
Liver failure, nephrotic syndrome, malignancy
Types of hernia
Inguinal, femoral, incisional, hiatus
Glomerular diseases
Nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome, minimal change disease
Complications caused by diabetes
Ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
Thyroid disorders
Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, thyroid malignancies
Types of anaemia
Iron deficiency, pernicious, folate deficiency, normocytic, haemolytic, sickle cell, Thalassaemia
Autoimmune rheumatological syndromes
SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis/dermatomyositis
Types of seronegative spondyloarthropathies
Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis
Types of skin ulceration
Venous, arterial, neuropathic, infective, traumatic, vasculitic
Types of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma
Diseases of the breast
Fibroadenoma, cystic disease, intraductal papilloma, breast cancer
