May 3, 2012 - posted by Admin,
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Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. It is an autoimmune disorder, in which weakness is caused by circulatingantibodies th... moreMyasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. It is an autoimmune disorder, in which weakness is caused by circulatingantibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction, inhibiting the excitatory effects of the neurotransmitteracetylcholine on nicotinic receptors throughout neuromuscular junctions. Myasthenia is treated medically with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors orimmunosuppressants, and, in selected cases, thymectomy. The disease incidence is 3–30 cases per million per year and rising as a result of increased awareness. MG must be distinguished from congenital myasthenic syndromes that can present similar symptoms but offer no response to immunosuppressive treatments. less
March 4, 2012 - posted by Admin,
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Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant neoplasm arising from primitive transformed cells of mesenchymal origin (and thus a sarcoma) that exhibit osteoblastic differentiation and produce malignant ost... moreOsteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant neoplasm arising from primitive transformed cells of mesenchymal origin (and thus a sarcoma) that exhibit osteoblastic differentiation and produce malignant osteoid. It is the most common histological form of primary bone cancer.
June 7, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Behçet's disease is a rare, systemic, form of vasculitis (or inflammation of the blood vessels)that often presents with mucous membrane ulceration, and ocular involvements. As a systemic disease, it a... moreBehçet's disease is a rare, systemic, form of vasculitis (or inflammation of the blood vessels)that often presents with mucous membrane ulceration, and ocular involvements. As a systemic disease, it also involves visceral organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. This syndrome can be fatal; death can be caused by complicated rupture of the vascular aneurysms, or severe neurological complications, and therefore immediate medical treatment is necessary.[ less
June 7, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, multisystem disease that can be life-threatening, debilitating, and difficult to diagnose. It is characterized by recurrent, potentially severe, and frightenin... moreRelapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, multisystem disease that can be life-threatening, debilitating, and difficult to diagnose. It is characterized by recurrent, potentially severe, and frightening episodes of inflammation of cartilaginous tissues. All types of cartilage may be involved, including the elastic cartilage of the ears and nose, the hyaline cartilage of peripheral joints, the fibrocartilage at axial sites, and the cartilage in the tracheobronchial tree. Relapsing polychondritis can also inflame other proteoglycan-rich structures, such as the eye, heart, blood vessels, and inner ear. Systemic symptoms (for example, fever, lethargy, and weight loss) are common, and vasculitis affecting skin or internal organs may occur. Patients can present with a wide array of painful symptoms that often pose major diagnostic dilemmas. Because no specific tests for it are available, relapsing polychondritis must be diagnosed on clinical grounds less
June 7, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), is a disease of the skin and other organs that most commonly affects children. In the skin, the disease causes palpable purpura (small hemorrhages); often with joint an... moreHenoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP), is a disease of the skin and other organs that most commonly affects children. In the skin, the disease causes palpable purpura (small hemorrhages); often with joint and abdominal pain. With kidney involvement, there may be a loss of small amounts of blood and protein in the urine, but this usually goes unnoticed; in a small proportion of cases, the kidney involvement proceeds to chronic kidney disease. HSP is often preceded by an infection, such as pharyngitis.
HSP is a systemic vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) and is characterized by deposition of immune complexes containing the antibody IgA; the exact cause for this phenomenon is presently unknown. It usually resolves within several weeks and requires no treatment apart from symptom control, but may relapse in a third of the cases and cause irreversible kidney damage in about one in a hundred cases. less
June 7, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Cryoglobulinaemia is a medical condition in which the blood contains large amounts of cryoglobulins - proteins that become insoluble at reduced temperatures. Cryoglobulins typically precipitate at tem... moreCryoglobulinaemia is a medical condition in which the blood contains large amounts of cryoglobulins - proteins that become insoluble at reduced temperatures. Cryoglobulins typically precipitate at temperatures below normal body temperature (37 degrees Celsius) and will dissolve again if the blood is heated. Cryoglobulinemia can be associated with various diseases such as multiple myeloma and hepatitis C infection.
June 7, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), more recently granulomatosis with polyangiitis, is a form of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) that affects the nose, lungs, kidneys and other organs. Due to it... moreWegener's granulomatosis (WG), more recently granulomatosis with polyangiitis, is a form of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) that affects the nose, lungs, kidneys and other organs. Due to its end-organ damage, it is life-threatening and requires long-term immunosuppression Wegener's granulomatosis is part of a larger group of vasculitic syndromes, all of which feature an autoimmune attack by an abnormal type of circulating antibody termed ANCAs (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) against small and medium-size blood vessels less
June 7, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), is a syndrome with pain or stiffness, usually in the neck, shoulders, and hips. The pain can be very sudden, or can occur gradually over a period of time. It may be caus... morePolymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), is a syndrome with pain or stiffness, usually in the neck, shoulders, and hips. The pain can be very sudden, or can occur gradually over a period of time. It may be caused by an inflammatory condition of blood vessels, muscle biopsies however are normal.
