Rheumatology
Osteoarthritis (OA) This common degenerative disorder, characterised by inadequate repair of cartilage and periarticular bone in response to damage or injury, ultimately leads to joint failure. Radiological evidence of OA…
Cardiovascular Disease
Ischaemic Heart Disease This typically presents as the tight or crushing central chest pain of angina or myocardial infarction. Less commonly, it presents as an arrhythmia or conduction defect, or…
Endocrinology and Metabolism
History Key features of the history in a patient with endocrine and metabolic disease are shown in Table 7.1. Table 7.1 Key Features of the History in a Patient with…
Renal Disease
Urinary Tract Infection There are two main clinical syndromes: 1. Cystitis, characterised by suprapubic tenderness, dysuria and frequency. NB These symptoms can occur without urinary infection. Other causes include non-specific…
Musculoskeletal System
History Key features of the history in a patient with musculoskeletal disease are shown in Table 8.1. Table 8.1 Key Features of the History in a Patient with Musculoskeletal Disease…
Endocrine Disorders
Thyroid The term ‘goitre’ simply denotes enlargement of the thyroid gland. It may be diffuse or nodular, simple or toxic, benign or malignant, and physiological or pathological. Minor enlargement of…
Gastroenterology
Gastric and Duodenal Ulceration Aetiology Infection with Helicobacter pylori and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, both steroidal and non-steroidal (including aspirin), are the most common precipitating factors. Smoking increases the…
Neurological System
History Key features of the history in a patient with neurological disease are shown in Table 6.1. Table 6.1 Features of the History in Neurological Disease Feature Details Rationale Basic…
Metabolic Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the term used to describe a group of metabolic disorders characterised by hyperglycaemia and due to: deficiency in pancreatic beta (β)-cell insulin production; and/or…
