Definition Cushing’s syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol levels in the blood which may be the result of a tumor of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) or from tumors or cancer arising elsewhere in the body (ectopic ACTH producing tumors). Cushings disease also refers to excessive ACTH secretion by a pituitary tumor (also called pituitary adenoma). Below figure describes the feedback system of cortisol. The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) Background of cushing’s syndrome In 1932 American neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing described the clinical findings that provided the link between specific physical characteristics (e.g., abnormal … Continue reading Cushing’s syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol levels in the blood.

Definition Constipation is the infrequent and difficult passage of stool. The stool may be too hard, infrequent, small or difficult to expel. In some people, constipation is sudden and often a manifestation of another abdominal problem, such as a bowel obstruction. The incidence of constipation increases with age and is most common after 60. A change in bowel habit (without a change in diet) is a significant symptom which should be brought to the attention of your doctor. Constipation Types of Constipation Acute constipation: Acute constipation as the name suggests comes on abruptly and may end up being severe enough to … Continue reading Constipation is the infrequent and difficult passage of stool.

Definition Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous). It is seen with equal frequency in males and females and across all ethnic groups. Children with CFC syndrome may have certain features that suggest the diagnosis, such as relatively large head size, down-slanting eyes, sparse eyebrows, curly hair, areas of thickened or scaly skin, and short stature.   Most will also have a heart defect. While there is a wide spectrum of severity in CFC syndrome, most individuals will have some degree of learning difficulty and developmental delay. Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome … Continue reading Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio).

Overview Cardiac tamponade is a serious medical condition in which blood or fluids fill the space between the sac that encases the heart and the heart muscle. This places extreme pressure on your heart. The pressure prevents the heart’s ventricles from expanding fully and keeps your heart from functioning properly. Your heart can’t pump enough blood to the rest of your body when this happens. This can lead to organ failure, shock, and even death. Pathophysiology Cardiac tamponade occurs when increased pressure within the pericardial sac, caused by the excess fluid, becomes sufficient to restrict the filling of the heart … Continue reading Cardiac tamponade is a serious medical condition in which blood or fluids fill the space.

What is campylobacteriosis? Campylobacteriosis is caused by a bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni, which is found worldwide in the intestinal tracts of animals. The bacteria are spiral-shaped and can cause disease in animals and humans. Most cases of campylobacteriosis are associated with handling or eating raw or undercooked poultry meat. Campylobacteriosis causes gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever in domestic animals and humans, Young animals and humans are the most severely affected Transmission of campylobacteriosis Campylobacter bacteria live in the intestines of many animals including chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, dogs, cats and infected humans, and are shed through … Continue reading Campylobacteriosis is caused by a bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni, which is found worldwide in the intestinal tracts of animals.

Definition Capgras syndrome is a psychological condition that is characterized by a belief that a particular person has been replaced by an imposter. This bizarre belief may lead one to acrimoniously accuse a friend or spouse of being “a fake” or an “imposter” of the actual person. As you can imagine, capgras syndrome causes great discord and anxiety in the lives of not only the person suffering from it but also from the person being accused as well. This syndrome is sometimes called the “imposter syndrome” or “capgras delusion”. There is really no limit to what someone with this syndrome … Continue reading Capgras syndrome is a psychological condition that is characterized by a belief that a particular person has been replaced by an imposter.