Most PMR sufferers wake up in the morning with pain in their muscles; however, there have been cases in which the patient has developed the pain during the evenings. Patients who have PMR may also have temporal arteritis. PMR usually goes away within a year or two after treatment.PMR is usually treated with long courses of oral steroid. less
June 7, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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PAN is a multisystem disease that may present with fever, sweats, weight loss, and severe muscle and joint aches/pains. PAN may develop in a subacute fashion, over several weeks or months. Patients ma... morePAN is a multisystem disease that may present with fever, sweats, weight loss, and severe muscle and joint aches/pains. PAN may develop in a subacute fashion, over several weeks or months. Patients may have nonspecific complaints such as fever, malaise, weight loss, anorexia, and abdominal pain. The disease can affect nearly any site in the body, but it has a predisposition for organs such as the skin, kidney, nerves, and gastrointestinal tract. Many patients with PAN have high blood pressure and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR). The presentation of PAN may also include skin abnormalities (rash, ulcers) and peripheral neuropathy (pain, the sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness, or weakness in a hand or foot). less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Sjögren's syndrome, is a systemic autoimmune disease in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva.
Nine out of ten Sjögren's patients are women.
Sjögren'... moreSjögren's syndrome, is a systemic autoimmune disease in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva.
Nine out of ten Sjögren's patients are women.
Sjögren's syndrome can exist as a disorder in its own right (Primary Sjögren's syndrome) or it may develop years after the onset of an associated rheumatic disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis etc.
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Is a disorder characterized by features of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and polymyositis.Raynaud's syndrome, joint pains, various skin abnormalities, weakness, and problems with i... moreIs a disorder characterized by features of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and polymyositis.Raynaud's syndrome, joint pains, various skin abnormalities, weakness, and problems with internal organs can develop.
Characteristic abnormal antibodies are usually detectable in blood.
Treatment is similar to that of systemic lupus erythematosus, often with corticosteroids.
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Polymyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Polymyositis affects skel... morePolymyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Polymyositis affects skeletal muscles (those involved with making movement) on both sides of the body. It is rarely seen in persons under age 18; most cases are in adults between the ages of 31 and 60. Slow, but progressive muscle weakness starts in the proximal muscles (muscles closest to the trunk of the body).People with polymyositis may also experience arthritis, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and heart arrhythmias. In some cases of polymyositis, distal muscles (muscles further away from the trunk of the body, such as those in the forearms and around the ankles and wrists).Polymyositis may be associated with collagen-vascular or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Scleroderma is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease (primarily of the skin) characterized by fibrosis (or hardening), vascular alterations, and autoantibodies. There are two major forms: Limited syst... moreScleroderma is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease (primarily of the skin) characterized by fibrosis (or hardening), vascular alterations, and autoantibodies. There are two major forms: Limited systemic sclerosis/scleroderma involves cutaneous manifestations that mainly affect the hands, arms and face. Diffuse systemic sclerosis/scleroderma is rapidly progressing and affects a large area of the skin and one or more internal organs, frequently the kidneys, esophagus, heart and lungs. There are no treatments for scleroderma itself, but individual organ system complications are treated The prognosis is generally good for limited cutaneous scleroderma patients who escape pulmonary complications, but is worse for those with the diffuse cutaneous disease, particularly in older age, and for males. The cause is unknown. Scleroderma runs in families, but the genes have not been identified. It affects the small blood vessels (arterioles) in all organs. less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
2 likes, 0 followers, 9 members, 751 views
Often abbreviated to SLE or lupus, is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. As occurs in other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue,... moreOften abbreviated to SLE or lupus, is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. As occurs in other autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. It is a Type III hypersensitivity reaction caused by antibody-immune complex formation.
