Decode Medicine from OPD to ICU rounds
1. Definition & Basic Facts Feature Detail Origin Greek word for “dance” Definition Hyperkinetic involuntary movement — non-rhythmic, jerky, semi-purposeful, random and flowing in nature Site of lesion Caudate nucleus (striatum) Hemiballism → contralateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) Parakinesia Chorea camouflaged by blending it into seemingly voluntary gestures (touching face, adjusting glasses) Motor impersistence Cannot sustain […]
COELIAC DISEASE AT A GLANCE Domain Key point Definition Immune-mediated systemic disorder triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Trigger Wheat, barley, and rye; gluten exposure is required for accurate diagnostic testing unless a validated alternative pathway is being used First-line test tTG-IgA plus total serum IgA plus total serum IgA while the patient is
APPROACH TO CHEST PAIN 1. What makes chest pain suspicious for ACS? Typical ischemic pain Typical ischemic pain • Central / retrosternal • Pressure, squeezing, gripping, heaviness, tightness • Exertional / stress-related • May radiate to left/right/both arms, jaw, neck, shoulders, epigastrium • Usually relieved by rest / nitroglycerin Angina equivalents Angina equivalents • Dyspnea,
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URINALYSIS 1. Sample Collection & Pre-Analytical Factors Avoid strenuous physical exercise for 24 h before collection (can cause transient proteinuria/hematuria). Midstream, 1st morning urine — most concentrated, most acidic, best for preserving formed particles (cells/casts). Preferred for pregnancy test, TB culture, and detecting orthostatic proteinuria. Permanent indwelling catheter → associated with bacteriuria, hematuria, WBCs, and
Essential Tremor 1. At a Glance Parameter Key Point Definition Isolated tremor syndrome of bilateral upper-limb action tremor, ≥3 years, without other neurological signs Prevalence Most common movement disorder — ~1% overall; ~5% of those >60 years (pooled prevalence 0.9%) Age at onset Bimodal — peaks in 2nd and 6th decades; prevalence rises sharply >70
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AT A GLANCE Major histologies Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). Classic presentation Progressive dysphagia, usually solids → liquids, with weight loss. Diagnosis Upper GI endoscopy with multiple biopsies. Staging Contrast CT chest/abdomen ± pelvis; FDG PET-CT when potentially curable; EUS for locoregional T/N assessment when feasible. Early disease Selected superficial T1a
PEPTIC ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE AT A GLANCE Domain Key point Definition Benign fibrotic narrowing caused by chronic reflux-related mucosal injury, usually in the distal esophagus. Typical symptom Progressive dysphagia to solids. Typical location Distal esophagus, often near the gastroesophageal junction. Diagnosis EGD with careful inspection and biopsy; barium esophagram for selected tight or complex strictures. Definitive
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Synovium lines the joint cavity ( Diarthroses – freely moveable joints located in the limbs and jaw ) -> covers the fibrous joint capsule and extends to the bone – cartilage interface. Not a true lining epithelium ( no basement membrane) Healthy synovium also covers intra-articular ligaments and tendons. Functions : Nutrient and metabolite trafficking.
BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS AT A GLANCE Definition Metaplastic replacement of the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus by specialized intestinal-type columnar epithelium, usually as a consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux. Major association Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Major cancer risk Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Site lower 1/3 of esophagus Major risk factors Male sex, age
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IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME 2026 UPDATE Rome V is now available and updates IBS diagnostic criteria: recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, on average ≥3 days/month during the previous 3 months, with symptom onset ≥6 months before diagnosis, plus ≥2 of: relationship to defecation, change in stool frequency, or change in stool form. The 2021 ACG/BSG guidance
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