Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Diabetes-Related Atherosclerosis

Bones & Ligaments of the Knee, Femur, Tibia, & Pelvis

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Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma


Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is a type of cancer characterized by large epithelial masses containing round glandlike spaces or cysts, frequently containing mucus, that are bordered by layers of epithelial cells.

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Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

What is it? Ramsay Hunt syndrome is defined as an acute peripheral facial neuropathy associated with erythematous vesicular rash of the skin of the ear canal, auricle (also termed herpes zoster oticus,Hunt's Syndrome ), and/or mucous membrane of the oropharynx.
This syndrome is also known as geniculate neuralgia or nervus intermedius neuralgia. Ramsay Hunt syndrome can also occur in the absence of a skin rash, condition known as zoster sine herpete.

Pathophysiology:
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is defined as VZV infection of the head and neck that involves the facial nerve, often the seventh cranial nerve (CN VII). Other cranial nerves might be also involved, including CN VIII, IX, V, and VI (in order of frequency). This infection gives rise to vesiculation and ulceration of the external ear and ipsilateral anterior two thirds of the tongue and soft palate, as well as ipsilateral facial neuropathy (in CN VII), radiculoneuropathy, or geniculate ganglionopathy.

VZV infection causes 2 distinct clinical syndromes. Primary infection, also known as varicella or chickenpox, is a common pediatric erythematous disease characterized by a highly contagious generalized vesicular rash. The annual incidence of varicella infection has significantly declined after the introduction of mass vaccination programs in most countries of the world. After chickenpox, VZV remain latent in neurons of cranial nerve and dorsal root ganglia. Subsequent reactivation of latent VZV can result in localized vesicular rash, known as herpes zoster. VZV infection or reactivation involving the geniculate ganglion of CN VII within the temporal bone is the main pathophysiological mechanism of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.


Mortality/Morbidity:
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is not usually associated with mortality. It is a self-limiting disease; the primary morbidity results from facial weakness. Unlike Bell palsy, this syndrome has a complete recovery rate of less than 50%.

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Fifth disease..is it serious!!

A mild viral disease occurring mainly in early childhood caused by parvovirus B19(also called erythema infectiosum) characterized by fever, a rosy-red rash on the cheeks that often spreads to the trunk and limbs, and usually arthritis and malaise.

Is it contagious?
Yes. A person infected with parvovirus B19 is contagious during the early part of the illness, before the rash appears.
Parvovirus B19 has been found in the respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus) of infected persons before the onset of rash, when they appear to "just have a cold." The virus is probably spread from person to person by direct contact with those secretions, such as sharing drinking cups or utensils.

Is it serious?
Fifth disease is usually a mild illness that resolves on its own among children and adults who are otherwise healthy. Joint pain and swelling in adults usually resolve without long-term disability.

Treatment of symptoms such as fever, pain, or itching is usually all that is needed for fifth disease. Adults with joint pain and swelling may need to rest, restrict their activities, and take medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.

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