SLE most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of illness (called flares) alternating with remissions. The disease occurs nine times more often in women than in men, especially in women in child-bearing years ages 15 to 35, and is also more common in those of non-European descent. SLE is treatable through addressing its symptoms, mainly with cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants; there is currently no cure. less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Adult-onset Still's disease is a rare form of inflammatory arthritis. The underlying cause is unknown. It usually presents with high spiking fevers, joint and muscle pains, a salmon colored rash and o... moreAdult-onset Still's disease is a rare form of inflammatory arthritis. The underlying cause is unknown. It usually presents with high spiking fevers, joint and muscle pains, a salmon colored rash and other symptoms of systemic inflammation.
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
3 likes, 0 followers, 19 members, 1,556 views
Is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium (synovitis)... moreIs a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium (synovitis) secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development of pannus in the synovium. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, pericardium, pleura, and sclera, and also nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, autoimmunity plays a pivotal role in both its chronicity and progression, and RA is considered a systemic autoimmune disease. less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the five toes. It is com... moreThe plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the five toes. It is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing. Among non-athletic populations, it is associated with a high body mass index.The pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Another symptom is that the sufferer has difficulty bending the foot so that the toes are brought toward the shin (decreased dorsiflexion of the ankle). A symptom commonly recognized among sufferers of plantar fasciitis is increased probability of knee pains, especially among runner less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
1 like, 0 followers, 4 members, 711 views
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue – like rubber bands – that connect one bone to another and bind t... moreAn ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue – like rubber bands – that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement.
Some ankle sprains are much worse than others. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved. Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments. less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
1 like, 0 followers, 7 members, 847 views
A bone fracture (sometimes abbreviated FRX or Fx, Fx, or #) is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. A bone fracture can be the result of high force impact or st... moreA bone fracture (sometimes abbreviated FRX or Fx, Fx, or #) is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. A bone fracture can be the result of high force impact or stress, or trivial injury as a result of certain medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, bone cancer, or osteogenesis imperfecta, where the fracture is then properly termed a pathologic fracture.
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Overuse knee injuries are usually caused by increasing the intensity or duration of an activity increasing too quickly.
Overuse knee injuries include knee tendonitis, knee bursitis, iliotibial band sy... moreOveruse knee injuries are usually caused by increasing the intensity or duration of an activity increasing too quickly.
Overuse knee injuries include knee tendonitis, knee bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome, and muscle strains. Overuse also contributes to runners knee.
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Patellofemoral syndrome is pain in the front of the knee. It frequently occurs in teenagers, manual laborers, and athletes. It sometimes is caused by wearing down, roughening, or softening of the cart... morePatellofemoral syndrome is pain in the front of the knee. It frequently occurs in teenagers, manual laborers, and athletes. It sometimes is caused by wearing down, roughening, or softening of the cartilage under the kneecap. Patients frequently have difficulty locatizing the source of their complaint but generally confirm the pain is in front of the knee, around or underneath the patella. The main symptom of patellofemoral syndrome is knee pain, especially when sitting with bent knees, squatting, jumping, or using the stairs (especially going down stairs). Your health professional will conduct a medical history and physical exam to determine the cause of your pain. Simple treatments, such as rest and ice often help, but sometimes physical therapy or even surgery is needed to ease patellofemoral pain. less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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These disorders are better known by their sports associations : “tennis elbow” and “golf elbow”, respectively. The condition are caused by overuse, and the pain results from minor tears in the tendons... moreThese disorders are better known by their sports associations : “tennis elbow” and “golf elbow”, respectively. The condition are caused by overuse, and the pain results from minor tears in the tendons af the forearm’s extensor and flexor muscles. The diagnoses are easy confirmed on physical examination. Tasks that require grasping and squeezing, such as shaking hands. Treatment is with rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate the conditions, the use of bands intended to decrease the forces transmitted to the elbow during activity.. NSAIDS are effective in mild cases. less
June 6, 2011 - posted by Admin,
1 like, 0 followers, 2 members, 639 views
A group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and move the shoulder in various directions. A common cause of shoulder pain, rotator cuff disease can be due to trauma, inflammation or degen... moreA group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and move the shoulder in various directions. A common cause of shoulder pain, rotator cuff disease can be due to trauma, inflammation or degeneration (e.g., from aging). The main symptom is shoulder pain of gradual or sudden onset, typically located to the front and side of the shoulder, increasing when the shoulder is moved away from the body. The diagnosis of rotator cuff disease can be objectively confirmed by x-rays showing bony injuries from long-standing severe rotator cuff disease.The treatment of rotator cuff disease depends on its severity. Mild rotator cuff disease is treated with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen). Persistent pain and motion limitation may benefit by a cortisone injection. Very severe, complete full-thickness rotator cuff tears require surgery. less