C Disseminated intravascular coagulation Definition Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a coagulation disorder characterized by ongoing activation of the coagulation cascade in response to a clinical or systemic event. Organ…
D Inflammatory bowel disease Definition In the United States, between 200,000 and 300,000 individuals have inflammatory bowel disease, and approximately 30,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The two major…
E Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis Pathophysiology The cause of pancreatitis is multifactorial. Common causes include alcohol abuse, direct or indirect trauma to the pancreas, ulcerative penetration from adjacent structures (e.g., the…
F Splenic disorders Definition A palpable spleen is the major physical sign produced by diseases affecting the spleen and suggests enlargement of the organ. The normal spleen is said to…
C Hiatal hernia and gastric reflux Definitions Hiatal hernia A hiatal hernia consists of a defect in the diaphragm that allows a portion of the stomach to migrate upward into…
B Gallstones and gallbladder disease Cholecystitis Definition Obstruction of the cystic duct by gallstones results in acute, severe midepigastric pain, typically radiating to the right abdomen. Inspiratory effort usually accentuates…
A Carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome Definition Carcinoid tumors consist of slow-growing malignancies composed of enterochromaffin cells usually found in the gastrointestinal tract. They may also occur in the lung,…
K Hypothyroidism Definition and incidence Hypothyroidism is a state of thyroid gland hypofunction resulting in decreased circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones. Laboratory findings show decreased plasma T3 and T4 concentrations…
J Hyperthyroidism Definition Hyperthyroidism is defined as thyroid gland hyperactivity. Thyrotoxicosis is more specifically defined as a state of thyroid hormone excess. The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis in the…
I Hypoparathyroidism Definition Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder characterized by inadequate secretion of PTH or a peripheral resistance to its effect. Patients with hypoparathyroidism typically have low serum calcium levels. The…
